If you’re in London, whether as a tourist or a local, The Shard is one of those must-visit spots that should be on your list. Towering above the city skyline, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it the perfect place to take in London’s most famous landmarks.
In this Travels with Hursty trip report, I’ll take you through what to expect when visiting The Shard, plus some tips to make the most of your trip. And if you’d rather see it all in action, check out my vlog over on YouTube! 🎥
🔔 Watch & Subscribe! → YouTube – Travels with Hursty
What is The Shard?
The Shard is one of London’s most iconic modern landmarks. Standing at 310 meters (1,016 feet) tall, it’s the tallest building in the UK and dominates the skyline. Designed by Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, the building is home to:
🏨 A luxury hotel (Shangri-La)
🍽 High-end restaurants & bars
🏢 Offices & apartments
👀 The View from The Shard – one of the best observation decks in the world!
If you want to see London from above, The Shard’s 72nd-floor observation deck is the place to be.
Why Visit The Shard?
1️⃣ Insane Views of London! 🌆
The observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, stretching up to 40 miles on a clear day. From here, you can spot:
✅ Tower Bridge
✅ St. Paul’s Cathedral
✅ The Tower of London
✅ Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
✅ Canary Wharf
Whether you go during the day or at sunset, the views are absolutely unreal.
2️⃣ Easy to Get To 🚆
Located right next to London Bridge Station, The Shard is super easy to access from anywhere in the city. Whether you’re hopping off the Tube, bus, or even the Thames Clipper, you’re just a short walk away from the entrance.
3️⃣ Unique Experience ✨
Unlike other observation decks, The Shard offers an open-air section on the 72nd floor, where you can feel the wind and hear the sounds of the city from high above. It’s a completely different way to experience London!
4️⃣ Perfect for Tourists & Locals 🏙
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve lived here your whole life, seeing the city from The Shard never gets old. Plus, it’s a great spot for dates, family trips, or just a solo adventure.
Tips for Visiting The Shard
✔ Buy Tickets in Advance – To avoid disappointment (or long queues), book online before you go.
✔ Go Early or Late – Avoid the busiest times by visiting first thing in the morning or in the evening.
✔ Check the Weather – Clear skies = the best views! If it’s cloudy, you might not see as much.
✔ Dress for the Wind – The open-air deck can be breezy, so bring a jacket if it’s chilly.
✔ Stay for a Drink – If you fancy a cocktail with a view, head to one of The Shard’s bars or restaurants after your visit!
Final Thoughts – Is The Shard Worth It?
✅ Unbeatable views of London
✅ Easy to access & well-organized experience
✅ Great for tourists & locals alike
✅ A must-do for any London itinerary!
If you want to see London from a whole new perspective, The Shard is 100% worth a visit. Whether you’re snapping photos during the day or watching the city lights twinkle at night, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Watch the Full Vlog & Subscribe! 🎥
Want to see what it’s really like at The Shard? I’ve got it all in my YouTube vlog—check it out and don’t forget to subscribe for more trip reports, travel vlogs, and flying adventures!
Have you been to The Shard? Would you go for the views or the drinks? Let me know in the YouTube comments! 🚀