72 floors belonging to Europe’s tallest building.

When many of us think of tall buildings we automatically think of New York or Dubai, what we forget is that London now has one of the world’s tallest, standing at 309.6 meters above the ground it goes without saying that the capital cities architecture is on the up. The shard is one of the most phenomenal buildings that  Europe has ever seen, and one fascinating pointer about it is that the site was found before the design was constructed, when the site was sought out and the perimeters were looked at the architects decided to work with the space and create something that has never been done before, and this is where the idea for the building came from.  Many people don’t realise that the whole project from start to finish took an amazing 12 years.

There has been much speculation about the building, only now, 2 years after opening have people seen and lived the benefits that the shard has brought to the capital. Offering people the most luxurious stay in the city by staying at the Shangri-La and some of the most beautiful food served in Europe at the finest restaurants that are located within the building. This is one of the most popular spots in the city now, and because of this reservations are strongly advised, even when it comes to the viewing galleries at the top of the building, making an advanced booking will save you the disappointment of being rejected.

If visitors to London are looking to impress their companion then the shard is certainly going to give the right impression, it is one of the most impressive buildings, hotels, restaurants, residential premises and business buildings in Europe. It is still as mind bowing and awe inspiring today as it was when it first started to take shape and eventually opened. The viewing tower offers some of the most beautiful visions of the city, on clear days people are able to see as far out as 40 miles, this is a phenomenal view that should be witnessed by all who visits the city.

Listed below are some interesting facts about the shard and some details of the floors and what to expect.

Facts about the shard

• The shard sits 309.6 metres above the ground
• The shard is the tallest building in Europe
• It’s the 59th tallest in the world
• It is made of 11.000 glass panels
• It has 44 lifts
• There are 306 flights of stairs for the athlete in you
• It was created and constructed using some recycled materials, not only on the exterior but also some of the structural materials have been recycled
• The design came from the ground space before the build and plans were created
• The ground floor Shard Plaza is a public area, with seating and a relaxing atmosphere, it is a wonderful meeting point
• The second floor is a retail space where some of the most exclusive brands are available here, and units can be let out to other retailers
• From the 4th to the 28th floor is office space
• 31st to 34th floor is restaurant space
• 34th to 52nd floor is the Shangri-La Hotel and Spa
• 53rd to 65th floor is split into 10 multi million pound residential spaces with 360 degree views of the city
• 68th to 72nd floor are public viewing galleries for the public

The Shards Location

Located on Bridge Street and with an SE1 postcode it goes without saying that this is a very desirable area of London, if tourist are a stranger to the city, then remember London bridge, although there are very few places in the city that the shard cannot be seen from. Whether you are staying at an Oxford Circus Hotel London or Covent Gardens or perhaps there is a reservation on South Bank, either way the shard is one that should not be missed, although because of the sheer size it is all most impossible to be in the city and not see it. If the choice of accommodation is towards Oxford Circus then a direct tube will be the fastest route for anyone to take, in approximately 15 minutes tourist are able to get off the London Bridge underground and be outside the epic building.

There is so much information about the shard available, here are some links that have been used for this article, if you want to know more or to make a reservation then please follow the links.