Rain from the morning—typical autumn London.
Two major spots today, both covered by the Go City Pass: Westminster Abbey and The Shard.
Westminster Abbey
Arrived around 9:30 a.m.
Security took about five minutes—metal detector, bag check, and ticket exchange at the counter.
After scanning the Go City Pass, I received an audio guide, connected the earphones myself, and selected Japanese from the language menu.
The guide runs about 90 minutes, clear and detailed.
Inside, the atmosphere is solemn.
Visitors walk directly over the graves of past monarchs and poets.
Few paintings—mostly sculptures and stone carvings.
Understanding that coronations are held here gives the space extra weight.
The final stop: the Coronation Chair—simple, wooden, but powerful in presence.
I left at 11:00 a.m.
The Shard – “The View from The Shard”
From Westminster, I took the Jubilee line to London Bridge Station.
Although The Shard is directly connected, the entrance isn’t obvious.
While waiting in line, a staff member told me, “Reservation required.”
I quickly opened the Go City app and booked the 12:00 p.m. slot on the spot—done in under a minute.
How to Find the Entrance (Actual Route)
- Get off at London Bridge Station.
Follow signs for “The Retail Arcade.” It’s a narrow brick passage lined with small shops. - When you reach the end, step outside.
On the left, there’s a dark panel wall with small plants and the word “THE VIEW.”
That’s the entrance—it’s easy to miss. - Show your Go City Pass QR code and go straight in.
- Pass through security (X-ray, jacket off, photo taken).
- Take the elevator—30 seconds later, you’re above London’s skyline.
The Observation Deck
The weather stayed cloudy, but visibility was fine.
The first deck is fully enclosed, so the height feels mild.
One flight up is semi-outdoor, with open air and strong wind—a true sense of elevation.
There’s also a bar café, with prices to match the view:
- Americano – £4
- Moët & Chandon – £14
- Donut – £5
Expensive, yet most visitors still ordered something.
I stayed for about 30 minutes.
By the time I left, the line outside had completely disappeared.
London’s Spending Culture
London doesn’t operate on a “too expensive, skip it” mindset.
People here spend for experience, not just price.
Many stores don’t display prices, and VAT (tax) is sometimes included, sometimes not.
Precision isn’t the point—the experience is.
Summary
Two major landmarks in one rainy morning, all through the Go City Pass.
Westminster Abbey gave depth and history; The Shard offered a modern perspective.
In London, it’s not about what things cost—it’s about how you spend your time.
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