The Shard in London

This item appears on page 76 of the March 2013 issue.

What is now the European Union’s tallest building, London’s 95-story Shard — with offices, a hotel, apartments and restaurants — opened its viewing deck to the public on Feb. 1.

The main viewing gallery, on the 69th floor, is 800 feet up, more than twice as high as any other London viewing point. The 360-degree view is up to 40 miles on a clear day. Digital telescopes with touch screens allow zooming in on points of interest, with text descriptions displayed.

The Shard (Joiner St., London SE1, U.K.; phone +44 [0] 844 499 7111). Nearest Tube stop, London Bridge. Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily except Christmas. Eight people can be admitted each half hour (unlimited stay). Prebooked tickets, £24.95 (near $39) adult or £18.95 child. Limited tickets on site for those willing to wait, £29.99 adult or £23.95 child, or for those not willing to wait, £100 ($158) adult or child.