Visiting Tower Bridge is one of the musts of a trip to London, and rightly so. This iconic bascule bridge over the Thames combines city views, a tour of its former engine rooms, and an exhibition devoted to its history and how it works.
In a single visit, you can walk on a glass floor installed 42 meters (about 138 ft) above the Thames, learn how a steam-powered hydraulic system once raised the bridge, and spot several major London landmarks at a glance.
In this guide, I explain how to make the most of your visit to Tower Bridge, which ticket to choose, how to get there by Underground or by boat, and how to see a bridge lift. I also cover its history, the most interesting views from the walkways, and a few anecdotes that give the visit extra depth. The aim is for you to know exactly how to fit Tower Bridge into your London itinerary, whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family.
- Plan about 1 hr to 1 hr 30 on site to explore the exhibition, enjoy the walkways, and visit the former engine rooms.
- Get to Tower Bridge easily from Tower Hill station (Circle and District lines) or by boat to Tower Pier.
- Book your ticket online, especially at weekends and during school holidays, or check whether the visit is included in your sightseeing pass.
- Check shortly before your visit the bridge lift times so you can try to see it open.
- Do not miss the glass floor, which offers an impressive view of the Thames and the traffic under your feet.
The history of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge came about in response to a very concrete need: to build a new bridge in an already saturated port, without blocking maritime traffic on the Thames.
At one time, the Port of London was one of the largest ports in the world. Much of its activity took place in a highly strategic area for the English capital, along the stretch of river between London Bridge and Rotherhithe: the "Pool Of London". For several centuries, the quays there had been developed to accommodate hundreds of ships.
Because London traded with many regions around the world, the river was rarely empty. History even tells us that you could have crossed the Thames by stepping from one ship to another, the area was so crowded.
To ease congestion on the Thames while offering more services and greater safety for ships, docks began to be built near the river. Ships could then unload their cargo more easily. The "Docklands", the nickname given to this group of docks, notably included the London Docks (built in 1805), the Surrey Docks (1807) and the St Katharine Docks (1828), which still exist today.
We now arrive in the second half of the 19th century. The capital of England had grown and, along with it, the City of London district had taken off. It therefore became necessary to consider building a new bridge between the two banks of the Thames. You can probably see the problem coming: the area where the monument needed to be built lay right in the middle of the Pool of London and would therefore have completely blocked maritime traffic, which was still heavy at the time. So a conventional structure was out of the question.
In 1877, the British set up a special committee to work on the project and around fifty architects submitted proposals. The design by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect, was selected, and the construction of Tower Bridge began in 1886.
Construction would last 8 years, and Jones would unfortunately never see his work completed, as he died when the building of Tower Bridge had barely begun. After his death, the engineer John Wolfe Barry carried on with the work until its inauguration in 1894, while preserving the principle of a bascule bridge designed to let the largest ships pass. The entire structure adopts a Victorian neo-Gothic style, chosen to create architectural harmony with the nearby Tower of London.
Little by little, especially from the 1960s onward, commercial traffic on the Thames fell sharply with the rise of container ships and coastal ports. The docks first slipped into oblivion, gradually falling into disrepair, before being redeveloped at the end of the 20th century, notably to create very attractive apartments and offices overlooking the river.
What does Tower Bridge look like today?
Today, Tower Bridge is both a very busy traffic route and an iconic landmark that you instantly recognize by its two large towers connected by walkways.
Tower Bridge is easy to recognize because it has two towers linked by suspended walkways. It was painted blue, white, and red in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. During a major restoration campaign carried out between 2008 and 2012, it was returned to its current blue and white color scheme.
It is both a suspension bridge and a bascule bridge, so it necessarily required large piers and counterweights to provide enough leverage to raise the deck. It is 240 m long (about 790 ft) and 65 m high (about 213 ft), and its deck can be lifted at an impressive angle to let the tallest ships pass through.
Tourists sometimes confuse it with London Bridge, which is located a little further along the river and has a much more understated appearance. Tower Bridge, on the other hand, really looks like a fortress planted in the Thames, with its turrets and stone cladding.
However, you do get a very lovely view of Tower Bridge from London Bridge!
Visiting Tower Bridge: what awaits you inside
A visit to Tower Bridge combines an exhibition, panoramic views, and a look at the engine room, which makes it a very complete activity in London.
