Visiting the Observation Deck of the Shard

About the Shard - London's Tallest Building

I definitely feel that the Shard is worth a visit for any tourist visiting London. The Shard is located right in the center of historic London, across the street from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The observation deck of the Shard is often very crowded, and it is best to book ahead of time.

Visitors can purchase tickets in advance for the observation deck of the Shard for £28. If you purchase your ticket on the day of your visit, the price jumps to £37. If you’d like to add a river cruise on the historic River Thames, a combo ticket can be purchased for £38.

Standing at a height of 1,016 feet (309.6 meters), the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the 6th tallest building in Europe. The other top five tallest buildings in Europe are all in Russia. Despite its European height ranking, the Shard does not crack the top 100 tallest buildings in the world.

Is it Worth Visiting the Observation Deck of the Shard - Table of Contents

Updated – May 13, 2023

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About the Shard
Is the Observation Deck of the Shard Worth Visiting?
Pictures from the Observation Deck of the Shard
London Tours that Include a Stop at the Shard
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Related Content

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Is the Observation Deck of the Shard Worth Visiting?

Is the observation deck of the Shard worth visiting? Having been there, I can confidently say that I feel the observation deck of the Shard definitely is worth visiting.

The observation deck of the Shard features both an indoor viewing platform and an open-air Sky Deck on the 72nd floor. I always enjoy the open-air floors better as I feel like I can hear the sounds of the city below. The best thing about the observation deck was the windows. The 11,000 glass panel windows were at an angle that allowed me to get my camera right pressed up against it eliminating most of the glares. I spent over an hour slowly going from window to window trying to get the best pictures of Parliament, The London Eye, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, and other top tourist sights. I was even able to get some well-zoomed-in pictures of the famous double-decker buses and London taxis.

The indoor deck of the Shard was one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. Champaign was served as classical music played in the background. There was also a very nice gift shop which was surprisingly well-priced for being part of the Shard’s observation deck. The Shard definitely enhanced my visit to London.

Pictures from the Observation Deck of the Shard

Below are photos of some of my best pictures from the Shard. The observation deck of the Shard provides great views of the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the River Thames, the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, the London Eye, HMS Belfast, and more.

London Tours that Include the Shard

To see the Shard a tour is not necessary. It is easy to reserve your own ticket and arrive via walking or the London Tube. Still, I know some people prefer to take a tour and be led around by an expert. Below, are three tours that feature the Shard.

I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.

Prices are accurate as of May 2023.

Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour - $128.18

See over 20 London sights and the amazing view from the Shard (London's tallest viewing gallery) in 1 day

Children pay only for the ticket price of the Shard.

We will guide you on an exploration of London’s major landmarks. This will give you a good idea of the history, culture, and legends of Europe’s best-loved city

We will head through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, where we'll watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. After witnessing this impressive ritual, we'll head to Westminster. Sights we'll see include Downing St, Westminster Abbey & the Houses of Parliament.

Then we'll go to the London Bridge area, where we'll see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The Clink Prison, London Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge & the Tower of London. After which we will direct you to the Shard and hand you your tickets!

Choose to go up the Shard either before or after your tour!

Please note: The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is only for the 10am tour and on certain days.

Combi Ticket: Westminster Walking Tour, River Cruise & The Shard - $122.14

Go on the BEST VIEWS LONDON TOUR!

This combi tour includes :

River Cruise Ticket (From Westminster to the Bankside Pier)
Entrance to the world famous Shard (The best view of London!)
3 hour Westminster Walking Tour: See 20+ Amazing & Iconic London Sights

These include:

Buckingham Palace
Trafalgar Square
Changing of the Guard (Daily during the summer months)
Big Ben
Downing Street
Westminster Abbey
Whitehall
Houses of Parliament
London Eye
Parliament Square
Queens Horse Guard

After the walking tour: go on a river cruise on the River Thames.

After the River Cruise you will disembark at Tower Pier and walk from the Tower of London, over the famous Tower Bridge to The Shard.

The Shard : At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, it offers visitors unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles.

The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour - $96.95

Ever wondered what London looks like from 244m above sea level?

Join us on a fun 3 hour London walking tour where you will see the top 20 Attractions in Westminster, and then go up high The Shard for a birds eye view of London!

One of the best Royal London Sightseeing Tours (4 palaces in 3 hours!) plus entry to the tallest public viewing platform in London!

We start in Green Park & then head to Westminster. Sights we’ll see along the way include Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard), Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace).

At the end of the walking tour, prepare yourselves for a long elevator ride to the top of the Shard where you will enjoy 360 degree views of London.

20 sights in 1 tour, together with entry to viewing platform of The Shard, all with a friendly local guide

Luxary 4 Hour Tour of the Shard and Tower of London

4 Hour Tour View From The Shard and Tower Of London (With Private Guide) - $924.81

Luxury chauffeured transport with qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides who have a vast understanding of London. We offer guided tours for every occasion, helping you have a great time in London.

If a tour is cancelled 7 days or less before it is scheduled, 50% of the fee is payable. If the tour is cancelle?d within 48 hours of the scheduled start then the full fee is payable.

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