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Did You Know? Top Facts About The Shard

Dominating the London skyline, The Shard is also one of the most recognised buildings in the world.

Since opening on 1st February, 2013, The Shard has fast become one of London's most popular attractions, thanks to the highest viewpoint of the city offering unparalleled panoramas over London at The View from The Shard. But, do you know exactly how tall is The Shard? Or the number of glass panels make up the exterior?

Read on to find out some of our favourite top facts about The Shard.

How tall is The Shard?

The Shard is 306 metres tall, however if you measure all the way up to the tip, it's 310 metres, easily making it Western Europe's tallest building. The viewing platform at The View from The Shard ascends to 244 metres, offering unparalleled views over London for up to 40 miles.

Is The Shard the tallest building in the world?

Is The Shard the tallest building in London? The answer is yes! In fact, The Shard is not only the tallest building in London, but it is also the tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Standing at an impressive height of 309.6 meters (1,016 feet), The Shard is a 72-story skyscraper located in Southwark, London. Designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, The Shard is part of The Shard Quarter development and has become one of London's most iconic landmarks since its completion in 2012.

But how does The Shard measure up to other tall buildings around the world? While it may not be the tallest building in the world (that honor goes to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at a towering 828 meters or 2,716 feet), The Shard still holds its own. In fact, it is the fourth tallest building in Europe and the 96th tallest building in the world!

In addition to its impressive height, The Shard is also known for its unique design. The building features a distinctive glass facade that reflects the changing colors of the sky and surrounding cityscape, creating a stunning visual effect. The Shard is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, offices, and even a hotel, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

So whether you're looking to take in the breathtaking views from The View from The Shard observation deck, enjoy a meal at one of the building's many restaurants, or simply admire its striking architecture from afar, The Shard is definitely worth a visit.

Shard London Observation Deck

The observation deck at The View from The Shard offers unparalleled panoramas of London, with views stretching up to 40 miles on a clear day. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the indoor viewing gallery on the 69th floor or the open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor.

Shard London Skyline View

The View from The Shard offers some of the best skyline views in London, with panoramic vistas stretching out over the city in all directions. From the indoor viewing gallery on the 69th floor, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of London's iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London (not the same thing!), St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye.

On the open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor, visitors can feel the wind in their hair and take in the sights and sounds of the city from above. The Skydeck features state-of-the-art telescopes that provide close-up views of the city's famous landmarks, as well as interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Shard's construction and design. Whether you're a first-time visitor to London or a seasoned local, a trip to The View from The Shard is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on one of the world's greatest cities.

What are the other names for The Shard?

The Shard wasn't always known by it's infamous name, but rather was formerly called the London Bridge Tower. Nowadays, alternative names for the building are Shard of Glass and Shard London Bridge, but almost everyone refers to the structure as "The Shard.

How many glass pieces is The Shard made out of?

Modelled after a shard of glass - it's only natural that The Shard be made up of glass - 11,000 glass panels to be precise. With a total area of the glass facade adding up to 56,000 sq. metres, that is the equivalent of eight football pitches!

Restaurants Near the Shard London

Looking for a great meal near the Shard in London? Look no further than these top Shard restaurants! From fine dining with stunning views at Aqua Shard, to award-winning Chinese cuisine at Hutong, to sustainably sourced Asian-inspired dishes at TĪNG, there's something for everyone. For a more casual option, check out Oblix for pizza, pasta, and burgers, or head to The Mudlark gastropub for traditional British fare. And don't forget to explore the world-famous Borough Market for a wide variety of fresh produce, prepared foods, and drinks. Visit the links below to learn more about each restaurant:

What's in The Shard?

The View from The Shard is actually made up of three floors - taking up the 68th, 69th and 72nd floor. With an indoor viewing gallery and interactive multimedia Tell:Scopes where you can discover London's past, present and future; as well as an open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor, it's a can't-miss London landmark!

Shard View Tickets

The View from The Shard is one of the most popular attractions in London, offering breathtaking views of the city from the 72nd floor of the Shard. If you're planning a visit, it's important to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

Shard London Cost

The cost of visiting The View from The Shard varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase. Standard tickets start at £27.95 for adults and £21.95 for children, while fast-track tickets start at £34.95 for adults and £28.95 for children. There are also a variety of packages available that include extras like champagne, afternoon tea, and souvenir photos. Please confirm with the provider's website for latest prices, as they change on ocassion.

Shard London Opening Times

The View from The Shard is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with last entry at 9pm. However, opening times may vary on public holidays and during special events, so it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

What's the average lift speed?

The average lift speed in The Shard is 6 metres per second. This makes it a smooth and speedy journey to the top. You might even feel your ears pop!

Who's Romeo the fox?

Back in 2011, a fox was found living on the 72nd floor of The Shard. The animal, nicknamed Romeo by the staff, entered through one of the stairwells. He then made its way up the building, surviving on scraps of food left by the neighbouring buildings.

5 Interesting Facts About the Shard in London

  1. The Shard stands at 309.6 meters tall and has 95 storeys, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the fourth tallest in Europe. (source: The Guardian)
  2. The Shard has 11,000 glass panels and 44 lifts. (source: The Guardian)
  3. The builders of the Shard were environmentally conscious, and 95% of the building materials used were recycled. (source: LondonTopia)
  4. The Shard has its own combined heat and power plant (CHP) to meet the building's energy needs. (source: LondonTopia)
  5. The Shard's public gallery, The View from The Shard, is located on the 72nd floor and offers unparalleled panoramas of London. (source: London Pass)

Consider adding The View from The Shard to your itinerary during your trip with The London Pass®. You'll make great savings on comined admission vs. paying at the gate, and your pass includes entry to dozens more top attractions in the city!

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