The Shard

The tallest building in Western Europe at 310m high (1, 016 ft), The Shard has quickly become one of London's most famous and easily recognisable landmarks. The sharp building has a crystalline façade and its attraction, The View from The Shard, boasts view of London at a distance of 40 miles.

The View from The Shard boasts panoramic views of the city stretching as far as 40 miles into the vast and fading distance. In the first viewing gallery on Level 68 you'll find Tell:Scopes; 12 computer-like telescopes that show the astounding view real-time and highlight significant landmarks and places of interest. They also show pre-recorded views at different times of the day.

At Level 72, the highest viewpoint in The Shard, you'll find the partially open-aired gallery. At 800ft, the breath-taking view combined with the majestic soundtrack and gushing wind is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you really do have to feel first hand to appreciate fully. The awe-inspiring view is second to none, and is already a popular place for engagements.

On a visit to the attraction you will be guided through every step of the journey by the attentive and informative staff members, right from the entrance and all the way to the pinnacle where you'll encounter graffitied walls and kaleidoscopic lifts. On your journey up, the multimedia ceilings creates the effect of soaring through iconic ceilings and roofs of London, while on the way back down you are transported through a receding skyline and the changing seasons before arriving back in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day London streets.

The Shard is used for other various purposes. On the lower floors are elegant and chic offices while above that are a series of high class and delectable restaurants recognised the world over. The third section is home to the 5-star Shangri-La hotel, above which are the residential apartments. (It is worth noting that both the restaurants and hotel are due to open later in the year.) At the top of the building is debatably the most popular part of the building, the 360° viewing area, where spectacular, panoramic views of London can be enjoyed.

Found near London Bride, The Shard is right in the centre of the capital. With views over the River Thames and London's most famous streets, it is certainly not to be missed. To book tickets and visit the View From the Shard, click here.

Tickets are pre-booked from the website and cost £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children. Alternatively you can call the box office on +44 844 499 7111.

The View from the Shard is open from 9am - 10pm daily (closed on 25 December).