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

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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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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

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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

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7. Golden Hinde

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8. HMS Belfast

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