London Bridge
A modern crossing on a site of nearly 2,000 years of bridge-building history, linking the City of London with Southwark across the River Thames.
Spanning the River Thames in the heart of London, London Bridge is a modern concrete structure that stands on a site with nearly two millennia of bridge-building history. Once home to the famous Old London Bridge lined with houses and shops, today’s bridge serves as a vital transport link between the City of London and Southwark. It offers excellent views of the Thames, nearby landmarks like Tower Bridge, and the evolving skyline, making it a popular spot for walkers and photographers. The bridge is open 24/7 and forms part of London’s historic riverside promenades.
A brief summary to London Bridge
- London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid the heaviest pedestrian and traffic crowds, especially on weekdays.
- Walk the full length of the bridge for the best views of Tower Bridge to the east and the City skyline to the west.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the Thames Path to explore nearby attractions like Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, and the Tower of London.
- Look for information panels on the bridge that explain its long history, from Roman times to the present.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Take the Jubilee line to London Bridge station, which sits directly beneath the bridge. From the station, follow signs to the bridge; the walk takes about 2–3 minutes and is fully accessible.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including the 43, 141, and 343, stop near London Bridge station. From the stop, it’s a short, flat walk of 2–4 minutes to the bridge, suitable for all mobility levels.
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Walking
From the Tower of London, walk west along the Thames Path for about 15–20 minutes to reach London Bridge. The route is paved, well-lit, and offers excellent views of the river and skyline.
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Riverboat
Take a Thames Clipper service to London Bridge Pier, located just downstream of the bridge. The journey from Westminster takes about 20–25 minutes, and the pier is a 3–5 minute walk from the bridge itself.
London Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about London Bridge
A Site of Millennia
For almost 2,000 years, this stretch of the River Thames has been crossed by a succession of bridges, each playing a crucial role in London’s development. The first was a Roman timber bridge built around 80 CE, establishing a permanent crossing that connected Londinium with settlements to the south. Over the centuries, wooden bridges were repeatedly rebuilt after fires, storms, and attacks, including the famous 1014 incident when Viking forces pulled down a bridge to divide Danish forces. These early crossings laid the foundation for London’s growth as a commercial and administrative centre.The Medieval Marvel
In 1176, construction began on the stone Old London Bridge under the supervision of priest and engineer Peter of Colechurch. Completed in 1209, this bridge was a marvel of medieval engineering: a narrow, arched stone structure lined with shops, houses, and a chapel dedicated to Thomas Becket. For over 600 years it was London’s only bridge, a bustling commercial artery and a fortified gateway into the City. Its narrow arches created a dangerous ‘shooting the bridge’ current, and it became infamous for displaying the heads of traitors on spikes above its gates, a grim tradition that lasted into the 17th century.From Rennie to the Modern Span
By the 18th century, Old London Bridge was overcrowded and obstructing river traffic. It was replaced by John Rennie’s elegant stone-arched New London Bridge, opened in 1831 just upstream. That bridge, in turn, was sold in the 1960s and reassembled in Arizona, while the current London Bridge was built on the original site between 1967 and 1972. This modern three-span concrete bridge, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, is wider and stronger, with fewer piers to improve river navigation and a sleek, functional design that handles heavy road and pedestrian traffic.Life on the Thames Today
Today, London Bridge is a key transport link, carrying vehicles and pedestrians between the City and Southwark, with the Thames flowing beneath and iconic views stretching in both directions. To the east, Tower Bridge dominates the skyline; to the west, the modern towers of the City rise above historic streets. The bridge is lined with walkways, lighting, and information panels that recount its long history, and it forms part of the popular Thames Path, connecting major attractions, museums, and riverside parks. It is a place where history, engineering, and daily London life converge.Atmosphere and Experience
Walking across London Bridge offers a powerful sense of continuity: the same crossing point used by Romans, medieval traders, and Victorian crowds is now traversed by commuters, tourists, and cyclists. The sound of traffic blends with the lapping of the Thames and the calls of river birds, while the air carries the damp, mineral scent of the river. By day, the bridge is busy and practical; by night, it is quieter and more atmospheric, with reflections of city lights dancing on the water and the illuminated skyline creating a cinematic backdrop.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.3 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Custom House
0.4 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Historic England
0.4 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
113 Cannon St
0.4 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.4 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Southwark Bridge
0.5 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.6 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Cornhill Fountain
0.6 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.7 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.7 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.7 km
Discover Tower Hill: Where London's Rich History Meets Modern Culture in the Heart of the City.
Lloyd's of London
0.7 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant intersection of commerce and culture at Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange in London's financial district.
Threadneedle St
0.7 km
Historic Threadneedle Street: London’s iconic financial artery, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Southwark View Point
0.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline from the vibrant South Bank’s premier open-air viewpoint.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.2 km
Dive into London’s eerie past with immersive storytelling and spine-chilling scares beneath the iconic London Bridge.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
0.2 km
A historic sanctuary at the foot of London Bridge, where centuries of faith and city life converge in a Baroque masterpiece.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.2 km
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
Southwark Cathedral
0.2 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
Winchester Palace
0.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval bishop’s grand London residence with a stunning rose window by the Thames.
Fish St Hill
0.3 km
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
The Clink Prison Museum
0.3 km
Step back into England’s darkest prison history at The Clink Prison Museum, where medieval justice and infamous inmates come alive.
Pudding Ln
0.3 km
Pudding Lane: Historic street where the Great Fire of London ignited, shaping the city’s future and urban heritage.
Borough Market
0.3 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.3 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.3 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.4 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
Borough Yards
0.4 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
The Shard
0.4 km
Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.7 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.7 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Restaurant Story
0.9 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.2 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.3 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.3 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.4 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
St. John
1.7 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.8 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.9 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Lyle's
1.9 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Ikoyi Restaurant
2.0 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.6 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.6 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
One New Change
0.9 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.9 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Middlesex Textiles
1.2 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.2 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.2 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.4 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Barbican Shop
1.4 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.4 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
1.5 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Commercial St
1.5 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
1.5 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Fashion St
1.5 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.3 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.5 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Nine Lives
0.6 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.8 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Old School Yard
0.8 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.0 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
1.0 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.2 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Bell
1.2 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
1.3 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.3 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Discount Suit Company
1.3 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Lyaness
1.3 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.3 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Black Parrot
1.4 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.3 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Ministry of Sound
1.4 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
1.8 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
E1
1.8 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
XOYO LONDON
2.0 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
London Best Night Clubs
2.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Hoxton Pony
2.0 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.1 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
2.1 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Trafik
2.2 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Carwash Nightclub
2.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.4 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.4 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
