Travelling skyward in London
A laser and searchlight show marks the completion of the exterior of the Shard building in central London July 5, 2012. — Reuters picLONDON, July 11 — Inaugurated on July 5 in London, the Shard is now the tallest building in Western Europe at 310 meters. Apart from the offices, the five-star Shangri-La hotel and a selection of world-class restaurants, the Shard offers 360-degree viewing galleries which will open to the general public on February 1, 2013.
The viewing galleries, located on floors 68, 69 and 72, are almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London. They will give guests a 64km view over the city of London accompanied by a set of multimedia displays and sounds of the city.
Tickets
Tickets went on sale late last week and can be booked online at the official website (theviewfromtheshard.com). The website strongly recommends pre-booking online to avoid waiting in line and to save money. Advance bookings can be made online up to four months in advance, based on availability. Tickets can also be booked by phone, up to 24 hours in advance of the visit.
Opening hours
The attraction will be open every day from 9am to 10pm (the last ticket slot is for 8.30pm with last entry at 9pm) to enable guests to experience the very different cityscapes of day and night.
Getting there
The Shard is located near London Bridge, right in the centre of the city, between the West End, Westminster, the South Bank, the City and Canary Wharf. The easiest way of getting there is to take the Underground. The Shard tube stop is London Bridge on the Northern Line and the Jubilee Line.
The entrance to The View is on Joiner Street, which leads to:
• London Bridge Underground Station
• London Bridge Main Line Station (via The Vaults)
• Tooley Street
• St Thomas Street
Ticket Prices
Adult (16+)
Purchased up to 24 hours in advance online: £24.95 (RM125)
Purchased on the day (Limited availability): £29.95
Child (4-15)
Purchased up to 24 hours in advance online £18.95
Purchased on the day (Limited availability) £23.95
Infant (0-3)
Free — AFP/Relaxnews
