Views from the Shard
If you ride the high-speed elevator to the top of London's Shard - the tallest building in Western Europe - a spectacular view awaits you. Even away from the 244 meter (800 foot) high viewing deck, which will officially open to the public on Feb. 1, 2013, the view from the toilets isn't bad.
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The 1,016 foot (310 meter) high building looms above central London.
An employee looks out of a window in the gallery of the public viewing deck, which has been simply named 'The View'.
Buildings illuminated by the early-morning sun are visible from the Shard's viewing deck, which will open on the building's 68th, 69th and 72nd floor.
St Paul's Cathedral is lit by the sun as dawn breaks.
Women look out at the city from The View gallery at the Shard.
Buses crossing London Bridge are visible from the building.
A man looks out at London's financial district.
The shadow of the Shard is cast across part of the city.
A woman looks out over London.
Commuter trains are visible from the Shard's gallery.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are illuminated at dusk.
Tower Bridge is lit up at dusk, while in the background the towers of Canary Wharf financial district are also illuminated.
St Paul's Cathedral is lit as night falls over London.