Tower Bridge
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, a Victorian-era bascule bridge spanning the River Thames. Completed in 1894, it combines Gothic-style towers with cutting-edge engineering of its time. Visitors can explore the high-level walkways, walk across glass floors 42 metres above the river, and see the original steam engines in the Engine Rooms. The bridge remains a working crossing, lifting around 800 times a year for river traffic, and offers panoramic views of the city from the walkways.
A brief summary to Tower Bridge
- Tower Bridge Rd, London, SE1 2UP, GB
- +442074033761
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid long queues, especially during peak hours and weekends.
- Time your visit to coincide with a scheduled bridge lift to see the bascules open and watch tall vessels pass beneath the bridge.
- Visit early in the day or on the second Saturday of the month during Relaxed Opening hours for a quieter experience on the walkways and in the Engine Rooms.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the visit involves climbing stairs in the towers; lifts are available but the stairs offer a more immersive experience.
- Bring a camera or phone to capture the panoramic views from the walkways and the unique perspective from the glass floors above the Thames.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
From central London, take the District or Circle line to Tower Hill station; the bridge is a 5-minute walk from the station exit. Northern line passengers can reach the area via London Bridge station, with a 10-minute riverside walk to Tower Bridge.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area, including lines 15, 42, 78, and RV1, which stop near Tower Bridge Road or Tower Hill; the walk from the stop to the bridge entrance takes 3–7 minutes depending on the route.
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Walking
From the Tower of London, follow the riverside path east for about 5 minutes; from London Bridge station, walk southeast along the Thames for 10 minutes to reach the bridge’s northwest entrance.
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Riverboat
Thames river services stop at Tower Pier, just a few minutes’ walk from the bridge; the journey from Westminster or Greenwich offers iconic views of the bridge as you approach.
Tower 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 Tower Bridge
Engineering Marvel of the Victorian Age
Tower Bridge is a masterpiece of late 19th-century engineering, designed to solve the growing need for a new river crossing without blocking the busy shipping lanes of the Thames. Completed in 1894, it was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge of its time, with two massive towers connected by high-level walkways and a complex system of counterweights and hydraulics. The bridge’s distinctive Gothic style, with its ornate stonework and pointed arches, was chosen to harmonise with the nearby Tower of London, giving it a grand, almost castle-like appearance that has become synonymous with London’s skyline. Inside the structure, the original Victorian steam engines that once powered the bascules are preserved in the Engine Rooms, where visitors can see the massive pumps, boilers, and machinery that kept the bridge operating for over 80 years. Interactive displays and historical photographs bring to life the stories of the engineers, stokers, and bridge operators who maintained this vital piece of infrastructure, offering a vivid glimpse into the industrial heart of Victorian London.Views from the High-Level Walkways
The high-level walkways, suspended 42 metres above the River Thames, provide one of the most dramatic vantage points in central London. From here, the city unfolds in all directions: to the west, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Shard dominate the skyline; to the east, Canary Wharf and the modern towers of Docklands rise above the river. The walkways stretch 70 metres between the two towers and were originally intended for pedestrians when the bascules were raised, though they were closed to the public for much of the 20th century before reopening as part of the visitor attraction in 1982. Today, the walkways are a highlight of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, offering panoramic views of the river, passing boats, and the bustling city below. The addition of glass floor panels adds an extra thrill, allowing visitors to look directly down at the road and river 43.5 metres beneath their feet. These glass sections are engineered to support immense weight and are periodically replaced to ensure safety, making them both a feat of modern engineering and a unique perspective on London life.Bridge Lifts and the Working River
Tower Bridge is not just a museum piece; it remains a fully functioning bascule bridge, lifting around 800 times a year to allow tall vessels to pass along the Thames. The lifts are scheduled in advance and can be checked online, making it possible to time a visit to witness the roadway rising and the bascules opening to let ships through. The entire process takes just a few minutes, but the sight of the massive steel sections swinging upwards, framed by the Gothic towers, is unforgettable. From the walkways or the riverbanks, watching a bridge lift is a powerful reminder of London’s long history as a port city. The vessels that pass beneath range from historic paddle steamers and sailing yachts to modern cruise boats and working tugs, each adding to the ever-changing rhythm of river traffic. The bridge’s continued operation, now controlled by a modern remote system, shows how Victorian engineering has been adapted to serve a 21st-century city.Exploring the Towers and Engine Rooms
The visitor experience begins at the ticket office on the northwest side of the bridge, from where you ascend through the North Tower to reach the high-level walkways. The route takes you through the bridge’s internal structure, with exhibits that trace its construction, maintenance, and role in London’s transport and cultural life. QR codes and audio guides provide detailed commentary on the bridge’s history, the lives of those who worked on it, and the evolution of its technology over more than a century. Descending through the South Tower, the narrative shifts to the people who have maintained and operated Tower Bridge since 1894, from the original stokers and engineers to modern bridge operators. The journey continues into the Engine Rooms, where the original steam engines, boilers, and accumulators are displayed alongside films and interactive displays that explain how the bridge was powered and how it functions today. The contrast between the ornate Gothic exterior and the raw, industrial interior underscores the bridge’s dual identity as both a civic monument and a working piece of infrastructure.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wakefield Tower
0.3 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.3 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
London Wall
0.5 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Custom House
0.7 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
London Bridge
0.9 km
Historic London Bridge, a vital Thames crossing blending centuries of engineering with modern urban life.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.9 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Fish St Hill
0.9 km
Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of Fish St Hill in London, a must-visit destination for tourists exploring the capital's rich heritage.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.9 km
Discover London's haunting past at The London Bridge Experience, where history and thrills meet in an unforgettable adventure.