The visit to Tower Bridge is one of the highlights of a trip to London because it offers a very lovely view on both sides. You first take a large elevator up to the top of one of the towers. From there, you can access two walkways 61 meters long (about 200 ft), before going back down via the other tower, where the engine room is located.
You can therefore enjoy two main experiences:
- A museum section, which tells the story of the monument but also how it works, both through an exhibition of photos and videos and by going directly into the engine room.
- A panorama of London, thanks to the walkways that let you admire the capital from both sides of the bridge.
Allow about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to look around at a relaxed pace, take photos, and read a few of the information panels. During my visit, I found the pace quite smooth: even in tourist season, the crowds are managed reasonably well, which gives you time to enjoy the walkways without feeling rushed.
The view from the east walkway
From the east walkway, you look out over docklands London: Canary Wharf and the old warehouses that have been converted into apartments.
To the east, you can see the buildings of the Canary Wharf district, a business district. For years, I mistakenly thought Canary Wharf was the famous "City" district, mainly because the bank Citi has a skyscraper there with its name on it. In reality, the City of London is London's historic financial district, where you will find the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange, and many financial institutions. Canary Wharf, further east on former docklands, is a much more recent business district, developed from the 1980s onward. It also houses many banks and corporate headquarters, which explains why the two are often mixed up.
Still on this side of Tower Bridge, you can see Butler's Wharf. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, it was one of the many warehouses lining the Thames, where ships came to unload their goods. It was used especially for storing tea.
Since the 1980s, it has been converted into luxury apartments. You are looking at a minimum of £2.5 million (about $3.3 million) to buy a two-bedroom place there. As for me, I am going to have to keep saving for a while.
During the renovation of Tower Bridge between 2008 and 2012, the architects created a rather remarkable glass floor: 11 meters long and 1.8 meters wide (about 36 ft by 6 ft). By looking down at your feet, you can see the cars crossing the bridge and watch the bridge open up beneath you. It is very popular with both children and adults.
If you are afraid of heights or the experience does not appeal to you, you can absolutely walk along the sides of this glass floor instead of on it, because it does not cover the entire surface of the exhibition walkway. And if you are not afraid of heights, you can have fun lying down on it for a pretty striking souvenir photo.
The exhibition walkways are very well designed: you not only find a wealth of information about the construction of Tower Bridge, but you can also take as many photos as you like without reflections. They have actually installed small windows that open along the walkways, allowing you to slip your camera through to capture the visit.
The view from the west walkway
The west walkway looks out over London's modern skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and the busy Thames.
On the other side of the bridge, you're looking toward the more touristy side of London, starting with a view of The Shard, the skyscraper shaped like a shard of glass. Just to its right, you can even spot the top of the London Eye, the big wheel opposite Big Ben.
You can also see the Thames in all its splendor, with HMS Belfast, a World War II ship that is now a museum. On the right, you can see the dome of St Paul's Cathedral.
Finally, you can admire the City district (the real one) with its skyscraper shaped like a giant pickle that everyone calls the "Gherkin." You can also see the Tower of London, a fortress that has served as a prison and houses the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
On my first visit, I took the time to pause for a few minutes at each window, simply to watch life on the Thames, the river buses speeding past, the pedestrians on the embankment, and that mix of old stone and ultra-modern glass. It's a nice way to get a feel for London's geography without getting lost in a map.
The engine rooms
The engine rooms of Tower Bridge let you see in concrete terms how the bridge was raised using a hydraulic system powered by steam engines.
If you are curious, the tour continues after visiting the two walkways to the former engine rooms, where you discover the impressive hydraulic machinery that once made it possible to open Tower Bridge. At the time, it was a highly innovative system, which even caused a few financial headaches for its neighbors.
This is a good opportunity to tell you a fairly little-known anecdote: there is a secret tunnel under the Thames, almost at the same level as Tower Bridge, the Tower Subway. It is 410 meters long (about 1,345 ft) and was dug in 1869, at a time when people were looking for ways to open up the City. Rails were later installed there with a sort of wooden carriage that could transport passengers to the other side of the Thames. It was so unprofitable that it went bankrupt in just a few months. The rails were then removed and only the pedestrian tunnel remained, but access was paid.
Inevitably, when Tower Bridge opened in 1894, allowing you to cross the Thames for free, the Tower Subway was completely abandoned and eventually closed to the public. Today it is used to carry water pipes. You can still see the entrance next to the Tower of London in a small brick turret.
