The Shard

“The Shard” is the name of the tallest skyscraper in the UK and the EU. It is in the centre of London. The skyscraper is 310 metres high, it was completed in 2012 and 2012 respectively.

Viewing platform The Shard: Almost at the top, on the 72nd floor, at a height of over 230 metres, is a viewing platform. As a tourist, you can take the lift up there. It has become one of the most popular attractions for visitors to London. Because of the large crowds, you should definitely buy tickets for The Shard online in advance. Tickets are available on this website. From the top, you have a magnificent view over the whole of London, with very good visibility you can see over 50 kilometres away. There is no better view of London from anywhere, not even from the famous, much lower London Eye Ferris wheel.

Location The Shard: The gigantic skyscraper is south of the Thames directly at London Bridge station. London Bridge over the Thames is about 100 metres further north. On the other side of the river, i.e. north of the Thames, is the large banking and financial centre “City of London”, the heart of the city.

Tickets The Shard London You can visit the highest skyscraper in the EU in London. A fast lift takes you up to the 72nd floor to a viewing platform 230 metres above the ground. The view over London is breathtaking. The ride up The Shard skyscraper is now one of the biggest tourist attractions in London. The crowds are enormous, so you should definitely buy tickets with date and time in advance on the internet. The large ticket website Getyourguide is ideal for this:   >>>>> More information and booking

What’s inside The Shard skyscraper?: The building is slightly pyramid-shaped, which means the base is largest at the bottom and gets smaller towards the top. On top of the 72 floors is a large and high spire, the interior of which is also partly used. At the bottom of the entrance area are plants and benches. Directly above is a shopping centre. Now follow many floors with offices. Above that is a high-class hotel and a luxury restaurant. Further up are large and very expensive luxury flats, some costing around 70 million euros. Above that is the visitor platform on the 72nd floor (tickets). The top houses building services, among other things.

Construction The Shard London: The vast majority of the owners are from Qatar. After long delays, construction of The Shard finally began in 2009. The construction time was around 3 years, and in April 2012 the new skyscraper in London was ready. In July 2012, the building was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Qatar. Most tenants moved in during 2013 and 2014.

Our tip: London Pass The best city ticket for tourists. It includes free entry to the Tower, London Zoo, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and The Shard skyscraper. Plus a city tour by bus and a great boat trip on the Thames. A total of about 85 attractions included! The London Pass is available for 1 day or several days (up to 10 days). Pays off for almost every tourist who wants to visit the sights and the city of London. Our recommendation for a city trip to London! >>> More info and booking

The most popular excursion by boat on the Thames Meanwhile, a large part of London tourists take a boat trip on the Thames. Of course, everyone wants to see the center of London from the ship. Thus, the most popular boat tour is from Westminster to Greenwich, that is, across the city center of London. Very often booked tour, you should book online in advance: >>>   At Getyourguide.com you can buy tickets for the ships on the river Thames

Superlative skyscraper The Shard: The building is 310 metres high. When it was completed in 2012, it was the tallest skyscraper in Europe for a few months. Then it was surpassed by the Mercury City Tower in Moscow, which is 28 metres taller. The Shard is still the tallest skyscraper in the European Union. However, there are now 5 skyscrapers in Russia that are taller. The tallest skyscraper in Germany, the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt built in 1999, is only 10 metres lower than the London skyscraper at 300 metres. However, on the list of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, The Shard is not even in the top 50. The tallest skyscraper on earth, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, at 810 metres, is many times taller than the EU’s tallest skyscraper in London. When it comes to skyscrapers, Europe has meanwhile fallen far behind in international comparison.

Name The Shard: The English word shard means shard or (glass) splinter. The Shard is almost completely glazed on the outside. Some people also call the building “London Bridge Tower” or “Shard London Bridge”.

Tickets The Shard London 2024 You can visit the highest skyscraper in the EU in London. A fast lift takes you up to the 72nd floor to a viewing platform 230 metres above the ground. The view over London is breathtaking. The ride up The Shard skyscraper is now one of the biggest tourist attractions in London. The crowds are enormous, so you should definitely buy tickets with date and time in advance on the internet. The large ticket website Getyourguide is ideal for this: >>>>> More information and booking

 

Video visitor platform The Shard (Youtube, 4 min)

The Shard: Detailed Information

The Shard is a modern architectural marvel that has quickly become one of London’s most iconic buildings. Located in the heart of the city, the skyscraper is a symbol of Britain’s economic and cultural vitality and attracts visitors from all over the world.

This article explores the history, design and significance of The Shard and what visitors can expect when visiting this magnificent building.

History

The idea for The Shard was conceived in the 1990s when developer Irvine Sellar bought the site of Southwark Towers, a run-down 1970s office block in central London. Cellar designed a new building for the site with the help of architect Renzo Piano. The building became a landmark in its own right and served as a symbol for 21st century London. Construction of The Shard began in 2009 and the building officially opened in 2012. Since then it has become one of London’s most popular attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Design

The Shard is an incredible feat of engineering and design, 310 metres high and 87 storeys tall. Its distinctive triangular shape is inspired by the spires of London’s churches and the masts of the great sailing ships that used to ply the Thames.

The building is clad in a beautiful glass façade that gives it a dazzling and reflective appearance. The glass panels are designed to reflect the changing sky and surrounding cityscape, creating a dynamic visual experience for visitors.

The interior of The Shard is just as impressive as the exterior. The building is a mix of offices, restaurants and flats, including the Shangri-La Hotel, which occupies floors 34 to 52.

Significance

The Shard is more than just a skyscraper. It has quickly become a symbol of London’s economic and cultural vitality and represents the city’s ambition and vision for the future. The building has also been recognised for its sustainability features, including the use of renewable energy sources and an innovative design that maximises natural light and reduces energy consumption.

Visiting The Shard

If you’re planning a visit to The Shard, there are a few things you should know beforehand.

Tickets:

You will need to buy a ticket to gain access to The Shard Observatory. Tickets can be booked online or at the ticket office on the first floor of the building.

Tickets The Shard London 2024 You can visit the EU’s tallest skyscraper in London. A fast lift takes you up to the 72nd floor to a viewing platform 230 metres above the ground. The view over London is breathtaking. The ride up The Shard skyscraper is now one of the biggest tourist attractions in London. The crowds are enormous, so you should definitely buy tickets with date and time in advance on the internet. The large German ticket website Getyourguide is ideal for this: >>>>> More information and booking

Observatory:

The Shard has two observatories, one on the 68th floor and one on the 72nd floor. Both offer breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings and provide a unique perspective on London’s landmarks.

Dining at The Shard:

The Shard is home to a number of world-class restaurants, including Aqua Shard, Oblix and Hutong. If you are looking for a special culinary experience with a view, The Shard is the perfect place for you.

Security:

The Shard takes security very seriously and visitors must abide by numerous rules and regulations on the premises. This includes passing through security checkpoints and following staff instructions.

Accessibility:

The Shard is accessible to visitors with disabilities and has lifts and ramps that allow easy access to all areas of the building.

All in all, a visit to The Shard is a must for anyone visiting London. Whether you are interested in architecture and history or simply want to enjoy the stunning scenery, The Shard is a unique and unforgettable experience.