The Best Views of Tower Bridge & How to Visit (Tips, Tickets & Combo Tours)
Discover the best views of Tower Bridge, how to visit, insider tips, and Tower of London combo tours. A complete guide for first-time London visitors.
TRAVEL
1/3/20265 min read
This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on some of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site—your support helps me continue creating helpful travel content!
Tower Bridge is not just one of London’s most recognizable landmarks—it’s a symbol of the city’s history, engineering brilliance, and timeless charm. Stretching gracefully across the River Thames, Tower Bridge offers some of the best views in London, both from afar and from within. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to London, experiencing Tower Bridge properly requires a bit of planning.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover:
The best viewpoints for Tower Bridge
How to visit Tower Bridge from the inside
What to know before your visit
Practical travel tips for first-time visitors
The best ways to book Tower Bridge and London tours
Let’s dive in.
Why Tower Bridge Is One of London’s Must-See Attractions
Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is often mistaken for London Bridge—but it’s far more impressive. Its Victorian Gothic design, combined with its iconic bascules (the lifting roadways), makes it both a functional crossing and a historical masterpiece.
Tower Bridge connects the City of London with Southwark and sits next to the Tower of London, making it part of one of the most visited areas in the city. The bridge is still operational today, opening several times a day to allow ships to pass through.
The Best Views of Tower Bridge (Don’t Miss These Spots)
If you want the most memorable photos and panoramic views, timing and location are everything.
1. Tower Bridge Walkways (Inside the Bridge)
The ultimate view comes from the high-level glass walkways inside Tower Bridge. Standing 42 meters above the Thames, you can watch boats glide below your feet and enjoy unobstructed views of:
The Tower of London
HMS Belfast
The Shard
St. Paul’s Cathedral (on clear days)
📌 Tip: Visiting early in the morning means fewer crowds and clearer photos.
2. The North Bank (Tower of London Side)
This is one of the most popular viewpoints and for good reason. From here, you can capture Tower Bridge with the Tower of London in the foreground—a classic London shot.
Best time to visit:
Early morning
Golden hour before sunset
3. The South Bank (Butler’s Wharf Area)
For a more relaxed and artistic perspective, head to Butler’s Wharf. The cobbled streets and riverside cafés provide a charming backdrop for photos.
Perfect for:
Sunset photography
Night shots when the bridge is illuminated
4. St. Katharine Docks
A hidden gem near Tower Bridge, this marina offers a peaceful atmosphere with unique angles of the bridge framed by yachts and historic buildings.
5. River Thames Cruise View
Seeing Tower Bridge from the water is unforgettable. As your boat passes beneath the bridge, you’ll experience its true scale and beauty.
How to Visit Tower Bridge (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Tower Bridge Exhibition
The Tower Bridge Exhibition allows visitors to explore:
The glass walkways
Victorian engine rooms
Interactive displays about the bridge’s history
⏱️ Average visit duration: 60–90 minutes
🎟️ Tickets include:
Access to both walkways
Engine room entry
Multimedia exhibitions
2. Watching the Bridge Lift
Watching Tower Bridge lift is a rare but exciting experience. The lift schedule depends on river traffic and is published online in advance.
📌 Pro Tip: Check lift times before your visit so you can plan your photo session accordingly.
3. Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Visits
While self-guided visits are great, guided tours provide deeper historical context and fun stories you won’t find on information boards.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Tower Bridge
Opening Hours
Generally open daily
Hours may vary seasonally
Closed on select holidays
📌 Always check official schedules or book through a trusted platform to avoid surprises.
Ticket Prices
Adults, children, and family tickets available
Discounts for online bookings
Combination tickets with other London attractions often available
Accessibility
Fully accessible for wheelchair users
Elevators available
Accessible restrooms on site
Security & Restrictions
Bag checks may apply
Large suitcases are not allowed
Photography is permitted (and encouraged!)
Best Time of Day
Morning: Fewer crowds, better lighting
Evening: Stunning sunset and night views
Best Time of Year
Spring & Summer: Longer daylight hours
Autumn: Softer light and fewer tourists
Winter: Festive atmosphere, fewer crowds indoors
Tower Bridge + Tower of London Combo: The Perfect Half-Day London Experience
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Tower Bridge is its proximity to the Tower of London. These two iconic landmarks sit right next to each other along the River Thames, making them ideal to explore together—especially for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time in London.
Why Combine Tower Bridge and the Tower of London?
Visiting both attractions on the same day allows you to experience:
Over 1,000 years of British history
Medieval castles and Victorian engineering in one walk
Stunning river views and historic royal landmarks
Excellent value through combo tickets and guided tours
Many travelers consider this pairing one of the best cultural experiences in London.
Suggested Visiting Order (Highly Recommended)
Start with the Tower of London
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds
Explore the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and medieval walls
Join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour for rich storytelling
➡️Then walk: 5 minutes to Tower Bridge
Finish with:
Tower Bridge Exhibition
Glass floor walkways
Victorian engine rooms
Sunset photos from the South Bank
📌 This order helps you beat crowds at the Tower of London and enjoy Tower Bridge at a more relaxed pace.
Tower Bridge + Tower of London Guided Tours
For first-time visitors, guided combo tours are one of the most stress-free options. These tours often include:
Skip-the-line entry to the Tower of London
Expert local guides
Reserved Tower Bridge access
Clear historical context connecting both landmarks
👉 Book Tower Bridge + Tower of London Combo Tours
Best Time to Visit the Combo Attractions
Morning: Tower of London (less crowded)
Afternoon: Tower Bridge Exhibition
Evening: Walk along the Thames or enjoy dinner nearby
⏱️ Total time needed: 4–6 hours
If you’re planning multiple sightseeing activities, timing matters—especially for popular attractions like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, where lighting and crowds can dramatically change your experience.
Bonus Tip: Add a Thames River Cruise
Many combo tours also pair Tower Bridge and the Tower of London with a Thames River cruise, giving you a third perspective of London’s skyline.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Tower Bridge
1. Book Tickets in Advance
Tower Bridge is extremely popular. Booking ahead helps you:
Skip queues
Secure your preferred time slot
Often save money
2. Combine Tower Bridge with Nearby Attractions
Plan a full day around the area:
Tower of London
Thames River Cruise
Borough Market
Sky Garden
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking quite a bit, especially if you explore both riverbanks.
4. Visit at Night for a Different Experience
Tower Bridge lights up beautifully after dark, offering one of the most romantic scenes in London.
5. Use Public Transport
Nearest stations:
Tower Hill (Underground)
London Bridge (Underground & Rail)
Avoid driving—parking is limited and expensive.
Why Book London Tours Through Viator & GetYourGuide?
For travelers, Viator and GetYourGuide offer:
Trusted, verified tours
Skip-the-line access
Flexible cancellation policies
Honest traveler reviews
Competitive pricing
For first-time visitors, these platforms remove the stress of planning and ensure a smooth experience.