But let us come back to the bridge visit itself. Originally, its operation was based on a hydraulic system. Steam engines drove pumps that put water under pressure, stored in large hydraulic accumulators. This energy then made it possible to raise the bridge deck, while massive counterweights made the movement easier.
Modernization of the system began in 1974 and was completed in 1976. Tower Bridge now operates thanks to an electro-hydraulic system, using oil under pressure. You can still see part of the original machinery during the visit, with these huge pistons painted green and red that give you an idea of the power needed to raise a bridge of this size.
The museum installed in the bridge opened its exhibition to the public in 1982. This is the route you follow today, with videos, models, information panels, and time spent contemplating the machinery.
Practical information for visiting Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is easy to reach, can be visited in about 1 hr 30 min, and offers several ticket options, with or without a sightseeing pass.
Where is Tower Bridge and how do you get there?
Tower Bridge is located in the east of London, right next to the Tower of London, and it is very easy to get there by Underground or by boat.
The easiest way to reach Tower Bridge is to get off at Tower Hill Underground station, on the Circle and District lines. You can then walk for less than 10 minutes along the Tower of London to reach the entrance to the exhibition, located in the northwest tower of the bridge, on the Tower of London side.
You can also come by boat with Thames Clippers (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) or City Cruises, which stop at Tower Pier, about a 6‑minute walk from the entrance. It is a pleasant option if you would like to combine the visit with a short trip on the Thames.
London Bridge Underground station (on the Jubilee and Northern lines) is farther away, about a 15‑minute walk, but it can be convenient if you are staying along those Underground lines or if you are visiting the Borough Market area on the same day.
Good to know about the location
- Official address: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP.
- Neighborhood: between the City of London (to the north) and the borough of Southwark (to the south).
- Average walking time from Tower Hill: 8 to 10 minutes with a direct view of the Tower of London.
What are Tower Bridge's opening hours?
Tower Bridge is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The last entry into the towers is at 5 p.m., but visitors who are already on the route can still access the engine room until 5:30 p.m.
The monument is closed from December 24 to 26. On January 1, it opens exceptionally at 10 a.m.
As opening hours can occasionally change due to events, construction work, or safety requirements, it is a good idea to check the official Tower Bridge website shortly before your visit.
On the second Saturday of each month, a reduced‑capacity opening is organized from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for neurodivergent visitors, their families, and their carers. The attraction then opens to the rest of the public.
Prices and tickets for visiting Tower Bridge
Entry to Tower Bridge is not free. The ticket includes a visit to the two towers, the walkways with their glass floor, and the old engine rooms.
The ticket price for Tower Bridge is normally:
- £18 for an adult aged 18 and over;
- £13.50 at the reduced rate for 16- and 17-year-olds, students, seniors aged 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, upon presentation of proof;
- £9 for children aged 5 to 15;
- free for children under 5 and for one companion per visitor with a disability.
Temporary promotions may lower these prices, so it is best to check the current price on the official website when booking.
You can:
- Either buy your Tower Bridge tickets online: booking allows you to choose a time slot and is still recommended, especially on weekends and during British school holidays. However, it does not give access to a skip-the-line queue.
- Or include Tower Bridge in a sightseeing pass if you are planning several paid visits during your stay. In that case, a time slot must be booked in advance in the Go City reservation portal.
- The London Explorer Pass — You choose a specific number of attractions from those offered, then visit them at your own pace during the pass's validity period. This option is worthwhile if you are targeting a few paid visits, for example Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, The Shard, a cruise on the Thames, or a sightseeing bus tour.
- The London Pass — You choose a validity period and can visit the included attractions over several consecutive days. This option is best suited to busy stays, when you plan to string together several paid visits each day.
Since the list of attractions and booking procedures can change, always check the conditions of the pass you choose before buying.
Sightseeing pass or single ticket: which should you choose?
If you are planning several paid visits during your stay, a sightseeing pass may work out cheaper than buying separate tickets. On the other hand, if Tower Bridge is your only paid visit or if you prefer to visit London at your own pace, the single ticket often remains the best option.
| Option | Best if you... |
|---|---|
| Single Tower Bridge ticket | You are visiting few paid attractions, want to keep your schedule flexible, or are mainly coming for Tower Bridge. |
| London Explorer Pass | You plan to visit 2 to 7 of the most popular attractions (Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Shard, Thames cruise, sightseeing bus, etc.). |
| London Pass | You intend to do lots of sightseeing over 2 to 6 days and want to get the most value out of your stay. |
Visiting Tower Bridge with a guide
If you would rather discover London with a guide, there are tours that combine a walking tour of the capital's main landmarks with admission to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
For example, this tour offered by London Top Sights Tours takes you through some of London's most iconic neighborhoods, lets you listen to commentary from a local guide, and ends with a visit to Tower Bridge. It's a good option if you'd like a general introduction to the city while also visiting one of its most famous landmarks.
