London From the Clouds: A Shard Experience

London’s skyline is a fascinating tapestry of old and new, and there’s no better place to appreciate it than from the dizzying heights of the Shard. This iconic skyscraper is Western Europe’s tallest building. One brisk December day in London, Nan and I experienced “The View from the Shard,” a panoramic experience that truly lives up to its name. 

Stepping into the high-speed elevators, we were whisked up to levels 68, 69, and 72, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a breathtaking 360-degree vista. From this vantage point, familiar landmarks like the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the winding River Thames appear as intricate miniatures. On a bright day, you can see the sites of London, up to 40 miles away, and even at that height, still spot the famous red double-decker buses moving along the streets below.  

The knowledgeable and rather comedic staff offer a fun and educational presentation about the Shard, on the open-air 72nd floor several times an hour. We learned a lot! 

Designed by Reno’s Piano, The Shard stands at a staggering 309.6 meters (1016 feet). It’s distinctive, fragmented glass façade reflects the sky, creating a shimmering, ever-changing appearance. The glazed façade, a double skin with automatic solar blinds, allows natural light to penetrate the building.  

The design was inspired by the spires of London’s churches and the masts of sailing ships depicted by the 18th-century Venetian painter Canaletto. The building’s pyramidal shape allows for efficient use of space, with the lower floors dedicated to commercial areas and offices, and the upper floors housing the Shard viewing area, the Shangri-La Hotel, and luxury residences. I can only imagine waking up to that view every morning! 

The price tag for the residences ranges from 30-50 million pounds. Parking for the hotel and residences is like something out of a movie, with the automated moving-shelf system to park and retrieve your car. Worth its weight in gold— if you have ever driven in London, parking is pretty much non-existent and very costly.  

Whether you visit during the day, when the city buzzes with activity, or at night, when the twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere, the view is simply spectacular. It’s a fantastic way to get a sense of London’s vastness and intricate layout. 

Beyond “The View from the Shard,” the Shard offers a luxurious and comfortable experience. The observation decks are spacious, and there’s many opportunities to take photos and soak in the atmosphere.  

We found an area at the top with several high-top tables and sipped a couple of glasses of champagne, while staring into the distance at Big Ben. If you have some hungry little ones along, they also offer all kinds of snacks and ice cream. If you would prefer a meal, before or after, there are many nearby. We had eaten prior to our tour, at the Grind riverside restaurant near the London Bridge. The fish and chips and Caesar salad were excellent, and the view of the Thames was stunning. It was so much fun to watch the large Uber boats transporting people to work or play, so much faster than sitting in London traffic. 

Our trips to the Shard made for an exciting adventure and provided us with a unique and unforgettable perspective on London. If you happen to go on what is called a zero-visibility day, as we did on our first trip to the Shard, you are given a link to rebook another visit, free of charge later.  

Our first visit was still very enjoyable, but a little eerie at first, being engulfed in the clouds. It was a vastly different experience than flying thru the clouds on an airplane, because here, you are actually standing in the clouds!  

 The staff was quite hilarious, as they pointed in the direction where the invisible landmarks stood, as you could see absolutely nothing but clouds. Our return visit in January was a clear, beautiful blue-sky day,100% visibility they called it, and the view was unbelievable!  

So, please be sure to add “The View from the Shard,” to your must-see list on your next trip to London! It is definitely one for the memory books! Remember to book in advance, dress for the weather, and prepare to have a bad hair day. Oh, and don’t forget the champagne, it really does enhance the view.