Ornamental Canal
0.9 km
Explore the serene Ornamental Canal in London, a picturesque waterway perfect for relaxation, scenic views, and rich history.
Mitre Square
0.9 km
Mitre Square: A serene retreat in London’s financial district, blending rich history with beautiful landscapes for an unforgettable city experience.
Lloyd's of London
1.0 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Mary Overie's Dock
1.0 km
Historic riverside dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde replica and steeped in medieval maritime heritage.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
1.0 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.1 km
Explore London’s iconic Tower Bridge with panoramic views, historic Engine Rooms, and a unique gift shop celebrating this engineering masterpiece.
Bridge Theatre
0.2 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in London’s innovative Bridge Theatre, where flexible design meets immersive performances by the Thames.
Lanthorn Tower
0.2 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
Potters Fields Park
0.3 km
A peaceful riverside park by Tower Bridge blending historic pottery heritage with vibrant gardens and iconic London views.
St Katharine Docks Marina
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
Tower of London
0.3 km
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and home to the Crown Jewels, perfect for all history lovers.
Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
0.3 km
A distinguished bronze tribute to Bermondsey’s first mayor, set near the iconic Tower Bridge in London’s historic South Bank district.
Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
0.4 km
Historic Tudor chapel within the Tower of London, resting place of executed royalty and a vibrant parish church for over 500 years.
The Crown Jewels
0.4 km
Explore the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, a symbol of British monarchy and history, housed securely within the iconic Tower of London.
More London Place
0.4 km
A vibrant riverside business and cultural precinct blending modern architecture with iconic Thames views near Tower Bridge.
Tower of London Ice Rink
0.4 km
Skate in the historic moat of London’s iconic Tower of London for a magical winter experience surrounded by medieval walls and festive cheer.
HMS Belfast
0.4 km
Explore nine decks of naval history aboard HMS Belfast, London’s iconic WWII cruiser with stunning Thames views and immersive exhibits.
Shad Thames
0.4 km
Historic riverside charm meets modern luxury in Shad Thames, London’s iconic Victorian warehouse quarter by Tower Bridge.
Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
0.4 km
Immerse yourself in the thrilling 1605 Gunpowder Plot with live actors, authentic vaults, and cutting-edge VR at Tower Hill Vaults.
Tower Hill
0.5 km
Historic Tower Hill offers a captivating blend of medieval heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant riverside charm in the heart of London.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
0.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
0.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
0.8 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
George
1.1 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.4 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.
Madison
1.7 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.8 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Nomadic community
2.0 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lyle's
2.0 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.2 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
The Clove Club
2.4 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
2.4 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
2.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.4 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.5 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.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.0 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
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.
The Royal Exchange
1.2 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
1 Poultry
1.4 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Fashion St
1.5 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
1.5 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
1.6 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
1.7 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
One New Change
1.7 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.7 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
1.7 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.5 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bootlegger
0.9 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.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.9 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Old School Yard
1.0 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Moonshine Saloon
1.1 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.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.1 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
1.2 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
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.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.3 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.4 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
1.4 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.5 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Midnight Apothecary
1.6 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Aviary
2.0 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- 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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
