Timeline
11:00
Head to The Shard as it opens at 11:00. The early slot is quieter, giving you time to secure your spot before the midday rush. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like, so take your time to absorb the 360-degree view of London from the top.
12:30
Walk 15 minutes to Leadenhall Market. The cobbled streets and Victorian architecture offer a quiet contrast to the modern heights. It is open until 18:00, so you have plenty of time to browse the stalls or simply admire the structure.
13:00
Finish your walk 5 minutes later at Borough Market. This is the ideal spot for lunch or a snack. The market is bustling with energy, offering everything from fresh produce to ready-to-eat delicacies. It is open until 17:00 on weekdays, making it a perfect end to a daytime excursion.
Local tip
The Shard is often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the website for specific opening days before you go. Leadenhall Market is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00. Borough Market is open Wednesday to Saturday, with hours varying by day.
Check before you go
- Verify The Shard is open on your chosen day (often closed Mon/Tue).
- Borough Market hours: Wed-Thu 10:00-17:00, Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 08:00-17:00.
- Leadenhall Market hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00.
Worth knowing
- Leadenhall Market is open at 12:30 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
- Borough Market is open at 13:00 only on We, Th, Fr, Sa
Getting there
- Borough High Street (East) (subway) · 3 min walk
- Borough High Street (West) (subway) · 4 min walk
- Borough (rail) · 10 min walk
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to London (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).