What Is The Shard Used For

So, there I was, strolling through London, trying to impress my friend from out of town. You know how it is, you want to show them the big city lights, the iconic sights. I was pointing out the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, when suddenly, she stops dead in her tracks and says, "Wow, what's that?" I turned around, and there it was, looming over us like a giant, shiny Lego block - the Shard.

Now, I'm not one to admit I don't know something, but I had to confess, I had no clue what that towering glass structure was used for. I mean, it's not like it's a castle or a cathedral, it's just... a really tall, pointy building. So, I did what any curious, slightly embarrassed Londoner would do - I promised to find out and report back. And here we are.

So, What's the Shard Used For?

Alright, let's dive in. The Shard, officially known as the Shard of Glass, is a 95-story skyscraper in Southwark, London. It's the tallest building in the UK, and the fourth-tallest building in Europe. But what's inside this glass giant?

Offices, of Course

Well, first off, it's an office building. Surprise, surprise, right? But not just any offices. The Shard is home to some of the most expensive office space in the world. I mean, can you imagine working in a building that's literally taller than the rest? Talk about a view to impress your clients.

But here's the thing, most of the building is actually empty. I know, I know, it's crazy. You'd think with all that space, it would be packed to the rafters. But no, it's only about 70% occupied. The rest is just... empty glass. Isn't that just the most London thing ever? We build a massive, expensive building, and then we don't even use most of it.

Hotels and Restaurants

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, offices make sense, but what about the rest of it?" Well, it's not all work and no play in the Shard. The building is also home to the five-star Raffles Hotel, which takes up the top floors. Fancy a stay in the clouds? It'll cost you, but at least you'll have a view to die for.

The View from the Shard: essential info, events and tickets

And if you're feeling peckish, there are a few restaurants up there too. The Aqua Shard is one of the highest restaurants in the UK, offering panoramic views of the city. I've heard the food's pretty good too, but I'll let you know for sure once I've saved up enough to afford it.

The Viewing Gallery

But here's where things get interesting. You don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy the Shard's views. The building has a public viewing gallery on the 69th and 72nd floors. For a price, of course, but still, it's not bad. You can see pretty much the whole of London from up there. It's like being in a real-life Google Maps.

And get this, the viewing gallery is actually the highest public space in the UK. Isn't that just the coolest? I mean, sure, it's just a big glass box, but it's a big glass box with a view that'll make your Instagram explode.

So, Why the Shard?

But here's the big question - why? Why did we build this giant glass needle in the middle of London? Well, it's all about regeneration, apparently. The Shard was part of a big plan to redevelop the area around London Bridge. It was meant to bring in more tourists, more businesses, more money. And you know what? It kind of worked.

The Shard in London - The Tallest Building in Britain - Go Guides

But it's not without its critics. Some people think it's an eyesore, a waste of money, a symbol of everything that's wrong with modern architecture. Others love it, think it's a symbol of London's strength and resilience. Me? I think it's just a really big, really shiny building. But hey, that's just me.

Visiting the Shard

So, if you're planning a trip to London and you want to see the Shard for yourself, here's what you need to know. Tickets to the viewing gallery start at around £25 for adults, but they can go up to £30 if you want to visit at sunset or after dark. Kids under 4 go free, and under 16s get a discount. It's open every day, but the hours vary depending on the time of year.

And if you're feeling really fancy, you can even get married in the Shard. Yes, you read that right. The viewing gallery is licensed for weddings, so if you've always dreamed of saying "I do" with a view of the whole of London, now you can. Just don't forget to invite me, okay?

And there you have it, folks. The Shard - it's not just a big, pointy building, it's a symbol of London's past, present, and future. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny it's made quite the impression on the city skyline. So, next time you're in London, take a look up. That's the Shard, and that's what it's used for.