The View from The Shard: Tickets, Prices, Hours, What to Expect

The Shard, designed by architect Renzo Piano, offers stunning 360-degree views of London from its glass pyramid structure. Book your tickets early and enjoy skip-the-line access, high-speed lifts, and world-class dining on your visit.

The View from The Shard, a remarkable 310-meter (1,016-foot) tall structure, seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, providing an expansive panoramic view of London as if it were one vast, sweeping canvas.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to The Shard, the tallest building in the United Kingdom.

Top Tickets

# Entry tickets for The Shard
# The Shard entry ticket with champagne

It’s highly recommended to book The View from the Shard tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Key takeaways

Booking tickets online is better to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons.

To avoid the crowd, visit when The View from The Shard opens at 10 am or around 12 pm. You get the best view from the top of the tower during the sunset hours.

Most visitors spend about 60 to 90 minutes exploring the tower. However, you will need at least an hour extra if you decide to try any of the restaurants.

What’s ahead

Things to know before booking tickets

You can buy The View from The Shard tickets online or at the attraction.

Online tickets let you skip the lines, often at a lower price, while also guaranteeing availability for your visit.

After the purchase, tickets are emailed to you, and you can enter by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone—no printouts needed.

Remember to bring your official IDs.

The Shard tickets

The Shard Top ViewPin
Image: Timeout.com

Step into an unforgettable experience with a ticket to The Shard, home to Western Europe’s tallest viewing platform on the 72nd floor.

Soar 244 meters (800 feet) above London to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views, stretching up to 64 kilometers (40 miles) on clear days.

The ticket has no time restrictions, so you can explore at your own pace. Step onto the open-air sky deck, admire the city from indoor observation points, or relax at the champagne bar.

Look at multimedia exhibits that reveal London’s rich history and architecture. End your journey by capturing memories with a keepsake photograph from the boutique at an additional fee.

Ticket Price: £34

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Opening hours

The Shard welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, offering ample time to enjoy its stunning views.

From Wednesday to Friday, the opening hours are from 11 am to 7 pm.

On Saturdays, the attraction opens slightly earlier at 10 am and closes at 10 pm, allowing for a full day and evening experience of London’s skyline.

On Sundays, it is also open from 11 am to 7 pm.

The Shard remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Related: Best times to visit observation decks for stunning views

How long does the tour take

The Shard tour takes around 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

If you wish to try any of the eateries, budget an extra hour.

Save up to 50% and get hassle-free entry to 90+ London attractions with the London Pass. Visit the The Shard, Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and more. Buy Now!

Best time to visit

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Image: Explorista.net

The best time to visit The View from the Shard is when it opens around 10 am as the crowd isn’t much.

Another good time for a peaceful visit is around 12 pm when it’s usually not too busy.

You get to see the beautiful city bathed in sunlight, watch it transition to twilight, and witness the twinkling city lights slowly come out during the sunset hours. However, the sunset timings attract many visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few questions by visitors before booking tickets to The Shard:

Is the Shard disability friendly?

Yes, it has wheelchair access and also allows service animals.

Does the Shard have a revolving restaurant?

No, it doesn’t have a revolving restaurant.

Does my visit to the Shard have a time limitation?

There is no time restriction to your visit. Once inside, you can enjoy the views and the experience for as long as you like until closing time.

What happens if I’m running late for my visit to the Shard London?

You can enter up to 15 minutes after the time printed on your ticket. If you arrive later, you may need to pay a rebooking fee.

Is there car parking at the Shard?

There are no parking facilities. However, there are several car parks in the locality.

What to expect at The Shard

Step inside extraordinary high-speed lifts from Level 1 to the Level 68 viewing platform in sixty seconds.

Watch the horizon expand farther and farther as you see the great city materialize in front of you as you ascend.  

Get spectacular 360-degree views of the great city from the Level 69 observation deck as you relax with a glass of champagne.

See London’s iconic sights from Level 72’s open-air sky deck, where you can hear the noises of the city below while being exposed to the weather.

The viewing platforms are equipped with touchscreens that provide comprehensive virtual information that helps you dive deep into the history of London’s landmarks.

Savour world-class cuisine and a range of drinks at many restaurants and bars, such as Aqua Shard, Bar 31, Oblix, TING, and more.

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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