The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard is the highest public viewpoint in London, inside the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Renzo Piano's glass spire opened in 2012 above London Bridge station, and its viewing galleries sit around two hundred and forty metres up, roughly twice the height of the London Eye. From there the city lays itself out like a map. Directly below is the Thames curving past Tower Bridge and the Tower of London; to the west you see St Paul's dome, the Houses of Parliament and the Eye; to the east Canary Wharf and the Greenwich peninsula; on a clear day the view runs out past the edges of Greater London to the hills beyond. The visit begins with high-speed lifts from the ground, which take you up in a matter of seconds, followed by a short transfer to the main indoor gallery. The upper level is partly open to the sky, with only glass screens between you and the wind, and it is the part people remember, though it has had spells of planned maintenance closure, so check what is open when you book. Telescopes help you pick out landmarks, and staff are happy to point things out. Tickets are timed and booked online, with optional extras such as a glass of champagne. The big decision is timing: clear mornings are best for distance, while the hour around sunset, when the light changes and the city switches on below, is the most dramatic and the most in demand. Visibility matters more here than at any other viewpoint, so watch the forecast and, where your ticket allows, keep your options open.

Is the Shard the best view in London? For sheer height, yes, and it is the only viewpoint that puts the entire city below you. Its competitors each have a different case. The London Eye moves, which many people prefer, and it sits right by Westminster. The free Sky Garden in the City is lower but costs nothing if you book in advance and has a garden and bars. Tower Bridge's walkways are about history rather than panorama. If you want the one big view of London and are willing to pay for it, the Shard is the choice, and it is well placed for an afternoon that takes in Borough Market and the riverside.

Making the most of the visit: book a slot about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight, at golden hour and lit up, and allow at least an hour at the top. Clear days after rain often give the sharpest visibility. Wear something warm if you plan to linger on the open level. The building also houses restaurants, bars and a hotel on other floors, which require separate bookings; a drink at one of the bars is an alternative way to see the view, but the dedicated galleries are higher and offer the full 360 degrees. The entrance is on Joiner Street, beside London Bridge station, which is served by the Jubilee and Northern lines and national rail.

For families, the lift ride and the sense of height are exciting, though younger children may lose interest once the novelty fades. For couples the dusk slot is one of London's classic romantic experiences, and champagne packages make it easy to mark an occasion. Photographers should know that the glass reflects interior lights after dark, so press the lens close to the window. Combination tickets that include Tower Bridge or river cruises are often available and can make sense if you are spending the day around London Bridge.