500px Photo ID: 92698707 - An early morning shot of the sun rising over the east of london with some of the big landmarks in front of the orange sky.www.facebook.com/maxrobeynsphotography

Maxime Robeyns / 500px

Shard

South Bank

Puncturing the skies above London, the dramatic splinter-like form of the Shard has become an icon of the city and is one of the tallest buildings in Europe. The scene from the 244m-high viewing platforms on floors 69 and 72 is like none other in town, but it comes at an equally lofty price; book online in advance for a potential discount. Premium tickets come with a good-weather guarantee, meaning you might be able to return for free.

To take in the view for less, visit one of the building's restaurants or bars; you'll pay half the viewing-platform ticket price for a cocktail at Aqua Shard, where the views are still spectacular.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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  • Great Court, British Museum, Bloomsbury, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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Nearby South Bank attractions

3. Borough Market

0.15 MILES

For a thousand years, a market has existed at the southern end of London Bridge, making this still-busy ancient gathering point a superb spectacle…

4. Hay's Galleria

0.16 MILES

This beautiful shopping arcade was an enclosed dock in the 19th century. The wharf handled all sorts of goods, although perishable foodstuff was the main…

5. Southwark Cathedral

0.16 MILES

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6. Gibbon's Rent

0.19 MILES

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7. Golden Hinde

0.22 MILES

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8. HMS Belfast

0.26 MILES

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