Travel Tips: The View from the Shard, London
Soaring 72 stories above London, The View from The Shard offers unparalleled panoramic vistas of the capital's iconic skyline. From the historic Tower of London to the modern architecture of Canary Wharf, the cityscape unfolds before you in a breathtaking tapestry of landmarks and hidden gems. However, maximising this unforgettable experience requires a bit of savvy planning. This guide is packed with insider travel hacks, from securing the best tickets and avoiding the crowds to capturing stunning photographs and making the most of your time at this remarkable vantage point. Whether you're a seasoned Londoner or a first-time visitor, these tips will help you elevate your Shard experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
History of the shard
The Shard, also known as the Shard London Bridge, is an iconic supertall skyscraper in Southwark, London, that has reshaped the city's skyline.
Its story began in 2000 when London-based property developer Irvine Sellar decided to redevelop Southwark Towers, a 1970s office block next to London Bridge station. He approached renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, who, despite initial skepticism about tall buildings, was inspired by the railway lines, the River Thames, and the spires of London churches to sketch a spire-like structure.
Construction officially commenced in March 2009, following a lengthy planning process and the securing of Qatari investment after the 2008 financial crisis. Using innovative "top-down" construction methods, the building rose rapidly. The exterior was physically completed in July 2012, and the privately operated observation deck, "The View from The Shard," opened to the public on February 1, 2013.
Standing at 309.6 meters (1,016 ft) high with 72 habitable floors, The Shard was designed as a "vertical city," housing offices, restaurants, a hotel, residential apartments, and public viewing galleries. Its distinctive glass-clad pyramidal form, comprising 11,000 panes of glass, reflects the changing London sky, making it a dynamic and instantly recognisable landmark.
Planning & booking
- Book tickets in advance: Especially during peak season or for popular time slots like sunset, booking online is essential. You'll often find better prices and avoid long queues. There are also tickets available which include an alcoholic drink with your ticket admission.
- Consider the time of day: Sunset offers stunning views, but it's also the busiest time. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for a less crowded experience. Daytime offers clear visibility, and nighttime provides a different perspective with the city lights.
- Check the weather forecast: Visibility is key! A clear day will make your visit much more worthwhile. Check the weather forecast before you go and consider rescheduling if it looks unfavourable.
- Look for combination tickets: Sometimes you can find deals combining The Shard with other London attractions, which can save you money.
- Check for special events: The Shard sometimes hosts special events, so check their website beforehand if you're interested in attending a particular event or if any closures might affect your visit.
Getting to the Shard & entry
- Plan your journey: The Shard is conveniently located near London Bridge station, making it easily accessible by public transport. Plan your route in advance to avoid any delays.
- Arrive early: Even with pre-booked tickets, allow plenty of time for security checks and getting to the viewing platforms.
- Security: Be prepared for airport-style security checks, so avoid bringing any prohibited items.
during your visit
- Explore all levels: The View from The Shard spans multiple levels, including an open-air viewing platform. Make sure you explore them all for different perspectives.
- Take your time: Don't rush! Soak in the incredible views and take plenty of photos.
- Identify landmarks: Use the information boards or the free app to identify key landmarks and learn more about London's history and architecture.
- Consider bringing binoculars: While not essential, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience, especially for spotting distant landmarks.
- Enjoy the facilities: There are often cafes and bars at The Shard where you can relax and enjoy a drink or snack while taking in the views.
photography tips
best times to visit for photo opportunities
- Golden Hour (Hour before Sunset): This is indeed the prime time. The warm, soft light illuminates London's skyline beautifully, creating a magical glow on The Shard's glass facade. You'll capture a stunning transition from daylight to the twinkling city lights.
- Blue Hour (Just after Sunset): Don't pack up after sunset! The brief "blue hour" offers a deep, rich blue sky that contrasts dramatically with the illuminated city and The Shard's own lighting. This is excellent for long exposure shots.
- Night Photography: The Shard's lighting, and the vast expanse of London's lights, provide fantastic opportunities for captivating night photography. Long exposures can create light trails from traffic and bring out the vibrancy of the city.
- Clear Days (especially in Winter): London weather can be unpredictable. Aim for clear, dry days, especially in the winter months (November to March), for the best visibility and sharpest images from high vantage points. Haze can significantly impact distant views.
avoid reflections (observation decks)
- Press your lens against the glass: This is the most effective way to reduce reflections.
- Use a dark cloth/jumper: Wrap a dark cloth or jumper around your lens and press it against the glass to block out ambient light from behind you.
- Polarising filter: While it can help, its effectiveness is reduced when shooting directly into reflections or in very low light.
- Wear dark clothing: Avoid bright or reflective clothing that could cast reflections onto the glass.
experiment with different angles & perspectives
Within the shard
- Wide-angle vs. Telephoto: Use a wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) to capture the sprawling panorama of London. A telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) is excellent for compressing perspective, isolating iconic landmarks (like Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Gherkin), and highlighting specific areas of the city.
- Levels 68, 69, & 72: Explore all the viewing platforms. Level 72 is partially open-air, offering a different feel, though still enclosed by glass.
- Incorporate Interior Elements: Sometimes, including a subtle hint of the interior structure or other visitors (respectfully) can add a sense of scale and context to your photos.
outside of the shard
- South Bank & River Thames: Many iconic views can be found along the South Bank, capturing The Shard with other landmarks like Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, or the London Eye.
- Across the River: Look for spots across the Thames, such as from the City of London side (e.g., near Monument, Cannon Street, or even from rooftop gardens like Sky Garden or The Garden at 120), to get a broader perspective of The Shard within the skyline.
- Street Level & Unique Angles: Don't be afraid to look up! Shoot from a very low angle directly beneath The Shard to emphasize its immense height. Explore nearby streets around London Bridge, Borough Market, and London Bridge Station for interesting compositions that might frame the building with older architecture.
- Reflections from Outside: Look for puddles or reflective surfaces on the ground after rain to capture unique reflections of The Shard.
- Aerial Views: For truly unique perspectives (if your budget allows), consider a helicopter tour over London.
accessibility @ the shard
- Wheelchair Access: The entire experience is wheelchair accessible via lifts and ramps.
- Toilets: Disabled toilet facilities are on Level 1 and Level 68.
- Seating: Foldable chairs are available on request from Guest Ambassadors.
- Staff Training: Staff receive regular disability awareness training.
- Carer Tickets: Registered disabled guests can get a free carer ticket upon arrival at the Fast Track ticket desk. The disabled guest should purchase their own ticket in advance. Valid documentation (e.g., DLA letter, PIP letter, Blue Badge, BD8/CVI, ISA, Nimbus Access Card) is required for the free carer ticket. This free ticket is for standard entry only and excludes special events, food, beverage, or merchandise.
- Entrance: While there are 15 steps from Joiner Street to the booking hall, a small lift is available to the left of these stairs. Entry to the booking hall is via a revolving door or a 900mm wide automatic door.
- Internal Environment: The booking hall (Level 1) has tiled, evenly lit flooring with a hearing loop system at desks, and pens/pads available. The viewing areas (up to Level 72) have largely wooden floors and are generally brightly lit, though some areas are dimmer for presentation. Background sounds/music may be present.
- Service Animals: Only guide dogs and hearing dogs are permitted.
Helpful considerations
- Dress comfortably: You'll likely be doing some walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Be prepared for crowds: The Shard is a popular attraction, so expect crowds, especially during peak times.
- Respect the space: Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking their view or taking up too much space.
Last Updated: 6 June '25