The Shard

The Shard
The Shard showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture
The Shard
The Shard featuring a sunset, a ferry and modern architecture
The Shard which includes a river or creek, a skyscraper and modern architecture


Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

The Shard is a 95-story pyramidal tower with upscale restaurants, a luxury hotel, offices and a viewing gallery. Admire the futuristic design of this glassy skyscraper and its distinctive splintered summit.

Find out about the history of the tower, which was completed in 2012. Architect Renzo Piano designed it as a glass spire whose appearance would change according to the weather.

Take the elevator to the city’s highest viewing deck, which is on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors. See for 40 miles (64 kilometers) into the distance on a clear day from this lookout. Attend an event, such as an album launch, a silent disco or a yoga class, in the View from the Shard area.

Capture photos of the impressive view, which includes the nearby sites of Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast museum ship and Shakespeare’s Globe as well as suburban neighborhoods.

Use the interactive touchscreen telescopes to focus in on sites of interest. The screens hold intriguing information about roughly 200 landmarks. Stay at sunset for a particularly romantic view of this historic city. Browse the Sky Boutique, which is one of the highest shops in London, for guidebooks, souvenirs and other items.

Stay in the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel that occupies many of the floors. Office space and luxury apartments also take up much of the skyscraper’s space. Peruse the range of stores in the Shard Arcade at the foot of the tower.

Dine at one of the Shard’s ritzy restaurants, some of which belong to the hotel. Enjoy drinks at the Aqua Shard on the 31st floor and go for Chinese food at Hutong on level 33.

Book tickets to the View from the Shard online. The observation deck opens daily, though times vary so check ahead. If clouds obscure views of major landmarks during your visit, check with staff as you may be entitled to a free return visit.

The Shard is in southeast London. Ride the London Underground to London Bridge, Borough or Monument stops. Take the train to Cannon Street railway station and walk south over London Bridge or get a bus.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Grand Concerto Hotel
Hotel Cafe Royal, London
Hyde Park Radnor Hotel

Tours & day trips

See all 410 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 76 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 65 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 27 activities

Reviews of The Shard

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
203
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
162
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
40
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Order a cocktail

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Have afternoon tea at the Gong in the Shard. A special treat, spectacular views, excellent staff and although it is in the upper price range it was good value for money.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice walk across London Bridge

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Wanted to visit at night. It looked lovely in the distance all lit up. We had walked for miles & decided against it as others had told us it wasn’t worth trekking the distance. Sadly we never ended going!

Popular places to visit


Top The Shard Hotel Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM Tower of London
Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London

5 out of 5
31 St Thomas Street, London, England
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City

4 out of 5
7 Gracechurch Street, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel London City
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Shard

At The Shard, visitors can immerse themselves in a range of activities, including exploring vibrant art galleries, enjoying captivating theatre performances, and indulging in retail therapy at nearby shops. This iconic landmark not only offers stunning views but also serves as a gateway to London’s rich cultural scene, making it an ideal spot for a memorable day out.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near The Shard, visit Borough Market, only 322m away, offering vibrant local produce. Leadenhall Market, 966m away, features charming boutiques. If you're up for a drive, Backyard Market, located 1.6km away, showcases eclectic stalls in a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 6.4km from The Shard, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Hampstead Heath, 8.0km away, provides a serene escape for wellness and relaxation amidst nature. KoKo London, 4.8km from The Shard, promises an entertaining experience with live music and performances.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station cable car, located 6.4km from The Shard, offering stunning views of the Thames. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 3.2km away, provides an exciting indoor climbing experience. Don’t miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away, for adrenaline-fueled karting adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife around The Shard offers a vibrant mix of experiences. Enjoy thrilling views from the London Eye, immerse yourself in the arts at the Barbican Arts Centre, or explore the spine-tingling tales of the London Dungeon. Each venue promises an unforgettable evening filled with adventure and culture.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Shard

While visiting The Shard in London, you can explore a variety of attractions including charming streets, historic churches, and lively piazzas. This vibrant area offers cultural experiences perfect for families and city lovers alike. Nearby, you'll discover additional tourist spots that showcase the essence of London, making it an ideal base for your adventures. Enjoy the blend of modern and traditional as you immerse yourself in the city's rich tapestry.

  • Tower Bridge: This iconic drawbridge, with its Victorian Gothic architecture, offers stunning views of the River Thames. Visitors can explore the glass-floored walkway and learn about its fascinating history, making it a perfect blend of culture and awe.
  • Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic castle is steeped in intrigue and romance. Home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of history, exploring its towers and grounds will immerse you in British heritage and culture.
  • London Bridge: A modern architectural marvel, London Bridge connects the bustling city vibe with picturesque river views. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and nearby attractions.

Best time to go to The Shard

The best time to visit The Shard can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Shard falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Shard falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Shard

For a budget-friendly visit to The Shard, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Booking your stay about a month in advance or checking Expedia's last-minute deals can help you save. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around London to maximise your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Shard are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Shard is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Shard is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Shard is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.