The View from The Shard: Floor 72

The View from The Shard is London’s highest dedicated viewing attraction, with indoor viewing galleries on Levels 68 and 69 and an open-air sky deck on Level 72. Weather makes a real difference at this height, so check the forecast and understand the venue’s View Guarantee before choosing your time slot.

The View from The Shard: key information

The View from The Shard: our experience

Although we have lived in London for years, we still enjoy exploring the city as tourists. Going to the top of The Shard was one experience we had wanted to try for a long time.

Unfortunately, the first day we booked turned out to be very snowy. We went thinking it would be wonderful to watch the snow from so high up, but in reality we could hardly see anything. Before leaving, we spoke to the team and received passes to return later because of the poor visibility.

We went back on a day with a much better forecast and timed the visit so we could watch daylight turn to dusk. The difference was enormous.

On arrival, you pass through an airport-style security check before taking the high-speed lifts. The main viewing galleries are on Levels 68 and 69, and you can continue to the open-air sky deck on Level 72. The upper deck is open to the sky, although parts of the experience may be affected by severe weather or safety conditions.

Was it worth it? For us, yes. Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the City skyline are particularly impressive from this side of London. You can also see St Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf, the London Eye and Big Ben farther away. Visiting around sunset gives you daylight views followed by the illuminated city, but those time slots are understandably popular.

What is included with a ticket?

A standard ticket includes access to the viewing platforms on Levels 68 and 69, the open-air sky deck on Level 72 and a digital photo package. Bars on Levels 69 and 72 sell drinks and a limited selection of snacks; food and drink purchased elsewhere cannot be brought into the viewing galleries.

There is no fixed visit duration. Many visitors spend around an hour, but you can remain until the attraction closes. The bars normally stop serving approximately 30 minutes before closing.

The View Guarantee

Eligible paid tickets include a View Guarantee. If poor weather means you cannot see at least three of these five landmarks—London Eye, Walkie-Talkie, Tower Bridge, One Canada Square and St Paul’s Cathedral—the venue can issue a complimentary General Entry return voucher.

The voucher is valid for at least three months, but you must speak to the Duty Manager and collect it before leaving on the day of your visit. It cannot be claimed afterwards. Complimentary tickets, selected third-party tickets, promotional tickets and special-event tickets may be excluded, so check the conditions attached to the ticket you buy.

This is particularly important if you book through a reseller: do not assume the official View Guarantee applies unless it is stated in that ticket’s conditions.

Opening times and the best time to visit

Opening times vary throughout the year and can change for events. Check the official opening calendar before booking. The final admission is one hour before closing.

For daytime detail, choose a clear morning or afternoon. For a mix of daylight and night views, book shortly before sunset and stay as the city lights come on. Sunset tickets tend to sell first, and clouds can obscure the view even when the weather at street level seems reasonable.

Tickets and booking

The official ticket site currently advertises General Entry from approximately £24 online, with a standard full price of £32. Dynamic pricing means the amount can change according to date, time and demand, so use the booking calendar for the exact cost of your visit. Walk-up tickets may be available, but advance booking gives you a better choice of times.

All visitors are admitted through 15-minute entry slots. You may enter up to 15 minutes after the time printed on your ticket; later arrival can result in a rebooking charge and entry will depend on capacity.

If you have a London sightseeing pass, check whether The View from The Shard is included with the exact pass product you purchased. Where it is included, a reservation is required through the Go City app and can currently be made up to 15 days ahead.

You can also compare available tickets online. Check the cancellation terms, inclusions and View Guarantee conditions before paying.

Buy tickets to The View from The Shard

Visiting with children

Children under four enter free with a paying adult and do not require a ticket. Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pushchairs cannot be taken onto the viewing platforms, but folded pushchairs can be left in the designated area in the booking hall.

The open-air sky deck is protected, but the height, wind and open roof can feel intense for some children. If anyone in your group is uncomfortable with heights, begin on the enclosed levels and decide whether to continue to Level 72.

Accessibility

The route is step-free from street level to Level 72. A small lift beside the entrance stairs leads to the booking hall, and lifts continue to the viewing floors. Accessible toilets are available on Levels 1 and 68, folding chairs can be requested, and wheelchairs are available if needed.

A disabled visitor who needs assistance can receive one complimentary carer ticket at the Fast Track desk on arrival. The visitor should buy their own ticket in advance and bring accepted proof of disability; the carer ticket cannot be booked beforehand. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome.

How to get to The Shard

The visitor entrance is on Joiner Street, London SE1 9QU. London Bridge Underground and National Rail station is approximately two minutes away. Follow the signs for The Shard and Joiner Street rather than entering through the hotel or one of the building’s restaurants.

While you are in the area, combine the visit with Borough Market, the riverside walk to Tower Bridge or a walk west along the South Bank. Remember that booking a restaurant or the Shangri-La hotel elsewhere in The Shard does not include admission to The View from The Shard.

Alberto & Amy

Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.