The Shard London Viewpoint Review 2026: London Pass Guide
Discover London's breathtaking skyline from The Shard in 2026! Get insider tips on ticket prices, booking methods, and how to use your London Pass for an unforgettable view.
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Discover London's breathtaking skyline from The Shard in 2026! Get insider tips on ticket prices, booking methods, and how to use your London Pass for an unforgettable view.
Your Essential London Travel Itinerary, UK
Our Review: The Shard Observation Deck with the London Pass
Text/Photos © HiBooboo
London, UK, is famously one of the world's top three cities,
and because of that, its cityscape is an absolute must-see.
Among its incredible viewpoints, 'The Shard' stands out as the most iconic.
Today, we're going to share everything about The Shard's ticket prices and how to book,
plus our firsthand experience from our visit!
The Shard (The Shard) |
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Varies on weekdays/weekends, irregular shorter operating hours) Closed: Mostly Mondays, Tuesdays (irregular closures) Location: In front of London Bridge Station |
London's city center boasts numerous landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and London Bridge,
and while it might not always steal the spotlight, The Shard is also a prominent attraction, known for its distinct, pointed exterior.
And on the 68th and 69th floors of this building, there's an observation deck,
perfect for taking in panoramic views of the city.
However, while I've listed the operating hours and regular closure days in the table above,
do note that they sometimes have irregular shorter operating hours or even full closures.
Therefore, when you're booking or planning your itinerary,
it's essential to double-check their operational status.
📌 Next up, there are two main ways to get into The Shard observation deck:
booking a regular ticket or using the London Pass.
The official full price for The Shard is 32 pounds, which is approximately ~$44.
However, you can often find discounted prices through agencies,
and the actual ticket price is usually around ~$28.
Therefore, it's best to book your tickets in advance using the link below or similar platforms.
Book The Shard Discount Tickets Here
Alternatively, using the London Pass is also a great option.
The London Pass is a ticket that grants you access to over 100 attractions and landmarks in and around London.
The Shard is included in the pass,
which is how I visited it myself.
However, the London Pass can be quite pricey,
so we only recommend it if you plan to use it for at least 2 days or more!
You can book your London Pass below.
Now, let me share our experience visiting The Shard observation deck during the daytime.
The Shard's unique, towering exterior is noticeable even from a distance.
Up close, it looks even more distinctive!
Step inside this building and follow the signs that say 'The View' to find the entrance.
This is where your tickets will be checked before you can enter.
Since I used the London Pass,
I was able to enter just by scanning the QR code on my pass.
I visited during the daytime, so there was no waiting line,
and I quickly ascended by elevator all the way up to the
68th floor, where the observation deck is located.
The Shard's unique design means the building narrows
as it rises to higher floors.
Because of this, while the building looks absolutely massive from the outside,
the observation deck itself felt surprisingly cozy and compact inside.
However, the view of
London's cityscape from The Shard's observation deck was truly extraordinary.
Despite its reputation as one of the world's greatest cities, I was struck by the relative lack of super-tall
skyscrapers nearby,
and how fascinating it was to spot iconic landmarks scattered throughout the view.
It was particularly amazing to see major landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St. Paul's Cathedral
pop up here and there. Having just visited these places
individually before coming to The Shard made the experience even more rewarding and insightful!
Beyond that, there were countless other sights to behold, like the numerous railways
crisscrossing London, the bridges spanning the river, and even the London Eye twinkling in the distance!
While most urban observation decks offer views dominated by a concrete jungle
of skyscrapers, London's panorama is distinctly different and truly captivating!
What's more, there's a cafe & bar inside the observation deck where you can savor delicious
pastries and drinks while soaking in the incredible view.
Considering London's typically high prices, it wasn't as expensive as I expected,
so if you have some time, it would be lovely to pause and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
I also ventured one floor higher to the 69th-floor observation deck,
but aside from a green mat covering the floor,
there wasn't any significant difference.
Honestly, a leisurely visit to the 68th floor is more than enough!
Today, we've explored a spot you absolutely must include in your London travel itinerary!
So, we've just explored The View from The Shard.
From this incredible vantage point, you can gaze upon London's iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and beyond,
the expansive River Thames stretching far below, and even the bustling city's train stations.
It truly offers a unique kind of romance, distinct from any ordinary urban view.
What's more, especially considering London's notoriously high prices,
the entrance fee isn't excessively steep,
making it absolutely worth experiencing at least once!
The Shard observation deck typically operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but hours may vary between weekdays and weekends, and there might be irregular shorter operating hours. Closing days are usually Mondays and Tuesdays, but there are also irregular closures, so it's essential to reconfirm the operating status before your visit.
There are two ways to enter The Shard observation deck: by pre-booking an admission ticket or by using the London Pass. The official full price is 32 pounds (approximately ~$44), but you can often purchase actual tickets for around ~$28 through agencies.
The London Pass includes admission to The Shard observation deck, allowing you to experience approximately 100 attractions within London and its surrounding areas. However, since the London Pass is quite expensive, it is recommended for travelers who plan to use it for at least two days or more.
From the 68th and 69th-floor observation decks of The Shard, you can view various London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye, as well as the River Thames and railways. The 68th floor has a cafe & bar where you can enjoy drinks, while the 69th floor has no particular difference from the 68th floor, apart from having a green mat on the floor.
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