The View from The Shard offers breathtaking panoramic views of London from the 72nd floor of The Shard, the tallest building in the UK. Visitors can experience a unique perspective of London's skyline, seeing famous landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye. Equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, the observation deck provides an immersive experience that highlights the city's rich history and modern architecture. A visit to The View from The Shard is a memorable opportunity for both tourists and locals looking to appreciate the beauty of London from a height.
What each source says
- Viator 4.1 29,517
- Tripadvisor 4.5 19,301
- Google Places 4.6 7,426
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
- Efficient and Fast Elevators Experience incredibly smooth and rapid elevator rides that whisk you to the top in moments, adding to the excitement of the visit.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff Benefit from the presence of friendly guides who provide insights into the landmarks and history, enhancing your overall visit.
- Multiple Viewing Levels Explore several floors, including an open-air terrace, allowing you to immerse yourself in the views and even feel the fresh air at such a great height.
- On-Site Refreshments Available Enjoy a selection of drinks and snacks at the bar while taking in the stunning scenery, making for a memorable and relaxing experience.
- Unparalleled London Views The View from The Shard offers the highest vantage point in London, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the city's iconic landmarks and sprawling cityscape.
Criticised
- Crowds and Limited Seating The attraction can get very crowded, making it difficult to find a good viewing spot or seating, particularly during peak times.
- Expensive Tickets and Extras Entrance tickets can be pricey, and additional costs for drinks, photos, and souvenirs can quickly add up, making it a potentially costly outing.
- Inconsistent Service Bar service can be inconsistent, including unwanted service charges and potential issues with drink orders, affecting the overall experience.
- Security Checks and Photo Opportunities Be prepared for airport-style security checks upon entry, as well as a compulsory photo session with pre-made backgrounds that may feel like a needless money grab.
- Weather Dependent Experience The quality of the view is heavily reliant on weather conditions, and visibility can be significantly reduced on foggy or rainy days.
The longer read
The View from The Shard provides unparalleled panoramic views of London, making it a must-visit attraction for many. Located near the London Bridge underground station, the experience begins with airport-style security checks. While some find the process efficient, others suggest it can slow entry. The Shard is accessed via two high-speed elevators, transporting visitors to viewing levels. The elevators themselves are part of the experience, being smooth and fast. Views are available from multiple floors, including an open-air deck on the 72nd floor, though this area can be windy and cold. Many recommend visiting at sunset to see the city both during the day and illuminated at night. The viewing areas can get crowded, making it difficult to find a spot by the windows or seating. Some reviewers noted that certain seating areas are reserved for premium ticket holders. Guides are available to point out landmarks and share information about London's history. A bar serves drinks and snacks, though prices are considered high. Some reviewers recommend the ice cream cart as a more affordable option. Be aware of a service charge being added to drinks without customers knowledge. The gift shop is often criticized for being expensive. A common complaint involves the photo opportunity upon entry, with some considering it a pointless money grab. However, others appreciate the souvenir photos. Several reviewers recommend booking tickets in advance, especially if using a London Pass or other discount programs. Booking the first slot of the day may ensure fewer crowds and cleaner windows. Checking visibility conditions is also advisable. Some reviewers have had positive experiences with staff, describing them as friendly and helpful. Others mention issues with organization, particularly regarding queues and seating. While most consider the views worth the price, some suggest alternatives like the Sky Garden, which offers free admission. Some reviews mentioned issues such as the attraction opening later than expected or being ushered out earlier than the closing time stated. Those with flexible plans may consider waiting until the day of their visit to book tickets, based on weather conditions. Some visitors found the music incongruous to the experience. Wheelchair access is available up to the 72nd floor.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 344 499 7222
- Website
- theviewfromtheshard.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- What time of day provides the most spectacular views from The View at The Shard?
- What ticket price options are available for The View from The Shard and do they include any fast‑track or combo deals?
- How accessible is The View from The Shard for visitors with mobility impairments or other accessibility needs?
- How does the experience of watching the sunset differ from viewing London at night from The View at The Shard?
- What other nearby attractions or dining options can be combined with a visit to The View from The Shard?
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.