London is one of the premier destinations in the world and has been for a long time.
It boasts a rich history spanning nearly a millennium, a thriving urban landscape for centuries, and a contemporary position as a global hub for culture, art, politics, and finance.
The Shard, a remarkable 310-meter (1,016-foot) tall structure, seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, providing an expansive panoramic view of London as if it were one vast, sweeping canvas.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to The Shard.
It is better to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.
Things to know before booking tickets
The Shard tickets are available online in advance and at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
Booking online also helps you get exclusive discounts and offers.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Tickets may sell out during peak days. Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
To book tickets, visit the booking page and select the number of tickets, date, time, and language.
Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
Show the e-ticket on your smartphone to the staff and carry a valid ID.
The Shard tickets
By purchasing this ticket, you will receive exclusive access to a private guide who will accompany you on a three-hour guided walking tour of select London attractions.
The tour culminates at the Shard, granting you skip-the-line access to the viewing platforms.
You can spend as much time as you want on the viewing platform. The guide will not accompany you there.
Ticket Price: £450
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Opening hours
The Shard is open to all visitors from 10 am to 10 pm Thursday To Saturday and 10 am to 7 pm Sunday to Wednesday.
If you are taking the walking tour, you can choose from multiple time slots in the day, ranging from 10 am to 3 pm.
How long does the tour take
The Shard tour takes around 90 minutes to complete.
If you wish to eat at one of the eateries, budget an extra hour.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit The Shard is before sunset. This way, you can see the beautiful city bathed in sunlight, watch it transition to twilight, and witness the twinkling city lights slowly come out.
However, sunset timings attract many visitors, and if you wish to visit the tower at leisure, the best time to visit is 10 am.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions by visitors before booking tickets to The Shard:
Yes, it has wheelchair access and also allows service animals.
No, it doesn’t have a revolving restaurant.
There is no time restriction to your visit. Once inside, you can enjoy the views and the experience for as long as you like until closing time.
You can enter up to 15 minutes after the time printed on your ticket. If you arrive later, you may need to pay a rebooking fee.
There are no parking facilities. However, there are several car parks in the locality.
What to expect at The Shard
Take a walking tour of London led by expert guides who will take you past selected highlights of the great city.
View the Tower Hill Memorial and learn about the history of World Wars I and II.
Explore the city’s Roman past along the London Wall and see the imposing Tower of London, which served as the Tudor family’s royal residence.
Cross the famous Tower Bridge and wander along the River Thames.
Visit the impressive HMS Belfast, a ship built for the Royal Navy, after passing the incredibly contemporary City Hall.
Admire the vision and seminal craftsmanship inspired by London’s historical spires and masts, which once graced the Thames riverside.
The grandeur of the architecture, conceptualized by the esteemed modern architect Renzo Piano, seamlessly blends with the sleekness of contemporary aesthetics.
Its unusual pyramid design, entirely made of glass, reflects the dynamically shifting cityscape that surrounds it.
Get skip-the-line access to the Shard, one of the city’s top attractions, which stands nearly twice as high as the London sky.
Step inside extraordinary high-speed lifts from Level 1 to the Level 68 viewing platform in sixty seconds.
Watch the horizon expand farther and farther as you see the great city materialize in front of you as you ascend.
Get spectacular 360-degree views of the great city from the Level 69 observation deck as you relax with a glass of champagne.
See London’s iconic sights from Level 72’s open-air sky deck, where you can hear the noises of the city below while being exposed to the weather.
The viewing platforms are equipped with touchscreens that provide comprehensive virtual information that helps you dive deep into the history of London’s landmarks.
Savour world-class cuisine and a range of drinks at many restaurants and bars, such as Aqua Shard, Bar 31, Oblix, TING, and more.
