The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London
London, United Kingdom

The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 60 4.2 · 14 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $79

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$79
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour worth booking?

The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour is a 5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $79 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (14)
Duration
5 hours
From
$79 per person

Ever wondered what London looks like from 244m above sea level? Almost double the height of any other viewing platform in London, The Shard offers an unbeatable view of the capital. It’s the perfect way to see the city

What you get

    About this experience

    Ever wondered what London looks like from 244m above sea level? Almost double the height of any other viewing platform in London, The Shard offers an unbeatable view of the capital. It’s the perfect way to see the city after exploring the iconic sights of Westminster close-up! First, you’ll meet your friendly local guide in Green Park to begin a fun 3-hour tour of Westminster. You’ll see many of London’s iconic sights, including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliament Square. You can even see the Changing of the Guard (daily in June & July, otherwise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)! Afterwards, your guide will direct you how to get to The Shard, where a high-speed elevator will take you to floor 68. Once here, enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view stretching out across the city for up to 40 miles! If you’re feeling brave, you can even head up to the open air viewing platform on level 72!

    What's included

    Included

    • The Shard Viewing Gallery Entrance Ticket
    • Walking tour of the Top 20 sights of London (3 hours)
    • Local Fun Guide

    Not included

    • Please bring an Oyster Card or Travel Card with at least £5 (2 rides)
    • Food and drinks (please bring your own drinks & packed lunch)
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off : please meet us at the starting point
    • Umbrella if it looks like rain!

    What you'll see and do

    1. Buckingham Palace

      After a stroll through lovely Green Park, we reach Buckingham Palace - official home of the King! Your guide will tell stories of British Royal history as you admire this beautiful Palace. On certain days you can watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and your guide will find the perfect viewing spot! Afterward, walk along the Royal Mall.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Trafalgar Square

      Reaching this iconic public square, you’ll see Nelson’s Column, the stunning fountains, and famous buildings including The National Gallery.

      20 minutes here

    3. Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

      Continue to Horse Guards Parade, on the edge of stunning St. James Park. We’ll stop to admire its famous arch and iconic clock - a great photo opportunity!

      20 minutes here

    4. Whitehall

      Next, your guide will lead you to nearby Whitehall. This is home to many grand buildings and monuments, as well as Downing Street where British Prime Ministers have lived and worked since 1735!

      20 minutes here

    5. Houses of Parliament

      At Parliament Square, you’ll see the incredible Palace of Westminster (home to the Houses of Parliament) and the iconic Big Ben clock up close, as well as views of the London Eye and Churchill Statue.

      40 minutes here

    6. Westminster Abbey

      Continue to nearby Westminster Abbey - one of London’s most beautiful buildings with over 1000 years of history. This is where British Kings and Queens are crowned!

      20 minutes here

    7. The View from The Shard

      After the walking tour, your guide will provide directions to The Shard, where a high-speed elevator takes you to the 68th floor. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views stretching up to 40 miles, and if you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the open-air viewing platform on level 72!

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    •⁠ ⁠We meet outside of the Ritz hotel (Address: 150 Piccadilly) •⁠ ⁠Next to 2 red telephone boxes & 2 souvenir stands, underneath one of the Ritz signs •⁠ ⁠The nearest tube station is Green Park Underground station

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please note that your walking tour guide will not join you at The Shard. Tickets and directions will be given at the end of your walking tour. The Shard is around 13 mins away by public transport - transport cost will be approx. £5.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Top Sights Tours Group LLC

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London, photo 2The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London, photo 3The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London, photo 4The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London, photo 5The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London, photo 6The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour in London, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    14 verified traveler reviews for The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Esther_N · July 2026

    Best guide Brandon

    A worthwhile experience especially with Brandon who knew all the right places to stop for exceptional photos to be taken! Definitely the best guide we’ve ever had take us on tour!

    via Viator

    Battess · June 2026

    Brilliant guided tour of Westminster with Brandon

    We thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Brandon, he was well informed of the places we visited, getting us front view places at the King’s Horse guards changing duties. He was pleasantly entertaining the whole group enjoyed the tour with Brandon as our guide!

    via Tripadvisor

    mariacX3881GZ · July 2025

    Fabulous Westminster Tour

    The Westminster walking tour with Tanya was wonderful. Her knowledge combined with her sense of humor made the walk quite enjoyable. However, The Shard was a bit underwhelming for my family. I wish I would've chosen another add on to the walking tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    lindadY4693CY · May 2024

    Introduce yourself to the highlights of London with Greg!

    Absolutely excellent tour! Lots of behind-the-scenes information and history from a retired teacher. Greg made everything interesting and relevant. We saw every highlight listed and had such a lovely walk in Green Park. We were even able to see the entrance to the palatial home where the king and queen live. We (college student and grandparents) highly recommend this tour! Did not realize when we booked that we would be on our own to get to the Shard and the viewing gallery. Ended up not to be any trouble at all and the incredible views from the Shard are not to be missed!

    via Tripadvisor

    John_D · August 2023

    I would like a refund for tour no. 1024531469

    The Shard was shut on the day of my viewing and had been shut for weeks . Viator had taken my money whilst knowing that the Shard was closed. The Westminster walking tour was very good by Sandra. John Dawson

    Response from the operator: Hi John 100% : refund coming your way for the Shard portion of the tour. A big sorry from us for the closure : we werent aware until the last minute. Apologies !

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $79 to $105
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)62
    Review evidence (18% weight)36
    Booking momentum (14% weight)28
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)26
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

    +

    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

    +

    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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