The Shard — Attraction in London

We (my wife and I) visited 'THE SHARD,' Shangri-la Shard on a pre-booked two night staycation ( Sat.18/10/25 to Sun.19/10/25)on our 45th SAPPHIRE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. We visited two restaurants the Aqua Shard ( Saturday evening 18/10/25), and Hutong restaurant ( Sunday evening 19/10/25) plus the TING restaurant two mornings for breakfast Sunday morning 19/10/25 and Monday morning 20/10/25. The overall experience an unforgettable one, the staff super efficient, very warm, kind, friendly and smiling, really make you SO welcome with a service provided 'second to none '. The food, service of all three restaurants Aqua Shard, Hutong, Tin tea room restaurants were chic panache, hygenic, modern in every aspect. All vista views of the whole of London can be seen at most from wherever you view inside from the floors or our room. Our room (no.3902) on the 39th floor Shangri-la Shard facing north over the City, East and North London captures and engulfs you in the most magnificent scenes. All floors connected to the most swift and smoothest lifts in each shaft, some direct to one floor only. For the Disabled ♿ , and my dear wife is in this group, all entrances, most rooms, doors, toilets, lifts, access and corridors to the reception, amenities and restaurants well provided and connected. We 'LOVED' ❤️ our large spacious room we consider the best, and with a shower/ toilet inclusive,a large comfortable bed, TV wi-fi facilities, all ovetlooking the City skyline and River Thames below from the huge tall glass windows.. ..in fact we would opt for this room again if ever we return...hopefully and very likely on that special occasion. 👍🙏 The whole complex is a world class international global tourist attraction and staycation of the most highest order in all manor of standards. A must to experience despite the very expensive stay...but that considered it also justifies what you experience and take home with you the best of memories. For me personally, and my wife too, the Shard ( and we have been here before three visits to the public gallery..) inspired us to book here one day in what we say...'our No.1 favourite London landmark. I can only describe...' a brief wholesome taste and experience of the high life, and like a glimpse of a lifetime journey to the stars and back'. I must also mention the buzzing lively atmosphere and brilliant music well captured within the Aqua Shard, Hutong restaurants and the cool calmness of the Tin restaurant in the morning. Tin restaurant in the Shangri-la Shard ( 35th floor).has a brilliant choice of breakfast, super efficient polite staff with a smile waiting to greet and welcome you and eagerly ready to serve. Plus I enjoyed a privileged 🏊 swim in the highest swimming pool 1.3 metres deep ( 52nd floor Shangri-la Shard) in Europe, to start the day at 0600am opening time. A sauna, changing room, shower room if required is available also on the 52nd floor, plus a brilliant gymnasium too. So happy in celebration of our Sapphire Wedding Anniversary spent here, TOTALLY ENJOYED EVERY ASPECT! ....and yes, LOVE TO RETURN all well being with us in health in the future 🔮 hopefully. 🙏❤️ My rating..well if there is such a score...A1 and 20 out of 10.. 100 per cent PAR EXCELLANCE ALL THE SHARD AND SHARD SHANGRI-LA. 👍👏👏👏 Our massive thanks to all the wonderful loving staff we met here and made our Sapphire 45th Wedding Anniversary so special....the ultimate human best in service and kindness to wife and I was shown in one of the world most iconic buildings, another world indeed. ...UNFORGETTABLE YOU ALL ARE!!! WORLD CLASS! ❤️💞💞🙏....Patricia and Chris wish you all the very best in the future...and a special mention to waitors JORGE at the Aqua Shard restaurant; Alan at the Hutong restaurant, and Reception manager Tyrone and Dumi at the Shangri-la reception desk, and also to all the security/ door staff at the Shangri-la and lovely Maria...so loving, kind and helpful to us both in our departure Monday 20/10/25 1300pm. From Patricia & Chris with...

Standing at an imposing 310 metres, The Shard is not just the tallest building in the United Kingdom but a symbol of modern London itself. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, this glass-clad skyscraper redefines vertical living and working space with a striking fusion of aesthetics, engineering, and luxury.

Architecture & Design

From the outside, The Shard’s tapering form and fragmented glass façade evoke the image of a shard of glass piercing the sky – a concept that not only influenced its name but continues to define its visual impact on the city. Its design is unapologetically modern yet oddly harmonious with the historic landmarks surrounding it. At different times of day, the building reflects the sky in varying ways, creating a dynamic and evolving presence.

