See London from The Shard

The Shard, London Top Attraction ©Solange Hando

Opened in 2013, The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano as a 'vertical city' where people could work, live and relax. Above the offices, restaurants and bars, luxury hotel and residences, observation platforms on floors 68-72 are open to the public below the tall spiky arrow.

This most challenging top section was built in a Yorkshire steel plant, then taken apart, transported to London and reassembled on the site.

View towards the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral nearby ©Solange Hando

Rising 244 metres above the city, the top platform offers all round views stretching from Heathrow airport in the west to the Thames estuary in the east. From the meandering river and its many bridges to London's main monuments, the panorama is unbeatable by clear weather.

Shard Shadow ©Solange Hando

Once you have reached the observation platforms, via the dedicated lifts (there are 40 lifts altogether in the building), you can stay as long as you wish  and on a sunny day, watch the Shard's shadow creeping along the river as if to reflect the passing of the time.

All windows are kept beautifully clean, fully enclosed on floor 68 but when you reach 72, expect the cool breeze blowing through the top open floors (not accessible). There are 95 floors in all.

View towards Canary Wharf ©Solange Hando

Equally good view on this side, from the Tower Bridge and beyond where the river seems to wind on to the horizon. The Shard is covered by 11,000 glass panels, assembled in the Netherlands, and cleaned on the top floors by climbing/abseiling experts. During the construction, up to 1450 workers from 60 nationalities were employed at peak times.

That says it all ©Solange Hando

What more could you want? Sip away the best champagne -at a price-  or a fabulous cocktail or treat yourself to a scoop of Italian ice cream.

One shouldn't  rush a visit to The Shard and if you can't get enough of the views, you can upgrade your ticket and return in the evening to see the London lights.

Enjoy and Take Care ©Solange Hando

Images London City Cruise

London Eye ©Solange Hando

On the south bank of the Thames, the London Eye was open in 2000 and is still the largest Ferris wheel in Europe and the top paid tourist attraction in the UK.

Old and New along the River Thames ©Solange Hando

Starting at Westminster pier, the London city cruise unfolds a stunning and at times surprising scenery,  luxury apartments and skyscraper to the left, old red brick buildings to the right, plus cruise and sailing boats.

The Tower of London from the Cruise ©Solange Hando

Built on the north bank in 1066 and later expanded, the Tower has acted as royal residence, fortress and prison  and it is home to the Crown Jewels.

London along the Thames ©Solange Hando

Sail under the bridges, see the sights such as St Paul's cathedral dome on the far left. but most exciting for many of us is the innovative architecture which has given London a brand new face.

The Shard ©Solange Hando

Most iconic these days is the glass-clad pyramid of the Shard designed by an Italain architect and 95% owned by Qatar. London's highest observation desk is on the 72nd floor for the best views of the city.

London Tower Bridge ©Solange Hando

Book the late afternoon cruise in summer and you might enjoy a superb sunset over the Thames as you reach the famous Tower Bridge. Built in the late 1800s, it lifts when needed to let the boats through. River traffic has priority over the road and the 40,000 people who go across every day.

Discover London's Newest Attraction, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford

The Orbit, Stratford New Olympic Park ©Solange Hando

 The ArcelorMittal Orbit, the tallest sculpture in the UK, is a work of contemporary art rising to 114.5 metres in the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, the orbit was created for the Olympic Games as a symbol of the continuous journey and efforts undertaken by every athlete. Red was chosen as it is an auspicious colour in many cultures.

Closed after the games while the Olympic site was being redesigned, the tower is now ready to welcome up to 5000 visitors a day. Tickets are on sale at £15 for adults, £12 for concessions and £7 for children.

View from the Top, Stratford ©Solange Hando

Two lifts whiz visitors to the top in 32 seconds or so or you could tackle the 455 spiral steps (best on the way down). This is the only structure in London looking from the outskirts into the heart of the capital, with views stretching some 20 miles around by clear weather.

Beyond the Olympic Park and the booming city of Stratford, you might spot some of London's most famous landmarks, from the Shard to St Paul's Cathedral. There are two viewing platforms, the upper deck with fun mirrors, and the lower deck with interactive displays about the tower, panorama and new Olympic Park.

Stratford's Aquatic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ©Solange Hando

The Orbit may hold centre stage in Stratford's new Olympic Park but there are other highlights, top of the list the stunning Aquatic Centre. This luminous structure, all graceful curves and glass panes (680 of them), claims two 50 metre pools (including one for competition) with movable floors so the water depth can be adjusted.

There's also a gym, a 'dry dive' area (with foam blocks) and seating for over 2000 spectators. Please note that booking is recommended for all activities due to popularity and occasional closure for events and competitions.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London, Stratford ©Solange Hando

Then, there's the park, with its trees and waterways, its fountains, landscaped lawns and themed activity trails, covering London 2012, biodiversity, kids' fun and art and culture. There's a small outdoor stage and a children's playground.

Other sporting areas include the Lee Valley VeloPark, a Hockey and Tennis Centre (open in May), the Copper Box Arena (professional basketball, netball and handball clubs) and the stadium which on completion, will be home to West Ham United.