Spot the best hotels near The Shard

The Shard is a glass-clad skyscraper that stands at 1,016 feet, making it the tallest building in Western Europe. You can head up to the high-level viewing galleries to enjoy a perspective of the city that stretches for up to 40 miles on a clear day. It is a fantastic spot to watch the tiny trains move through London Bridge or see the river wind past historic sites from a peaceful vantage point. This striking structure stands near a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a modern contrast to the ancient skyline.

London’s skyline changed forever when a glass spire rose high above the South Bank, offering a viewpoint that stretches for 40 miles on a clear day. This vertical city is a feat of modern engineering and provides a unique perspective on the historic capital from high above the clouds.

Planning your visit to the sky

You will need to book tickets to access the observation decks, as an entry fee applies for those heading to the top. The experience is popular, so it is often best to secure your spot online before you arrive at the entrance near London Bridge Station. While you can spend as long as you like taking in the views, most people find that 60 to 90 minutes is plenty of time to see everything.

The building is fully accessible with lifts serving all public floors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the scenery. If you want to see the city transition from day to night, try to time your visit for roughly 30 minutes before sunset. Please check the official website for current opening times and seasonal schedules before you travel.

What to expect at the top

The main attraction is the multi-level gallery, specifically the open-air skydeck on Level 72. Here, you are exposed to the elements and can hear the sounds of the city drifting up from 800 feet below. The glass shards that give the building its name do not actually meet at the top, allowing the skyscraper to breathe naturally.

Inside, you will find high-tech digital telescopes that help you identify landmarks across the horizon. There are also small bars where you can grab a drink while standing in the highest accessible point of the structure. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a 360-degree view, making it easy to spot the river and the tiny-looking trains moving through the city.

A look at the design and history

Designed by the architect Renzo Piano, this structure was completed in 2012 and stands at 1,016 feet tall. It was inspired by the masts of ships that once filled the River Thames and the church spires of old London. The exterior is made of 11,000 glass panels, which were designed to reflect the changing English sky.

Constructing such a massive tower in a busy metropolitan area was a huge task, often requiring cranes to work at record-breaking heights. It eventually opened its doors to the public in February 2013, quickly becoming a permanent fixture of the city's identity. Today, it houses a mix of offices, restaurants, and a hotel, all contained within its shimmering glass walls.

Finding your way around The Shard is easy, and there are plenty of options to stay nearby. You can choose from many different neighbourhoods that offer quick access to this glass spire and the surrounding riverside.

Where to stay nearby

Southwark and London Bridge are the best areas to base yourself if you want to be within a 5-minute walk of the landmark. You will find a mix of high-end luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern boutique hotels that reflect the area's industrial past. For those travelling with children, the South Bank offers family-friendly apartments and larger hotels just a 15-minute stroll away. If you are on a tighter budget, look towards Borough or Elephant and Castle, where you can find reliable chains and trendy hostels. Staying in this part of town means you are right next to famous food markets and the Thames path, making it easy to wander around without needing a car.

Getting to the landmark

You can reach the building easily as it sits directly above London Bridge Station, which serves the Jubilee and Northern lines. If you are coming from King's Cross St. Pancras, the journey takes about 15 minutes by tube, while Gatwick Airport has direct trains that arrive in roughly 30 minutes. The station and the entrance to the building offer step-free access, and you can also arrive by river bus at London Bridge City Pier, located just 500 feet away.

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