Up in the sky
Built in 2012, The Shard is now considered the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Only four other skyscrapers on the entire continent are taller. The Shard would even be the tallest building in the European Union.Experience London from another angle
The skyscraper is 309m (1,039ft) high and has 95 floors, but it is only habitable up to the 72nd level. The highest observation deck is at 244m (800ft), higher than any natural elevation in and around London. Viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors offer a bird's eye view of London's landmarks. The platforms can be reached by one of the 36 lifts, which travel at a speed of 21km/h (31mph).
London Bridge bus station near The Shard | Photo: Unsplash, Robin Ulrich Human habitat within the skyscraper
The building was designed by Renzo Piano - the Italian architect also responsible for the Centre Georges Pompidou and the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The Shard follows the concept of the so-called Vertical City (apartments, offices and entertainment in one building) , its exterior is covered with 11,000 glass panels.
All sights of London at a glance | Photo: Unsplash, Andrea De SantisSee the top-highlights of London
Since The Shard is the highest elevation in London, you can actually see as far as 64km (39,7678 miles) on a clear day! You can see almost all of the city's iconic landmarks from the top - only a few are obscured by other buildings. To the north, you can see the Tower of London, the Walkie Talkie, the Monument, and Tower Bridge. To the east are the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, and to the west are the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tate Modern, and the Houses of Parliament.Not enough of the view?
The Shard has two bars, four restaurants, and a lounge that invites guests to relax and socialize - all offering good views and fine dining. In some restaurants, seats near the windows are reserved for diners who have made reservations for a meal (instead of just drinks, for example). On the 31st floor, Aqua Shard serves modern British cuisine. Oblix is located on the 32nd floor, modern dishes can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. On the 33rd floor, Northern Chinese dishes are served at the Hutong restaurant. The Sky Lounge offers cold snacks and cocktails on the 34th floor, also the Sunday brunch is highly recommended. With British cuisine with Asian influences, the TĪNG on the 35th floor lures guests. On the 52nd floor, the cocktail bar GŎNG is waiting for you! There is also the Bar 31 on the ground floor of The Shard. Please note the appropriate dress codes.