The Shard Tours and Activities

The Shard
The Shard showing a city, a river or creek and a high-rise building
The Shard
The Shard featuring landscape views, a ferry and a river or creek
The Shard showing a city, a river or creek and modern architecture


Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

The Shard is a 95-story pyramidal tower with upscale restaurants, a luxury hotel, offices and a viewing gallery. Admire the futuristic design of this glassy skyscraper and its distinctive splintered summit.

Find out about the history of the tower, which was completed in 2012. Architect Renzo Piano designed it as a glass spire whose appearance would change according to the weather.

Take the elevator to the city’s highest viewing deck, which is on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors. See for 40 miles (64 kilometers) into the distance on a clear day from this lookout. Attend an event, such as an album launch, a silent disco or a yoga class, in the View from the Shard area.

Capture photos of the impressive view, which includes the nearby sites of Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast museum ship and Shakespeare’s Globe as well as suburban neighborhoods.

Use the interactive touchscreen telescopes to focus in on sites of interest. The screens hold intriguing information about roughly 200 landmarks. Stay at sunset for a particularly romantic view of this historic city. Browse the Sky Boutique, which is one of the highest shops in London, for guidebooks, souvenirs and other items.

Stay in the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel that occupies many of the floors. Office space and luxury apartments also take up much of the skyscraper’s space. Peruse the range of stores in the Shard Arcade at the foot of the tower.

Dine at one of the Shard’s ritzy restaurants, some of which belong to the hotel. Enjoy drinks at the Aqua Shard on the 31st floor and go for Chinese food at Hutong on level 33.

Book tickets to the View from the Shard online. The observation deck opens daily, though times vary so check ahead. If clouds obscure views of major landmarks during your visit, check with staff as you may be entitled to a free return visit.

The Shard is in southeast London. Ride the London Underground to London Bridge, Borough or Monument stops. Take the train to Cannon Street railway station and walk south over London Bridge or get a bus.

Plan a trip to see The Shard

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The Langham, London

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Top The Shard Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM Tower of London
Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London

5 out of 5
31 St Thomas Street, London, England
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City

4 out of 5
7 Gracechurch Street, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel London City
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Shard

At The Shard in London, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant blend of art, theatre, and shopping. Explore nearby galleries and enjoy captivating performances, or indulge in retail therapy at stylish boutiques. With its stunning views and cultural offerings, The Shard promises a memorable experience that captures the essence of London.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping at Borough Market, only 322m from The Shard, offering a bustling atmosphere. Old Spitalfields Market, 1.6km away, is perfect for unique finds. For a family-friendly outing, visit Brunswick Centre, situated 3.2km from The Shard, blending entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports venue 6.4km from The Shard, offers exhilarating events and activities. Just nearby, the ABBA Arena provides a lively atmosphere for music lovers, also 6.4km away. For a more tranquil experience, Hampstead Heath, 8.0km from The Shard, is perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car for stunning aerial views, located 8.0km from The Shard. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers an exhilarating challenge 3.2km away, while the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km distant, promises an adrenaline-pumping karting adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Shard! Enjoy the thrilling London Eye, just 1.6km away, offering family fun and adventure. For a touch of culture and romance, catch a show at the nearby Globe Theatre or Barbican Arts Centre, both within half a mile, perfect for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Shard

When visiting The Shard in London, you'll find a range of attractions that cater to culture lovers, families, and city explorers alike. Nearby points of interest include the iconic London Bridge, the Tower of London, and stunning views of the London skyline. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the vibrant piazzas and historic churches that surround this impressive landmark, ensuring a memorable experience during your stay.

  • Tower Bridge: This iconic drawbridge is a marvel of Victorian engineering. With stunning views of the Thames and a glass-floored walkway, you can immerse yourself in its rich history and enjoy the vibrant culture surrounding it.
  • Big Ben: The grand clock tower is an enduring symbol of London. Standing tall amidst the hustle and bustle, it offers a unique blend of history and modern city vibes, making it a perfect photo opportunity.
  • Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic castle is steeped in tales of intrigue and romance. Explore its impressive architecture, the Crown Jewels, and the haunting tales that echo through its walls.

Best time to go to The Shard

The best time to visit The Shard is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Shard

When planning your visit to The Shard, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance and look for Sunday stays, which are typically less expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, filter for eco-friendly options, and consider package deals to save on flights and activities. For public transport, opt for Oyster cards or contactless payments to keep costs down. Lastly, take advantage of free attractions nearby to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Shard are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Shard about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Shard is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Shard is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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