The Shard

The Shard is more than just a skyscraper; it is a "vertical city." Piercing the clouds at a height of 309.6 meters (1,016 feet), it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and a masterpiece of contemporary design. Its glass-clad facade reflects the ever-changing London sky, making it a dynamic and ethereal presence on the historic Southwark skyline.

A Visionary Design: Renzo Piano's Masterpiece

The Shard was designed by the world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the visionary behind the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Piano envisioned the building as a "shard of glass," inspired by the church steeples of London and the masts of ships that once crowded the Thames.

The building's unique shape is not just for aesthetics; it is an incredible feat of engineering. The facade consists of 11,000 glass panels—equivalent to eight football pitches—and is angled to minimize solar heat gain while maximizing natural light. The "shards" do not touch at the top, allowing the building to "breathe" and creating its distinctive crown. Opened in 2012, it has redefined the concept of the skyscraper, emphasizing transparency and elegance over brute force.

The View from The Shard

For most visitors, the primary attraction is The View from The Shard, the highest observation deck in the UK. Situated on floors 68, 69, and 72, it offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramas that stretch for up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) on a clear day.

The journey begins with high-speed kaleidoscopic lifts that take vous from the ground to the 68th floor in just 60 seconds. On the 69th floor, vous are greeted by the "Cloudscape," a tri-level gallery where vous can use digital "Tell:scopes" to identify landmarks and see how they looked in the past.

The 72nd floor is the crowning glory. It is an open-air viewing gallery, where vous can hear the sounds of the city far below and feel the power of the wind at 800 feet. Looking out over the river, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge look like toys, while the vast sprawl of the city reveals its intricate patterns. It is an exhilarating and humbling experience.

World-Class Dining and Bars

The Shard is home to some of London's most prestigious restaurants and bars, located on levels 31 to 52.

• Aqua Shard (Level 31): Offering contemporary British cuisine and innovative cocktails, Aqua Shard features a stunning three-story atrium bar that is particularly magical at sunset.
• Oblix (Level 32): A refined grill restaurant split into two halves: Oblix West for urban views and communal dining, and Oblix East for cocktails and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Hutong (Level 33): For those who love Northern Chinese cuisine, Hutong offers incredible food in a dramatic, dark-wood setting inspired by the traditional neighborhoods of Beijing.
• GONG (Level 52): Located within the Shangri-La Hotel, GONG is the highest hotel bar in Western Europe. It is a stunning, Asian-inspired space that is perfect for a special occasion cocktail with a view of the world.

The Shangri-La Hotel

Occupying floors 34 to 52, the Shangri-La The Shard, London is the UK's first luxury hotel within a skyscraper. Every one of its 202 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring that guests wake up to the most spectacular views in the city. The hotel also features an infinity "Skypool" on level 52, providing a truly surreal swimming experience among the clouds.

The Shard and the City: A Vertical SocialHub

Beyond the tourism and luxury, the Shard is a working building. It houses the headquarters of several international companies, as well as several high-end retail spaces. Its location in Southwark, right next to London Bridge Station, has revitalized the area, creating a new hub for business and culture on the South Bank. It is a symbol of London's status as a global leader in innovation and architecture.

Planning Your Visit

Booking: For the observation deck, booking online in advance is essential. It is significantly cheaper than buying at the door and guarantees your entry time. Note: If vous have a reservation at one of the restaurants or bars, vous do not need a separate ticket for the view, though vous will be limited to the views from those specific levels.

The Weather Guarantee: The View from The Shard offers a unique weather guarantee. If vous cannot see at least three of London's most iconic landmarks (London Eye, St Paul's, The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, and One Canada Square) during your visit due to poor visibility, vous can return for free within three months.

Dress Code: The observation deck is casual, but the restaurants and bars operate a strict "smart casual" dress code. This means no sportswear, shorts, or flip-flops.

Getting There: The Shard is located immediately adjacent to London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern lines, and national rail services). Follow the signs for "The Shard" out of the station.

Frequently Asked Questions