Advance tickets for the Shard and the Eye

As a followup question: is it redundant to purchase a ticket to both the London Eye and the Shard? Both provide an elevated view of London and surrounding areas. Is the experience so different at each place that it is worth the extra money and time to do both?

Hi Gary, We have done both. I've done the London Eye several times. Each time we just bought tickets at the site without much waiting. I did buy advance tickets this summer to go up on the Shard. I don't know that it was necessary, but we just walked right in. The two are very different experiences. From the Shard, you look down on everything, including the Eye. You can spend as much time looking as you wish. There are two floors, one enclosed and the upper one open. the glass walls are very tall, but there are spaces where you have an unobstructed view. The eye is interesting with a good view. You ride up and down in a big bubble with about 30 other people. The whole ride is about 30 minutes.
If I were choosing one, I'd go up on the Shard. The building itself is spectacular, and the view is fantastic. We were there on a rainy day, and it was still spectacular. The building itself was awesome. We were very pleased with the time and money we spent. I don't remember exactly how much it cost for the Shard, but it was expensive.

I won't go near the Shard for several reasons: Primarily because of the reneged upon promises to the local residents. When the building went up it displaced many local residents and demolished parkland. A condition of planning consent was that when the building was complete the local people would have free access to the view levels as a local amenity. It never happened, and as most are lower social economic status they cannot afford the very high price so have never been. Second, its ugly. Third, it ruins the skyline of London Fourth, it is mad expensive. Ridiculous prices. Only overseas tourists can afford it.

We have not visited the Shard, but for the Eye we just arrived first thing in the morning and had very little wait. Have fun!

Thank you everyone. All of your responses have been very helpful. I appreciate your advice and words of wisdom