The Shard
On Gingerguide's self-guided London audio tour, The Shard is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- London London guide
About The Shard
Western Europe's tallest building at 310 metres, with a public viewing gallery offering 360-degree views stretching up to 40 miles.
The Shard is Western Europe's tallest building, soaring 310 metres above London Bridge. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, its distinctive pyramidal form was inspired by the spires of London churches and the masts of tall ships that once crowded the Thames.
The View from The Shard, on floors 68-72, offers London's highest public viewing gallery with 360-degree panoramas extending up to 40 miles on a clear day. The open-air observation deck on floor 72 is a thrilling experience.
The building contains offices, restaurants, a hotel, and luxury residences. The exterior is clad in 11,000 glass panels, more glass than covers five football pitches.
Did you know? The Shard is clad in 11,000 glass panels, enough glass to cover five football pitches.
How much time do you need at The Shard?
Around ~60 min works well for The Shard — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at The Shard?
Yes — The Shard made the cut as one of 41 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across London. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of The Shard
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.