The 95-story tall Shard is Europe's tallest skyscraper; it is also London's latest landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can head to the observation deck on the 72nd floor to enjoy a spectacular view. From a height of 800 ft. above ground, the view can be nothing else, but picturesque and spectacular. High-speed lifts whisk away visitors to the observation deck, from where, on a good day, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of London up to 40 miles. In case you are willing and thirsty, you can also have some champagne.
'The Shard' is a skyscraper, standing 310 meters tall. It is located on '32 London Bridge Street' and was hence known as, 'London Bridge Tower'. This 95-story, high-rise, masterpiece, was designed by an Italian architect named, 'Renzo Piano'. Its construction started in March 2009 and was completed in July 2012. It is designed in such a way that it resembles eight sharp pieces of glass, a shard.
The Shard is home to one of the finest restaurants, offices, and hotel rooms. The offices have been designated huge spaces from level 4 to 28. All these office floors are connected directly to the busy traffic area on the ground floor of the building. Just above these office floors are the 3 levels designated for restaurants and bars. The hotel rooms acquire the middle section of the building (levels 34 to 52). There are also luxury apartments present on levels 53 to 65. These are stylish and unique, and present a 360 degrees view of London through the glass walls on its exterior. Viewing areas in this tower, on levels 68 to 72, are the highest in the United Kingdom. The 8 glass exteriors cover the entirety of these floors, apart from the open ventilation areas between these glass shards blowing fresh, cool, natural, wind to the winter garden. The building seems to change its mood and color according to the weather conditions. The architect had the vision to design this building such that it looked elegant and sleek amongst its fellow London high-rise towers.
Although many of the restaurants present in The Shard are quite expensive, they offer a breathtaking view from their glass walls. Astounding views can be experienced from 800 feet above 32 London Bridge Street. The 40 miles long panoramic view from this height is simply incredible. A fast elevator that travels at a speed of 6 meters per second, takes you up to the open sky deck on the 72nd level. This is a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of London whilst sipping a drink.
A stupendous 360 degrees virtual reality experience is offered near the peak of this skyscraper. This involves you traveling at a speed of about 100 miles per hour, on a virtual slide, through the London skyline. It is a wonderful and thrilling experience that many had wished to experience in the past.
Tube: London Bridge Underground Station (Northern and Jubilee lines) and London Bridge Station (Southern and South Eastern trains).
Bus: Bus routes 43, 48, 141, 149, 521 stop outside the main entrance to London Bridge Station.
From London (city center), The Shard can be reached via the following ways:
You could take a 12-minute bus (2.3 kilometers), Line 381 Bus, from 'Waterloo Road' to 'London Bridge Station'. Then you shall have to walk for 3 minutes (about 170 meters) to reach The Shard. The estimated fare for this route is 2 USD (1.6 Pound sterling)
You could take a 4-minute (about 3.5 kilometers) subway from 'Westminster Station' to 'London Bridge Station'. Then you shall have to walk for 2 minutes (about 120 meters) to reach The Shard. The estimated fare for this route is 2 to 3 USD (1.6 to 2.4 Pound sterling)
You could also take an 8-minute (4 kilometers) 'Uber' to The Shard from the London city center. The estimated fare for this journey is 10 to 14 USD (8 to 11.5 Pound sterling)
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
Yes, 10 minutes to 15 minutes as there may be long lines to visit 'The View from The Shard'
Entrance Fee
Adult: 32 GBP
Child (4-15): 25 GBP
Time you can spend
1 hour
Weather
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