Tips for visiting The Shard: Your questions answered

Standing at 1,016 feet and featuring 72 floors, The Shard is the tallest building in the UK. This sleek shard of glass mirroring the UK capital’s skyline from central London offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city, top-tier dining experiences, and viewing platforms that deserve their spot on your list of most Instagrammable places in London (your feed will thank you later).

Is The Shard worth visiting if you’re in London for just a few days, though? And should you book your tickets in advance? Get ready to have your questions answered with these tips for visiting The Shard.

Know before you go to The Shard

1. When is the best time to visit The Shard?

When to visit The Shard depends on whether you want to catch the sunset hues (in which case, come half an hour to an hour before the golden hour begins) or if you’d like to see the sprawling metropolis of London in daylight (early mornings or early afternoons may be best for this purpose. It’s usually not as crowded, especially on weekdays). Check the weather forecast before your visit — you might be able to see further and spot more places on a clear day.

2. What are the opening hours for The Shard?

The Shard’s opening hours vary based on which part you’re visiting and when you’re planning your visit. The Viewing Gallery is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The opening hours from Wednesday to Sunday change on a seasonal basis, as well as in accordance with any special events taking place. Usually, you can purchase tickets for times from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on other days of the week. Always check the calendar before your visit, as the opening hours can change.

3. How much time should I spend at The Shard?

While half an hour is enough time to snap some photos of London and stroll around the viewing platform, you can easily spend over an hour taking in the views. And if you decide to grab a drink or get a meal at one of the restaurants, give yourself at least two to three hours.

4. How do I get to The Shard?

The Shard is right next to London Bridge Station, which is on the Jubilee Line (just over 5 minutes from Canary Wharf) and the Northern Line (approximately a 10-minute ride from King’s Cross St. Pancras). It’s very easy to get to, and there are plenty of other tourist attractions you can tick off your bucket list whilst you’re in the area, such as crossing Tower Bridge (a 15-minute walk from The Shard) or visiting the Tower of London (a 20-minute walk from The Shard).

5. Should I book The Shard tickets in advance?

Since the Shard is a popular attraction in London, booking your entry tickets in advance is recommended. It’s possible to purchase walk-up tickets on the day, but they’re subject to availability.

6. Is a tour of The Shard worthwhile?

If you want to take some stunning photos of the city, dine at a luxurious restaurant, or grab a drink with some of the best views of London in the background (ideal for cultivating your main character energy), The Shard is a worthwhile item on your London itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace or Globe Theatre, you can see it all. And if the weather isn’t too bad, you might even spot Wembley Stadium!

7. Is The Shard wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Shard is wheelchair accessible. There are elevators that will take you to the viewing platforms, and disabled toilets are located at levels 1 and 68. If you require any special assistance, speak to a member of staff.

8. Can I visit The Shard for free?

You need a ticket to visit The View. Another option is to make a booking at one of The Shard’s bars or restaurants, providing you with a dining experience as well as a spectacular view of London (two birds with one stone). Of course, there are day passes and city cards that offer discounts or free entries to various attractions in the UK capital. It might be worth checking out, especially if you’re on the hunt for all the essential first-time experiences in London.

Highlights at The Shard

9. What can visitors experience on floor 68 of The Shard?

Floor 68 of The Shard is the first floor of The View, a viewing platform with 360-degree views of London. Along with floors 69 and 72, it offers stunning panoramas across the city and beyond, reaching up to 40 miles. It’s nearly twice as high as any other viewing platform in London, so if you want to see the city of London in all its glory, The Shard is your best bet.

10. Which restaurant is recommended at The Shard?

There are multiple different restaurants at The Shard, including Ting in the Shangri-La Hotel, which is highly recommended for its fine cuisine and elegant ambiance. To have a taste of contemporary British cuisine, head to Aqua Shard on the 31st floor, and if you’re after a luxurious drink in the highest hotel bar in Europe, don’t miss out on GŎNG Bar (floor 52).

History and facts about The Shard

11. What are some unique architectural features of The Shard?

The Shard is renowned for its distinctive glass facade, which reflects the sky and cityscape, creating a dynamic visual effect. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, its shape resembles a shard of glass. The building is comprised of 11,000 glass panels and stands at 1,016 feet (309 meters), making it the tallest building in the UK.

12. Why is it named The Shard?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Shard’s name is inspired by its shape — a shard of glass panels that rises above London’s skyline, the building’s sleek and sharp design contributes to its appearance as a jagged fragment of glass mirroring the city’s landscape. It is also said that the building got its name from a remark by English Heritage, which apparently criticized Renzo Piano’s design as resembling “a shard of glass through the heart of historic London.”