A View from the Shard

A view from The Shard, something everyone living in London should get to see at least once and something that every tourist should put on their list while visiting London. It doesn't just offer the best views of London but also poses as the highest viewing platform in the capital as well as offering a 5-star hotel and spa: The Shangri-La. The Shard offers lots of restaurants and bars to suite everyone tastes. Unfortunately on this occasion I only had the pleasure of seeing the views from The Shard rather than dining there and spending the night in a luxurious room with phenomenal views of London. 

The view offered by this impressive building, to which I only realised was named The Shard as the shape of the building is meant to resemble a shard of glass, is well worth the price. There are a range of prices depending on the ticket you would like to purchase: standard, premium and VIP ticket - each include their own perks and benefits. There's also options to buy group tickets as well as the champagne experience which includes a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne (I would recommend buying this experience if you're celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary). The standard ticket prices start at £24, the premium ticket starts at £31 and the VIP ticket starts at £39. These prices represent an adult ticket that's bought 14+ days before visiting The Shard. Prices increase if you buy between 1-13 days before visiting as well as if you buy on the day. I would suggest buying tickets 14+ days before to avoid queues and the disappointment if all the time slots on that day are sold out. On this occasion I bought a standard ticket which included entry to The Shard's viewing platform as well as having the option to gain knowledge regarding The Shard from gallery experts working there. More information regarding the types of tickets available can be found here and tickets can also be bought here: https://www.the-shard.com/viewing-gallery/​.

The Shard is one of the most accessible attractions in London and the best thing about it is that you ​definitely can't miss it! It's located just outside of London Bridge station, which is accessible on the Jubilee and Northern lines as well as from trains that travel through and out of London. There are a number of buses that travel to London Bridge since it's one of the biggest train stations in London, making it an important and convenient place for Londoners and tourists.  It's also located very close to Tower Bridge and the Shakespeare Globe which are all within walking distance. Whether you walk, cycle, take the train or even get a taxi, The Shard has signs all around London Bridge station directing you to the entrance. There are even workers outside asking visitors if they would like to buy tickets, which is another obvious sign that you have found the entrance to the building. 

Since my viewing at The Shard was at 10am, I had no problems with collecting my tickets from the ticket office and there were barely any queues for security. If you want to save time then you have the option of printing your tickets at home which allows you to go straight through security and have more time to see the views presented by The Shard. If you bring children to The Shard then even waiting to go through security will not prove to be a bore for them since there's artwork all over the walls, I got so enticed by this artwork that I didn't realise the security team were waiting for me to go through next. The security is similar to the airport, all you need to do is place your bags and shoes through an x-ray machine while you walk through a metal detector. Nothing too strenuous. 

Once you've gone through security the next step would be waiting for the elevator. This queue moves quite fast but once again the size of the queue depends on the time of day and time of year you visit. There are two elevators that you will need to take, each one holding only around 7-8 people making it not too claustrophobic and giving everyone their own personal space. The first elevator will take you up to Level 33, once on that floor if you look down you will see artwork on the floor and walls which are giant maps of London and descriptions about them. It's also important to note that if you would like a picture taken by a photographer which includes a green screen (which in the picture looks like you're in front of a London view), it's just before the first elevator, which pictures can be purchased at the end of your viewing on the way out. The second elevator is less than a minutes walk away from the exit of the first elevator, this elevator takes you to Level 68. Both of these elevators are quite smooth in their transition between floors and it didn't even feel like I was in a elevator except for the moment my ears popped. Once arriving at Level 68 there's options to walk up or take another small elevator to Level 69, the main triple height viewing platform. If you're a lover of heights then you can even go further to Level 72 which has an open-air viewing platform, this gives the sense of feeling  outside since you can feel the fresh air surround you. 

The views from these floors are simply breathtaking, it made such a busy and populated capital look simply tiny, it was interesting looking at these views to think that there are over 8 million people scattered all over London at this moment. I cannot describe how these views compare to any images you may have seen of London, the experience would be simply magnificent at night since London would be lit up which really adds a factor of amazement to it. However, the view at night may prevent you from seeing buildings in detail and it may take a while to get a picture worth posting to Instagram. These viewing platforms also include telescopes that include 200 attractions all over London as well as having the option to view these at night or throughout the day (as they're prerecorded). There are also touch screen tablets which highlight specific landmarks close to The Shard such as The London Eye and Tower Bridge, this is another option to visit The Shard if you have children, they'll have as much fun as you will. 

On the way out of The Shard you'll have the option to buy any photographs previously taken, which cost £15, I'm not too sure if this price has increased or decreased since I never got my picture taken but I've heard this price from many friends and family. You'll also have to pass through the gift shop, this is a downside if you have children since they will want everything, thankfully there are some items which are priced reasonably but others are way too expensive. If you're visiting The Shard then it would be better to buy a guidebook or a limited edition souvenir to remind you of your visit. You're also welcome to take pictures from your phone or camera on these viewing platforms, an option I prefer since it's cheaper as well as having the chance to take as many pictures as I want to get the perfect one.