The Shard, also known as the "Shard of Glass", is a 95-story skyscraper in London, United Kingdom. It is located in the Southwark district and was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. At approximately 1,016 feet (309.6 meters), it was the tallest building in the UK and the European Union when it was completed in 2012. However, it has since been surpassed by other buildings in Europe.
The Shard is a mixed-use building, which includes office space, restaurants, a hotel, residential apartments and an observation deck called "The View from The Shard", which offers amazing panoramic views of London. The building's unique design, featuring irregularly shaped glass facets that give it a shard-like appearance, has made it an iconic part of the London skyline.
View the streets of London as you climb to Western Europe's highest observation platform on the 72nd floor of The Shard. With a flexible ticket, spend as much time as you like enjoying panoramic views of the city, with visibility up to 40 miles.
Test your limits and step outside onto the open viewing platform on the 72nd floor, or marvel at the views from inside. Learn about London's history through multimedia displays and exhibits, or simply sit back and enjoy the view from the champagne bar.
The relic is redefining London's skyline and will soon be a dynamic symbol of the city, recognizable all over the world. The unique structure is characterized by a sculpted design of glass faces that lean inward without meeting at the top to allow the structure to breathe naturally.
Gaze up at the glass points that form the top of the building, which reaches a height of 1,016 feet (310 meters). End your journey at the boutique, where you can purchase a photo as a souvenir.
If it is not your first time, but your second or third time in London and you are far from knowing it well, you should visit the Shard building: after observing London from the 69th floor, it is much easier to find your way around the huge city. Savings: lots of visitors who may hide the impressive view and long queues. Very exciting warning signs: do not lean against the windows because of the danger of falling
Amazing, view from the 72nd floor. Free for those who purchased a London pass
Below is a summary of key information about The Shard in London:
Name: The Shard, also known as the shard of glass
.: 32 London Bridge Street, Southwark, London, United Kingdom
height: 1,016 feet (309.6 meters)
Floors: 95 floors
architect: Renzo Piano
Completed: 2012
role: mixed building
Office spaces
Restaurants, including the famous Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix
The Shangri-La Hotel occupies the 34th to 52nd floors
Residential apartments, located on floors 53 to 65
The View from The Shard, an observation deck on floors 68 to 72, offering 360-degree views of London
a building: Designed with an irregularly shaped glass face to create a shard-like appearance
Public Transport: Easily accessible by London Underground (London Bridge Station), Train (London Bridge Station) and Bus.
While visiting The Shard, you can enjoy fine dining, stay in the luxury hotel, or simply take in the breathtaking views of London from the observation deck. It is an iconic landmark and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London.
Restaurants in the Shard Tower in London
There are several notable restaurants within The Shard, each offering excellent cuisine and stunning views of London. Here are three of the most popular options:
Aqua Shard: Located on the 31st floor, Aqua Shard offers contemporary British cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing spectacular views of London. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, as well as a creative cocktail menu. Reservations are recommended.
Hutong: Located on the 33rd floor, Hutong serves Northern Chinese cuisine inspired by the dishes of the ancient imperial courts. The interior of the restaurant is designed according to traditional Chinese design, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer amazing views of the city. In addition to lunch and dinner, Hutong also offers a dim sum menu and an extensive list of cocktails, wines and spirits. It is advisable to reserve a table in advance.
Oblix: Located on the 32nd floor, Oblix is divided into two parts: Oblix East and Oblix West. Oblix East offers a more relaxed dining experience with a focus on small plates, an extensive wine and cocktail menu and live music on select evenings. Oblix West, on the other hand, is a more formal dining room, featuring a seasonal à la carte menu highlighting the best of British and European produce. Both sections offer impressive views of the London skyline. It is recommended to book a place for both areas.
Each restaurant within The Shard offers a unique dining experience, combined with fantastic views of London. You should reserve the table in advance to guarantee a reservation and ask for a table near the windows for the best view.
