The View from the Shard: Tickets

The View from the Shard FAQs

• Do you need to book tickets in advance to visit The View from the Shard?
• No, they do sell tickets on the door, but they are often sold out as it's a very popular tourist destination in London, so it’s always better to book tickets for the View from the Shard in advance to avoid disappointment and to secure your preferred date.
• Does my View from the Shard ticket only give me access for a certain amount of time?
• No, there is no time restriction on your ticket. One you are in you can spend as much time as you wish there (within their open hours!).
• What happens if there's bad weather during my visit and we can’t enjoy the View at the Shard?
• The View from the Shard actually has a guarantee in place should this happen - their rules state that if you can’t see at least 3 of the following five landmarks due to low visibility then you get a complimentary return voucher! The landmarks are: London Eye, The Walkie Talkie, Tower Bridge, One Canada Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The View from the Shard Fun Facts

• Tallest Building in the UK: The Shard stands at 310 meters (1,016 feet), making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the 7th tallest in Europe (at the time of writing!).
• Unmatched Views: The View from The Shard offers amazing panoramic 360-degree views of the city and up to 40 miles (64 kilometres) on clear days!
• Double Observation Decks: There are two viewing platforms at the Shard. Level 69, which offers a fully enclosed deck, and Level 72, which offers an open-air deck for a breezier experience!
• Designed by a Master Architect: The Shard was inspired by the spires of London churches and the masts of tall ships!
• It Took 1,450 Steps to the Top: There are 1,459 steps from the ground to Level 72 but thankfully, there are high-speed lifts to get you there in about 60 seconds.
• Lifts Travel at 6 Meters per Second: The elevators travel so fast, they cover one floor every second!
• A Hotel in the Sky: The Shard also has the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in it between floors 34 and 52.
• A Bird’s-Eye View of Landmarks: From the top, you can spot over 200 London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• ‍The Shard Changes Colour: The spire lights up in different colours at night and often reflects seasonal themes or causes.