The Shard

The Shard is a 72-storey glass skyscraper completed in 2012, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and rising 310 metres above London Bridge. It's the tallest building in the United Kingdom and one of the most recognisable skylines additions in Europe. The building houses offices, restaurants, a hotel (Shangri-La), and at the top, a public viewing gallery called The View from The Shard — which is the main reason most visitors come.

The viewing experience spans floors 68, 69, and 72, with the uppermost level being a partially open-air 'skydeck' where you feel the wind and get entirely unobstructed sightlines. On a clear day you can see roughly 40 miles in every direction — out over the Thames, across to Canary Wharf and the City, west toward the West End, and on exceptionally clear days as far as Windsor Castle. Interactive telescopes help you pick out landmarks, and the lift ride itself is a theatrical moment, with a light show synced to your ascent. The building also contains Oblix, a well-regarded restaurant and bar on level 32, which offers a similar (if lower) vantage point over a meal or cocktail.

The big insider tip: book a timed entry slot and go at dusk. You arrive in daylight, watch the sun drop over the city, and stay as the lights come on — it's far more dramatic than either full daylight or full dark. Nights and weekends sell out well in advance, especially in summer and around the holidays, so booking ahead isn't optional if you want a specific time. If you're budget-conscious, a drink at Oblix bar on level 32 gives you a spectacular view for the price of a cocktail rather than the ticket.