The Shard, located at 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG, is a 95-story skyscraper completed in 2012, standing at 309.6 meters tall. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, it features a unique glass façade and a spire-like design inspired by London's church steeples and ship masts. The building houses offices, luxury residences, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, and three renowned restaurants: Aqua Shard, Oblix, and Hutong. The View from The Shard, situated on floors 68-72, offers 360-degree panoramic views of London from 244 meters above the city. The Shard is part of the Shard Quarter, a development that includes The News Building and Shard Place, surrounding a public piazza adjacent to London Bridge Station.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 44,608
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,077
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Breathtaking Panoramic Views The Shard offers unparalleled 360-degree views of London, allowing you to see iconic landmarks and the entire city skyline from a unique vantage point.
- Convenient Location and Accessibility With excellent transport links including train and tube stations, The Shard is easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for visitors.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff Many visitors have praised the staff for being helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience with their excellent service and guidance.
- Modern Architectural Marvel The building itself is a stunning example of modern architecture, with its sleek glass design and towering presence making it a must-see landmark.
- Special Occasion Destination With bars, restaurants, and champagne options, The Shard provides an ideal setting for special occasions and memorable celebrations.
Criticised
- High Ticket Prices The cost of admission can be quite expensive, especially when considering additional expenses like drinks or food at the top, making it a potentially pricey outing.
- Limited Seating The viewing platforms offer limited seating options, requiring visitors to stand for extended periods, which may be difficult for some individuals.
- Potential Crowds The Shard can get crowded, especially during peak times and weekends, which may impact your ability to fully enjoy the views and move around comfortably.
- Security Checks Airport-style security checks, including bag X-rays and personal detectors, can be an inconvenience upon entry.
- Weather Dependent Experience The quality of the view is highly dependent on the weather; cloudy or rainy days can significantly diminish the experience, though a weather guarantee is sometimes offered.
The longer read
The Shard is a modern architectural marvel and iconic landmark offering panoramic views of London from its viewing platforms and restaurants. Many reviewers describe the views as breathtaking, unforgettable, and magical, providing a new perspective on the city's landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye. The best views are often seen at sunset, allowing for both daylight and illuminated nighttime cityscapes. Several reviewers recommend booking tickets in advance, especially for specific time slots like sunset. Booking online can also save time by skipping queues.
The experience begins with airport-style security checks before a swift elevator ride to the viewing platforms. Some reviewers noted a slight sensation from the high-speed elevators. The viewing floors offer 360-degree views, with the 72nd floor featuring an open-air terrace. Some reviewers mentioned the unique experience of seeing the city from the restrooms.
Several reviewers highlighted the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, including guides providing insights into London's landmarks. A few reviewers specifically mentioned individual staff members who enhanced their visit. The Shard offers various options to enhance the experience, including champagne upgrades and dining at restaurants like Aqua Shard, Hutong, and Ting. While the restaurants offer great views and service, they can be expensive. Several reviewers found the drinks and snacks at the bars to be overpriced. However, many felt the overall experience was worth the cost, especially for special occasions.
While most reviewers recommend visiting The Shard, some suggest considering the weather forecast, as cloudy conditions can obstruct the views. The Shard offers a weather guarantee, allowing visitors to return with their tickets if the weather is poor during their initial visit. A few reviewers mentioned that seating can be limited on the viewing platforms, which may be a concern for those who have trouble standing for extended periods. Despite the cost, The Shard is highly recommended for first-time visitors to London and those seeking a special experience with unparalleled city views.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 18 venues we hold for Southwark, where the most-reviewed is Tower Bridge.
Still deciding?
- What is the history of the Shard and why is it significant in London?
- When is the best time of day or year to visit the Shard for the best views and fewer crowds?
- What attractions or landmarks can you see from the top of the Shard?
- What are the ticket prices for visiting the Shard and are there any discounts available?
- What restaurants or dining experiences are available inside the Shard and do you need reservations?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.