Hanlin SunWelcome to The Shard: London’s Towering Icon
Have you ever seen London from over 300 meters in the air? I had the chance to do just that when I visited The Shard, and let me tell you—it was unforgettable.
Rising 310 meters (1,016 feet) into the sky, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and one of the most iconic landmarks in London. Located in the buzzing district of London Bridge, this shimmering glass tower looks like it was pulled from a futuristic skyline. But it’s right here—today, now—waiting to offer visitors a unique perspective on one of the world’s most famous cities.
Important for your trip: The official name of the viewing floors is The View from The Shard, which stretches across levels 68, 69, and 72.
Walking up to The Shard, I had to crane my neck just to take in the full scale of the glass giant. It’s incredible how it blends ultra-modern architecture with the historic streets below. A short elevator ride catapults you up through time and space (well, almost) as you leave street level for the clouds.
Taking in the View: What You’ll See From the Top
Once you’re up, you’re greeted by arguably the best panoramic view in London. The observation floors boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering a 360-degree view that can stretch up to 40 miles on a clear day. Standing there, I felt like I was floating above the city.
From The Shard, look in any direction and you’ll spot something remarkable:
- Tower Bridge‘s twin towers and walkways
- The meandering River Thames, which glistens under the sunlight
- The historic buildings of The City
- The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral
- And even as far as Windsor Castle on the clearest days
Every glance presents a new photo opportunity. I stood there for almost an hour, simply mesmerized. The unique glass angles of The Shard sometimes reflect the sky so perfectly it feels like you’re inside a dream.
Tip for visitors: Try to go just before sunset. Watching the golden light flood the skyline and the city transition into a twinkling nightscape is beyond magical.
If you’re lucky, you might even witness passing weather patterns—like I did—a rainstorm over East London while the sun beamed over the South Bank. The contrast is surreal.
Photo courtesy of Pexels.com
Air Balloon – Travel Now: Meet the world through images.
More Than Just a View: Dining & Experiences at The Shard
While the view might steal the show, The Shard offers more than just a pretty panorama. The building is also home to several world-class restaurants and bars, making it a perfect spot for a special evening out.
I had dinner at Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor. The food? Exquisite. The ambiance? Chic and intimate. And yes, the views keep going even while you dine. It’s probably one of the few places in the world where you can sip on signature cocktails while watching the London Eye spin in the distance.
Other notable options include:
- Hutong – Offering northern Chinese cuisine with serious wow-factor
- TĪNG Restaurant – Inside the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, with a refined Asian-European menu
- GŎNG – The highest bar in London, located on the 52nd floor, with striking interiors and a sky-high cocktail menu
Aside from dining, The Shard also hosts seasonal events and installations. When I visited in December, the upper levels were transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with frosted trees and festive lights. It made the experience feel so much more immersive.
Also worth noting: The Shard is home to the Shangri-La Hotel, so if you’re looking to sleep in the clouds (literally), this could be your dream night’s stay.
Photo courtesy of Pexels.com
Plan Your Visit: Tickets, Tips & Travel Info
If you’re convinced by now (and I hope you are!), here’s what you need to know before planning your visit to The View from The Shard:
Getting There:
There’s no need to overthink it—The Shard sits right above London Bridge Station, making it easy to access via the Tube, national rail, or buses.
Ticket Info:
Tickets can be booked online via The View from The Shard website. Prices vary depending on the time of day, but expect the following:
- Standard adult tickets from around £25
- Discounted prices for children
- Fast track and VIP options available
Insider tip: Booking in advance is recommended, especially for sunset slots which tend to sell out quickly.
Best Times to Go:
- Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends
- Clear days offer the best visibility—check the weather forecast before booking
- Golden hour (an hour before sunset) provides stunning lighting for photos
Nearby Attractions:
Once you’re done at The Shard, don’t rush off. The surrounding area has lots to offer. Why not explore:
- Borough Market – A foodie’s paradise just a short walk away
- The Clink Prison Museum for a peek into London’s darker past
- A stroll down the South Bank for riverside views and street performers
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, seeing a city from above changes how you feel about it. That’s exactly what happened to me at The Shard. There’s something powerful about being able to take in all of London—from its historic spires to its modern skyscrapers—in one breathtaking sweep.
Whether you’re visiting the UK capital for the first time or you’ve lived here your whole life, going to the top of The Shard is a must-do experience that delivers on every level—literally.
So grab your camera, pick your time slot, and get ready to see London like you’ve never imagined.
