Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and instantly recognisable across the world. Opened in 1894, this combined bascule and suspension bridge was designed to allow both road traffic and large ships to pass along the River Thames. Despite often being mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is the true architectural icon, complete with its Victorian Gothic design, twin towers, and striking blue detailing.
What makes Tower Bridge so special is not just its appearance, but how it connects history with modern London life. The bridge still opens regularly to allow ships through, a tradition that has continued for over a century. Inside, you can also explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can walk across the glass-floored walkway high above the river and learn about its engineering history.
💡 Fun Facts About Tower Bridge
- It took 8 years to build and was completed in 1894
- The bridge can still open up to 1000 times per year
- It is often confused with London Bridge (which is actually much simpler in design)
- The high-level walkways were originally used by pedestrians when the bridge was raised
- The colour scheme (blue and white) was only added in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee
Best Tower Bridge London Viewpoints & Photo Spots Along the Thames
If you’re looking for the best places to see Tower Bridge in London, these viewpoints along the River Thames offer some of the most iconic, scenic, and Instagram-worthy photo spots in the city. From hidden riverside corners to famous skyline viewpoints, each location gives a completely different perspective of one of London’s most photographed landmarks.
1. The Queen’s Walk (Best scenic riverside walk in London)
The Queen’s Walk is part of the South Bank riverside promenade and offers continuous views of Tower Bridge while walking along the Thames. It’s one of the best walking routes in London for sightseeing, photography, street life, and iconic city views. Along this stretch you can also capture unique shots of the HMS Belfast, where the historic warship sits in the foreground with Tower Bridge in the background, creating one of the most cinematic photo compositions in the area. Just nearby is Potters Fields Park, a riverside green space that’s perfect for a sunset picnic, offering open views of Tower Bridge glowing in golden hour light with the City skyline behind it.
2. Horselydown Steps (Best low-angle Tower Bridge photos)
Located just off the Thames Path, Horselydown Steps is a hidden access point leading directly to the riverside. From here, you can capture dramatic low-angle shots of Tower Bridge from beneath, making it one of the best photography spots for unique perspectives in London.
3. Maggie Blake’s Cause & Butler’s Wharf (Best Hidden & Iconic Tower Bridge Views)
Maggie Blake’s Cause is one of the most underrated photo spots for Tower Bridge in London. This quiet riverside walkway offers a direct, unobstructed view of the bridge framed by the River Thames. It’s ideal for early morning photography or anyone looking for a peaceful viewpoint away from crowds. From here, it’s also just a few minutes’ walk along the river to Butler’s Wharf, one of the most iconic postcard viewpoints of Tower Bridge, where you’ll also find riverside dining at Butler’s Wharf Chop House, making it a great stop for both photography and a delicious meal with a view.
4. Tower Bridge (Best classic London landmark view)
Walking directly across Tower Bridge gives you elevated panoramic views of the River Thames, St Katharine Docks, and the City of London skyline. You are not viewing the bridge from a distance, but experiencing it directly as you cross it — offering one of the closest and most immersive ways to experience Tower Bridge, where you can fully appreciate its scale, Victorian architecture, and intricate details up close. It’s a must-do experience for any London visitor. You can either walk across the bridge for a slower, more immersive experience, or take a London bus that crosses directly over it for a unique sightseeing view from above the river. The main bus routes that go through Tower Bridge are 42, 78, 100, and 343, offering one of the most scenic bus journeys in the city as you pass right over the Thames.
You can also explore the inside of Tower Bridge itself by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can walk across the high-level glass walkways and learn about the bridge’s fascinating engineering history. From above the River Thames, you get unique views of London through the glass floor and can discover how the original Victorian steam engines once powered the bridge lifts. If you want to include this experience in your visit, I’ve linked below where you can buy tickets in advance to avoid queues and secure your preferred time slot.