This type of tour works well if:
- You're coming to London for the first time and would like to see the main landmarks in one day.
- You enjoy historical explanations and anecdotes from a local guide.
- You prefer to follow a ready-made itinerary rather than planning your day yourself.
How can you watch the bridge opening?
To see Tower Bridge open, you just need to check the lift times published online and arrive a few minutes before the scheduled time, either on the bridge or along the riverbanks.
I've talked a lot about the bridge opening, but it's not a rare event reserved for a lucky few. In fact, you can check online the times when the bridge lifts to let ships pass. The schedule shows all planned lifts, sometimes several times in the same day. As these times can occasionally change, it's better to check them shortly before your visit.
You can choose to watch the scene:
- From the bridge deck, at road level, to feel the movement up close.
- From the riverbanks below, for a more panoramic view of the bridge lifting.
- Or, with a bit of timing luck, from the glass walkways during your visit inside.
During one of my visits, I was on the riverbank on the Tower of London side when a large sailing ship went past. Watching the deck slowly rise, hearing car horns from the stopped traffic, and seeing the boat glide underneath gives the monument a very vivid dimension.
Practical tips to really enjoy your visit
A few simple choices about the time of day, how long you stay, and how you organize your day will help you make the most of Tower Bridge.
How much time should you plan for Tower Bridge?
Plan on an average of 1 to 1.5 hours to visit Tower Bridge comfortably.
This includes going up into the towers, exploring the two walkways, the exhibitions, taking a few breaks to enjoy the view or take photos, and then visiting the old Engine Rooms. If you're traveling with children, allow a bit of extra time: the glass floor and interactive displays often hold their attention.
In practice:
- Allow about 45 minutes if you simply want to see the walkways and enjoy the views.
- Plan closer to 1.5 hours if you'd like to take time to read the panels, visit the Engine Rooms, and take photos.
- If you're combining Tower Bridge with the Tower of London, set aside half a day to enjoy both visits without rushing.
What is the best time of day to visit?
The first opening hours are generally the best time to visit Tower Bridge.
You'll usually find smaller crowds, which makes it easier to enjoy the walkways and the glass floor. The morning light is also pleasant for photos. At the end of the afternoon, especially between May and September, the sun casts lovely colors over the Thames and the buildings of the City. It's a good time if you then continue your walk toward South Bank or London Bridge.
On my visits, I've found weekdays more pleasant than weekends, when that was possible. Tower Bridge remains a very popular attraction all year round, but the atmosphere is generally calmer outside peak periods. If you already know your schedule, I recommend booking your time slot in advance so you can be sure of visiting at the time that suits you.
Visiting Tower Bridge with children
Tower Bridge is a place that children usually love, thanks to its glass floor, its impressive engine room, and its wide-open views over London.
Younger children particularly enjoy:
- The glass floor, which lets them watch red buses, black cabs, and boats passing right under their feet.
- The climb up into the towers, which feels like climbing into a castle above the Thames.
- The old hydraulic engines, with their huge pistons, wheels, and bright colors.
If you visit Tower Bridge as a family, I would suggest you:
- Choose a visit at the start of the day, when the walkways are generally a bit less busy.
- Reassure children who are intimidated by the glass floor by showing them that they can first walk on the opaque sections.
- Extend the outing with a walk along the riverbanks or a visit to the Tower of London located right next door.
One way to make the visit even more fun is to suggest a little observation game. From the walkways, ask the children to spot a red bus, a black cab, a boat on the Thames, the Tower of London, or even the London Eye in the distance. This way, they take the time to look at the panorama while having fun.
The traveler's memo for visiting Tower Bridge in London
Here are the answers to the most frequent questions people have before discovering Tower Bridge during a stay in London.
Tower Bridge is without a doubt one of the must-see landmarks in London. Visiting it lets you better understand the history of the city, enjoy a beautiful panorama, and have a fairly fun experience, especially if you are traveling as a family. Whether you are passionate about architecture, a fan of great views, or simply curious, it is a place that truly deserves a spot in your London itinerary.
