Yes, the Horizon 22 viewing platform in 22 Bishopsgate is higher than the main public viewing deck at The Shard. Located on the 58th floor, Horizon 22 is 254 metres above street level, which is approximately 10-11 metres higher than the viewing level of The Shard.
No, The Shard is taller than 22 Bishopsgate, with The Shard reaching 310 meters (1,016 feet) compared to 22 Bishopsgate's 278 meters (912 feet), making 22 Bishopsgate the second-tallest building in London after The Shard.
Located on Level 58 of the City of London's tallest building, 22 Bishopsgate, Horizon 22 is the highest free public viewing gallery in Europe and offers spectacular views of London from 254 metres or 833 ft above ground and presents panoramic views across London taking in all the capital's iconic landmarks including ...
It is the second tallest building in the United Kingdom and the seventeenth tallest building in Europe. Under the original plans, The Pinnacle was to become the second-tallest building in both the United Kingdom and the European Union after The Shard, also in London.
*Indeed, it reckons to be the tallest free viewing platform in Europe. Only the Eiffel Tower and the Ostankino Tower in Moscow are higher, both of which charge entry.
Better Than The Shard? Exploring Horizon 22 for the First Time!
Is The Shard the highest building in Europe?
Standing 309.6 metres (1,016 feet) high, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe; and the seventh-tallest building in Europe. The Shard replaced Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office block built on the site in 1975.
Sky Garden. Located in the heart of the city, Sky Garden is a beautiful public space that offers 360-degree views of the city's skyline. Also known as the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden has a spectacular curved glass façade, which gives it a distinctive look.
In the interest of ensuring that as many free public guests as possible have an opportunity to access Horizon 22, we may limit the length of time guests can spend at Horizon 22 to 40 minutes after their booked arrival time.
The world's top 10 tallest buildings are led by the Burj Khalifa, followed by Merdeka 118 and the Shanghai Tower, with other supertalls like the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Ping An Finance Center, and Lotte World Tower rounding out the top, featuring a mix of structures from the Middle East and Asia, as well as New York's One World Trade Center.
Our top tip: the Garden at 120 (see later) is the triangular roof garden in the photo above. In our opinion, Horizon 22 is more impressive as the viewpoint is taller and wider, however, The Lookout is quieter and it's easier to get tickets so it's a great option if you missed the tickets for next door.
Hong Kong is the city with the most skyscrapers, with a total of 569 such buildings as of 2026, followed by Shenzhen, New York City, Mumbai, and Dubai. Historically, New York City was the city with the most skyscrapers from the development of early skyscrapers until the early 2000s, when it was overtaken by Hong Kong.
Horizon 22 is alot taller - tbh I found both similar - up look out & down but Sky garden does have plants etc & H22 nothing. Depends if you want higher views or prettier inside imo. Horizon 22 = good views of the city. Higher up.
Tower as tall as The Shard approved for Square Mile. A skyscraper the same height as The Shard has been approved by the City of London Corporation. One Undershaft will be the tallest in the City of London containing 74 storeys. It will also feature a public garden on the 11th floor and a London Museum education centre.
Interesting comparison The Shard in London is 310m high and the Eiffel Tower in Paris is 324m high. Both provide stunning views across the capital cities.
No, you generally cannot go up The View from The Shard for free, as it requires a paid ticket, but children under three go free, and you can get free entry to other London viewing platforms like Sky Garden or Horizon 22 by booking in advance. Alternatively, dining at one of The Shard's restaurants or bars provides access with a minimum spend, or you can use a city pass like The London Pass.