5. Coppa Club Tower Bridge (Best dining view of Tower Bridge)
Coppa Club is one of the most famous restaurants in London thanks to its glass igloos overlooking Tower Bridge. It’s a top spot for brunch, dinner, or drinks while enjoying uninterrupted views of the river and the bridge — perfect for lifestyle and travel photography.
6. Sugar Quay Jetty (Best sunset viewpoint of Tower Bridge)
Sugar Quay Jetty is a small riverside viewing platform offering cinematic views of Tower Bridge and the Thames. It’s especially popular during sunset, when the light reflects off the water and creates one of the most beautiful golden-hour scenes in London. Unfortunately, when we visited it was raining, but it definitely didn’t ruin our experience.
7. Sky Garden (Best panoramic skyline view of Tower Bridge)
Sky Garden is one of the best free viewpoints in London, located at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building. From here, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city, including Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the River Thames. It’s one of the most popular photography spots in London for skyline shots. Entry is free, but you must book your ticket online in advance, as walk-in access is not available and time slots can fill up quickly.
8. City Cruises / Hop-On Hop-Off Boat (Best Tower Bridge view from the water)
One of the most unique ways to experience Tower Bridge is from the River Thames itself, where you get uninterrupted views of the bridge rising above the water. Hop-on hop-off boat services such as City Cruises offer a scenic river journey that passes directly under Tower Bridge, giving you a completely different perspective compared to walking or driving. From the water, you can fully appreciate the scale of the bridge, its Victorian architecture, and the way it frames the London skyline, especially when it opens for passing ships or glows at sunset. It’s one of the most relaxing and cinematic ways to see Tower Bridge in London.
The Ultimate Tower Bridge Walking Route & Thames Cruise Itinerary
Here’s the exact route that we would suggest for the best Tower Bridge experience, combining scenic riverside walks, iconic viewpoints, hidden photo spots, skyline views, and a Thames river cruise all in one itinerary, starting from London Bridge Station.
- The Queen’s Walk
- Horselydown Steps
- Maggie Blake’s Cause & Butler’s Wharf
- Tower Bridge
- Coppa Club Tower Bridge
- Sugar Quay Jetty
- Sky Garden
- City Cruises / Hop-On Hop-Off Boat (continue towards Westminster & the London Eye, or Greenwich)
👉 Click here for the Google Maps route
Hotels with the Best Tower Bridge Views in London
Shangri-La The Shard
Shangri-La The Shard offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in London, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tower Bridge, the River Thames, and the entire skyline. From this ultra-luxury hotel, Tower Bridge can be seen from above, especially stunning at sunrise and at night when the city lights reflect across the river. As not all rooms have direct Tower Bridge views, it is recommended to contact the hotel directly when booking to request a room facing the bridge and ensure availability of this specific view.
The Tower Hotel
The Tower Hotel is the most well-known mid-range hotel with direct Tower Bridge views. Located right beside the bridge on the Thames, many rooms and the terrace bar offer unobstructed, front-facing views of Tower Bridge, making it one of the best-value stays in London. To ensure a Tower Bridge view, make sure to book one of the Bridge View category rooms, as these are the room types specifically offering direct views of the bridge.
Cheval Three Quays
Cheval Three Quays is one of the best riverside stays for direct Tower Bridge views. Located next to the Tower of London, many serviced apartments offer front-row views of Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and the Shard, making it ideal for longer luxury stays with a premium location. To ensure a Tower Bridge view, make sure to book one of the following apartment types: Luxury One-Bedroom Tower View, Luxury Two-Bedroom Tower View, or Deluxe Two-Bedroom Tower View, as these specific categories are the ones that guarantee direct views of the bridge.
How to Get to Tower Bridge (Tube, Bus & Walking Guide)
Tower Bridge is one of the most accessible landmarks in London, well connected by both the Underground and bus network. The closest Tube stations are Tower Hill (Circle & District lines) and London Bridge (Jubilee & Northern lines), both just a short 5–10 minute walk away. From Tower Hill, you’ll get a direct and scenic approach past the Tower of London, while London Bridge Station is ideal if you want to combine your visit with Borough Market and a walk along the South Bank.