Views and the ‘View from The Shard’

Arguably the biggest draw for the general public is the View from The Shard – the observation decks located on floors 68 to 72. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 40 miles in every direction. The panorama includes many of London’s key sights: Tower Bridge, the Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf, and even Windsor Castle on particularly clear days.

The experience is well-managed, with timed ticketing to avoid overcrowding. The open-air sky deck offers a rare chance to feel the height while still feeling secure. It's particularly striking during sunset or after dark, when the city lights come alive.

Dining & Hospitality

The Shard houses some of London’s most prestigious dining options. Aqua Shard, Oblix, and Hutong offer not just exceptional cuisine but unforgettable views. Each restaurant occupies a different level and has its own distinct atmosphere and culinary direction, from contemporary British to high-end Asian fusion.

Additionally, Shangri-La The Shard, the luxury hotel spanning floors 34 to 52, provides five-star accommodation with floor-to-ceiling windows, world-class service, and an infinity pool that quite literally floats above the city. Staying here is not just about comfort – it’s about the experience of sleeping among the clouds.

Functionality & Mixed Use

What makes The Shard particularly interesting is its mixed-use design. It houses offices, restaurants, a hotel, residential apartments, and a public viewing gallery. This makes it a vertical community in its own right, blending corporate life with hospitality and leisure in one seamless structure.

Accessibility & Location

Located directly above London Bridge Station, The Shard couldn’t be easier to access by public transport. Trains, Underground lines, and numerous bus routes converge here, making it a convenient stop for both tourists and professionals.

Criticisms & Considerations

While The Shard is often lauded for its design and ambition, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that the ticket prices for the viewing gallery are steep compared to similar observatories around the world. Others feel it symbolises the increasing exclusivity of London’s skyline – much of the building is off-limits to the public, including its ultra-luxury residences, some of which remained unsold or unoccupied for years.

Final Thoughts

Despite some of the criticisms, The Shard remains a must-visit for anyone coming to London. Whether you’re a tourist looking for the best view in town, a diner in search of a meal with a view, or simply a lover of architecture, The Shard offers a uniquely vertical slice of London life. It’s a modern marvel that encapsulates ambition, luxury, and a bold reimagining of what it means to build in a historic...

THE SHARD LONDON : as the sun sets, The Shard comes alive with a stunning hourly lighting display. From sunset until 1am, the top 20 storeys of the UK's tallest building are transformed by 575 energy-efficient LED units, each marking the hour with a brilliant burst of light that celebrates the passing of time. London's highest and best view is situated at the top of The Shard, on floors 68, 69 and 72. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, it offers visitors unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles.

During the height of UK winter, the display may begin as early as 5pm. The lights then mark each hour until 1am, when they gracefully transition into a low-power sustain mode, ensuring that this iconic beacon continues to shine throughout the night. At civil dusk, The Shard Lights ignite in a dazzling hourly display. With seasonally adjusted start times—beginning as early as 5pm in winter—the lights mark the passing of each hour until 1am, before transitioning to a low-power mode that keeps this iconic beacon shining throughout the night. Western Europe's Tallest Timepiece. Discover The Shard's exceptional facilities, from stunning city views at The View from The Shard to luxurious stays at Shangri-La Hotel, world-class dining, elegant bars, and premium retail and office spaces.

In addition to its impressive height, The Shard is also known for its unique design. The building features a distinctive glass facade that reflects the changing colours of the sky and surrounding cityscape, creating a stunning visual effect.

Tickets are required for everyone visiting The View from The Shard except for children aged three and under. There are two ways to gain free entry to the Shard: using one of the London tourist passes or visiting one of the restaurants in the Shard. There are a couple of viewing levels, one indoors and another which is described as 'outdoors' on squelchly artificial grass with the remaining structure towering above you and large glass walls all around.

As you make your way up to Level 72, you'll be able to step out onto London's highest open air skydeck where you can take in the spectacular views of the city. Renowned as the highest hotel pool in Western Europe, the infinity Sky Pool sits on level 52, and alongside the Sky Sauna offers guests an exclusive oasis with unparalleled views of London.

The Shard is symbolic of the disparagement of the people of Southwark, and embodies the arrogant and insensitive city that London is becoming. Brennan is suggesting that individualism is the root cause of marginalization within cities, and that social mixing within a community dooms the existence of the lower classes. Opening vents in the gaps or 'fractures' between the shards, provide natural ventilation to winter gardens. Unusually, the public has access to the building, to enjoy the vertiginous views from the top viewing platforms or eat at one of the building's seven restaurants.

The nearest tube station to The Shard is London Bridge. The Jubilee and Northern lines serve...