The 10 luxury apartments located on floors 53 to 65 of The Shard have remained notoriously empty for years, with reports as recent as 2025 indicating they are unsold. While the office spaces, Shangri-La hotel, restaurants, and viewing platforms are operational, the residential units have not been occupied.
The flats, on floors 53 to 65 of The Shard, were thought to have been priced between £30m and £50m after the skyscraper opened in 2012. They have been empty ever since, amid speculation that Qatar's royal family kept the flats for their own use while visiting London.
When it opened the developers of the Shard boasted that it should only take “about 20 phone calls” to sell the 10 exclusive apartments near the top of the tower for up to £50m each.
Yes! Tickets are required for everyone visiting The View from The Shard except for children aged three and under. Walk up tickets can be purchased on the day, subject to availability. Same day bookings can be made on our website, although we recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Shard isn't unfinished—it's designed to breathe. Architect Renzo Piano sketched this "splinter of glass" on the back of a dinner menu. He wanted a tower that pierced the historic skyline without blocking it.
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.
Yes, you can wear jeans to The Shard for the observation deck, but for the restaurants and bars, it's smart casual, meaning jeans are often okay if they're clean and smart, but ripped denim, sportswear, shorts, and some trainers are usually discouraged. It depends on the venue (Aqua Shard, Ting, etc.), but generally, a nice pair of dark jeans with a smart shirt or blazer is acceptable for many places, though some higher-end spots might be stricter.
From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of London. Visiting the viewing platform of The Shard in London is definitely worth it! Standing on the 72nd floor, you can take in the entire London skyline, with landmarks clearly visible in the distance. The staff are also very attentive.
When a lease on a leasehold property expires, all legal rights in the property revert to the freeholder. There are different potential outcomes in terms of what happens when a leasehold expires: The landlord may serve a prescribed notice proposing an assured periodic tenancy in return for rent.
Are there toilets in The Shard? Of course! Visitor toilets have panoramic windows with views of the London skyline and optional electric blinds to give you privacy.
Available Daily. Treat two people to a special overnight break at Shangri-La The Shard, London. They will enjoy accommodation in a Deluxe City View Room, a sharing dinner menu experience in TĪNG Restaurant, sumptuous buffet breakfast the following morning and full use of the gym and pool facilities.
Afternoon tea at The Shard is generally considered worth it for the breathtaking, iconic London views, which create a magical setting, but opinions vary on the food and value, with some finding it excellent and others feeling it's overpriced or better elsewhere, especially if seeking unlimited refills; it's a luxury experience, best for those prioritizing the spectacle and ambiance alongside their treats.
How much does The Shard move? In common with other tower buildings, The Shard can move to a minimal extent, and designed to move up to 300-400mm at wind levels reached once every 50 years. How far can you see from the top of The Shard? On a clear day you can see for 40 miles or 64 kilometers.
Is it still illegal to photograph the Eiffel Tower at night?
Private individuals are free to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night for private use or to share on social networks, for example. The situation is different for professionals: the Eiffel Tower's various illuminations (golden, sparkles, beacon, and illuminations for special events) are protected by copyright.
The #1 tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, standing at a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet) and holding this record for over 15 years as the undisputed tallest human-built structure, with the second tallest being Merdeka 118 in Malaysia.
Is there a toilet on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower?
There are free toilets on all floors of the Tower (1st, 2nd and the top) as well as on the parvis. There are baby changing facilities on all floors (parvis, 1st, 2nd) apart from the top of the Tower...
