The Shard

Overview

The Shard is a spectacularly sharp, notably piercing 72-storey skyscraper that absolutely dominates the modern London skyline. Functioning as the tallest building in the United Kingdom, its incredibly sleek, jagged glass facade powerfully reflects the sky.

Highlights

• The View from The Shard: The breathtaking, fully enclosed observation decks on levels 68, 69, and 72 offering sweeping, completely unobstructed 360-degree views stretching up to 40 miles.
• The Open-Air Deck: Level 72 is partially open to the incredibly fierce elements and biting winds, providing a thrillingly raw, highly atmospheric experience directly beneath the jagged glass crest.
• The Architecture: Renzo Piano's completely brilliant, famously controversial structural design resembling a massive, decidedly sharp shard of glass plunging spectacularly out of the River Thames.

History

Completed precisely in 2012, it was brilliantly designed by the master Italian architect Renzo Piano. It functionally serves as a "vertical city," densely packing massive luxury offices, high-end restaurants, a completely lavish Shangri-La hotel, and highly exclusive residences into a single, breathtakingly tall spike.

Visitor Tips

• Weather Guarantee: The incredibly expensive tickets famously include a completely free return visit if you absolutely cannot see at least three major landmarks due to the notorious, decidedly thick London fog or rain.
• Sunset Flights: Absolutely book your timed entry to arrive precisely 45 minutes before sunset; watching the massive, glowing city violently transition from day to dusk from the sky is unmatched.