Enjoy the views from The Shard
Deposit Photos

Navigating The Shard : Answers to common questions

  • Admission Fee: Admission fee is required for the viewing platform; restaurant prices vary.
  • How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours at the viewing platform.
  • Washrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the viewing platform and restaurants.
  • Hours of Operation: The viewing platform is open daily, with hours varying by season.
  • Important Information: Booking in advance is recommended, especially for the viewing platform and dining.
  • Restaurant or Cafe: Multiple dining options are available, offering everything from casual to fine dining.
  • Gift Shop: Gift shop at the viewing platform sells a range of souvenirs and Shard-themed items.
  • Handicap Accessible: The viewing platform and restaurants are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are not typically available, but information plaques provide details about the views.
  • Picnic Area: No picnic areas are available.
  • Parking: Limited parking; public transport is the best option due to its central location.
  • Family Friendly: The Shard is family-friendly, with children welcome at the viewing platform and certain restaurants.
  • Photography: Photography is encouraged for personal use; tripods may be restricted.
  • WIFI: Free WIFI is available at the viewing platform and the restaurants.

    Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

    More in our list of Things To Do In London

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    Map for The Shard

    Did You Know?

    The Shard's construction was completed in 2012 and it features 11,000 glass panels.

    The Shard has 72 habitable floors, including restaurants, offices, and The Shangri-La Hotel.

    The public viewing gallery offers 360-degree views of London from heights of up to 244 meters (800 feet).

    The Shard is The tallest building in The United Kingdom, standing at 309.6 meters (1,016 feet).

    The Shard was designed by The Italian architect Renzo Piano and is part of The London Bridge Quarter development.

    Travel Information for
    London Visitors

    Time Zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, during summer months.

    Weather: London has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 23°C (73°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often near 5°C (41°F). Rain is distributed throughout the year, but London is not as rainy as its reputation suggests.

    Population: London has a population of about 9 million people, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe.

    Size: The city covers an area of approximately 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles). London is known for its sprawling urban layout.

    Language: English is the official language. Due to its diversity, many other languages are also spoken throughout the city.

    Currency: The currency used in London is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always useful to have some cash, especially for smaller shops or markets.

    Safety: London is generally safe for tourists, but, as in any major city, it's wise to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

    Tipping: In restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill if a service charge is not included. Tipping is also common for taxis and hotel services.

    Electricity and Plugs: The UK uses Type G plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different standards will need adapters.

    Water: Tap water in London is safe to drink.

    Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Shard

    Address:

    32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom

    Website: www.the-shard.com/

    Latitude: 51.504501

    Longitude: -0.0865

    More Places and Things To Do in London Within 500 km/300 mi of The Shard

    Tower Bridge


    The Distance from The Shard to Tower Bridge is 0.8 KM / 0.5 MI

    Shakespeare's Globe Theatre


    The Distance from The Shard to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is 0.8 KM / 0.5 MI

    The Tate Modern


    The Distance from The Shard to The Tate Modern is 0.9 KM / 0.6 MI

    St. Paul's Cathedral


    The Distance from The Shard to St. Paul's Cathedral is 1.3 KM / 0.8 MI

    The Imperial War Museum


    The Distance from The Shard to The Imperial War Museum is 1.8 KM / 1.1 MI

    The Barbican Centre


    The Distance from The Shard to The Barbican Centre is 1.8 KM / 1.1 MI

    The London Eye


    The Distance from The Shard to The London Eye is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI

    The West End Theatre District


    The Distance from The Shard to The West End Theatre District is 2.6 KM / 1.6 MI

    Big Ben


    The Distance from The Shard to Big Ben is 2.7 KM / 1.7 MI

    Houses of Parliament


    The Distance from The Shard to Houses of Parliament is 2.7 KM / 1.7 MI

    Covent Garden


    The Distance from The Shard to Covent Garden is 2.7 KM / 1.7 MI

    The Thames Path


    The Distance from The Shard to The Thames Path is 2.9 KM / 1.8 MI

    Westminster Abbey


    The Distance from The Shard to Westminster Abbey is 2.9 KM / 1.8 MI

    Trafalgar Square


    The Distance from The Shard to Trafalgar Square is 2.9 KM / 1.8 MI

    The National Portrait Gallery


    The Distance from The Shard to The National Portrait Gallery is 2.9 KM / 1.8 MI

    The Churchill War Rooms


    The Distance from The Shard to The Churchill War Rooms is 3 KM / 1.9 MI

    The Tate Britain


    The Distance from The Shard to The Tate Britain is 3.2 KM / 2 MI

    The British Museum


    The Distance from The Shard to The British Museum is 3.3 KM / 2 MI

    Buckingham Palace


    The Distance from The Shard to Buckingham Palace is 3.8 KM / 2.4 MI

    The British Library


    The Distance from The Shard to The British Library is 4 KM / 2.5 MI

    Madame Tussauds London


    The Distance from The Shard to Madame Tussauds London is 5.1 KM / 3.2 MI

    Camden Market


    The Distance from The Shard to Camden Market is 5.3 KM / 3.3 MI

    Harrods


    The Distance from The Shard to Harrods is 5.3 KM / 3.3 MI

    The O2 Arena


    The Distance from The Shard to The O2 Arena is 6.2 KM / 3.9 MI

    Royal Albert Hall


    The Distance from The Shard to Royal Albert Hall is 6.3 KM / 3.9 MI

    Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich


    The Distance from The Shard to Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is 6.7 KM / 4.2 MI

    Kensington Palace


    The Distance from The Shard to Kensington Palace is 7 KM / 4.4 MI

    The Royal Botanic Gardens


    The Distance from The Shard to The Royal Botanic Gardens is 14.9 KM / 9.3 MI

    The Notting Hill Carnival


    The Distance from The Shard to The Notting Hill Carnival is 20.5 KM / 12.7 MI