The Shard London Guide: Sky-High Views, Dining & Architecture Tips

Welcome to The Shard, London’s loftiest landmark and architectural masterpiece, soaring an incredible 310 meters (1,016 feet) above the city skyline. As your tour guide, I invite you to journey to the top of Western Europe’s tallest building, explore its breathtaking views, dine in world-class restaurants, and learn the story behind this modern icon.
 

Whether you're here for the panoramic View from The Shard, a romantic dinner, or just a photo op from London Bridge, The Shard is a must-see on any London itinerary.

📍 Quick Overview

Height: 310 meters / 1,016 feet

Floors: 95 (72 habitable floors)

Completed: 2012

Designed by: Renzo Piano

Location: 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG

Closest Station: London Bridge (Underground & National Rail)

Observation Deck: “The View from The Shard” (floors 68–72)

🧱 History & Design of The Shard

The Shard was conceptualized by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, who envisioned a building resembling a shard of glass piercing the sky. Its design reflects transparency, lightness, and a vertical city philosophy — combining office space, homes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces in one structure.

Key Milestones:

2000: Design phase begins

2009: Construction starts

2012: Completed and opened to the public

2013: Observation deck opens to visitors

Fun fact: The Shard replaced Southwark Towers, a 1970s high-rise, and today houses offices, luxury residences, the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, and several dining venues.

🏙️ Top Attractions at The Shard

🔭 1. The View from The Shard

London’s highest viewing gallery, The View from The Shard, spans floors 68, 69, and 72. From here, you'll enjoy uninterrupted 360° views stretching up to 40 miles on a clear day.

Highlights:

Floor-to-ceiling windows

Champagne bar on Level 69

Open-air skydeck on Level 72

Interactive telescopes & digital displays

Stunning sunsets and nighttime cityscapes

🕒 Best time to visit: Late afternoon into sunset
🎫 Tip: Book online in advance to save money and skip queues.

🍽️ 2. Dining at The Shard

The Shard is home to some of London’s most sophisticated dining spots, many offering panoramic views of the city.

Top Restaurants:

Aqua Shard (Level 31): Modern British cuisine with dazzling interiors

Oblix (Level 32): Split into two sections — Oblix East for skyline cocktails, and Oblix West for elegant dining

Hutong (Level 33): Northern Chinese fine dining with a romantic ambiance

Ting (Level 35): Part of Shangri-La Hotel, offering afternoon tea and a fusion menu

Gong (Level 52): Europe’s highest cocktail bar, famous for its skyline views and rooftop infinity pool

🕰️ Reservations are essential, especially for dinner and sunset dining.

🏨 3. Shangri-La The Shard, London

For those seeking luxury, staying at Shangri-La means sleeping above the clouds. Located from floors 34–52, this 5-star hotel offers:

Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room

Infinity sky pool on Level 52

World-class service and spa treatments

Some of London’s best sunrise views

📷 Photography Tips

🎒 Bring a polarizing lens filter if shooting during the day to reduce glare.

🗺️ What You Can See from The Shard

From the observation deck, you can see many of London’s top landmarks:

Tower Bridge

Tower of London

St. Paul’s Cathedral

London Eye

The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe)

Canary Wharf

HMS Belfast

On clear days: Windsor Castle and the Thames Estuary

Use the digital telescopes to identify landmarks with fun facts and zoom options.

🚇 How to Get to The Shard

🗺️ Address

32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG

🚇 By Underground

London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern Lines) – direct access

Borough Station – 8-minute walk

Tower Hill – 15-minute walk across Tower Bridge

🚆 By Train

London Bridge is a major National Rail station with services from Sussex, Kent, and South London.

🚌 By Bus

Buses 43, 141, 149, and 521 stop nearby.

🎟️ Tickets & Admission Info

🧾 Book on the official site or via city passes like the London Pass for discounts.

🗓️ Best Times to Visit

🕓 Sunset slots (5–7 PM) offer the best photo opportunities.

🛍️ What’s Nearby

The Shard’s central location makes it a great base for exploring:

Borough Market – 5 min walk

Tower Bridge – 10 min walk

HMS Belfast – 7 min walk

Tate Modern – 15 min walk

South Bank River Walk – Scenic stroll along the Thames

🛏️ Where to Stay Nearby

🛡️ Visitor Tips & Essentials

🧥 Dress in layers – temperatures vary between floors

📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout the observation levels

🎁 Gift shop at the base with unique London souvenirs

🚻 Toilets are available at every level of The View

♿ Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers

📸 Tripods not allowed unless with press permission

🧠 Fun Facts About The Shard

The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and Western Europe.

Over 11,000 glass panels were used in its construction.

The design was inspired by church spires and sailing masts.

Its name was coined by critics who called it a “shard of glass.”

The View from The Shard is higher than the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral combined.

🎯 Why Visit The Shard?

Unmatched panoramic views of London and beyond

Iconic architecture and stunning photo opportunities

Fine dining in the sky with multiple cuisine options

Ideal for couples, families, and architecture lovers

A bucket-list experience in London’s modern skyline

✨ Final Words

Visiting The Shard isn’t just about reaching the top — it’s about rising above the ordinary. From sunrise to sunset and shimmering city nights, The Shard offers one of the most memorable and elegant experiences in London.

So grab your camera, book your ticket, and prepare for a sky-high adventure you'll never forget.