Several London bus routes also offer one of the most scenic ways to experience Tower Bridge, as they cross directly over the structure itself while travelling across the River Thames. The main routes that go over Tower Bridge are 42, 78, 100, and 343, giving passengers a unique elevated view of the bridge, the river, and the surrounding London skyline as they pass right through the heart of this iconic landmark.
For a more scenic approach, you can also walk to Tower Bridge along the Thames Path (Queen’s Walk), which offers some of the best riverside views in London and gradually reveals the bridge as you approach — perfect for photography and first impressions.
FAQs About Visiting London
What are the best things to do in London for first-time visitors?
Top attractions include Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey.
How many days do you need in London?
A minimum of 3–5 days is recommended to see major landmarks and explore at least 2–3 neighbourhoods.
What is the best area to stay in London?
Covent Garden, Soho, South Bank, and Kensington are popular for first-time visitors due to central location and transport access.
What are the best free things to do in London?
British Museum, National Gallery, Hyde Park, Sky Garden, and walking along the Thames are all free.
What is the best way to explore London?
Use a mix of walking, buses and the Underground (Tube). Walking between nearby neighbourhoods gives the best experience.
What is the best time of year to visit London?
The best time to visit London is from April to June or September to October when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. December is also popular for Christmas lights and festive markets.
What food should you try in London?
Must-try foods include traditional English breakfast, fish and chips, Sunday roast, street food at Borough Market, and international cuisine in Soho and Chinatown.
Is London expensive to visit?
Yes, London can be expensive, but many attractions are free. You can save money by visiting free museums, using public transport, and eating at markets instead of restaurants.
What are the most Instagrammable places in London?
Popular photo spots include Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Notting Hill pastel houses, Neal’s Yard, Sky Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral from One New Change, and Covent Garden.
What are the best hidden gems in London?
Some of the best hidden gems include Neal’s Yard, Goodwin’s Court, Cecil Court, Sky Garden, Leadenhall Market, and Seven Dials. These spots are less crowded but offer some of the most beautiful and atmospheric experiences in the city.
Is London safe for tourists?
Yes, London is generally safe for tourists, especially in central areas. Like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your belongings in crowded places.
Can you do London on a budget?
Yes, London can be done on a budget thanks to free museums, parks, walking tours, and affordable street food markets like Borough Market and Camden Market.
Travel Insurance
We recommend to book a travel insurance for every trip as you never know what could happen. It’s not easy to deal with any kind of problems when you are abroad, so it’s definitely worth it to be covered and travel with peace in mind.
We use IATI travel insurance and you can book yours through our link and receive 5% discount.
Book here if you are from EU: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en-eu/?r=96181493877707
Book here if you are from the rest of the world: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=96181493877707
Go City London Pass
If you’re planning to explore multiple neighbourhoods and attractions across London, a Go City London Pass can be a great way to save both time and money. It gives you access to many of the city’s top experiences, including popular landmarks, museums, viewpoints, and guided tours, all with one digital pass. Instead of buying individual tickets, you can simply scan your pass at each attraction, making it especially convenient for first-time visitors who want to see as much of London as possible without the hassle of planning every entry in advance.
eSIM
If you’re travelling to London and want to stay connected without dealing with roaming fees or physical SIM cards, an Airalo eSIM is a super convenient option. You can install it directly on your phone before you even arrive, giving you instant mobile data as soon as you land. It’s perfect for using maps, booking attractions, ordering transport, and staying online while exploring all the different London neighbourhoods in this guide. No need to search for WiFi or buy a local SIM — everything is handled digitally in just a few minutes.
Read Next
We hope this blog post was helpful to you and you are gonna have a great time while exploring London. For more pictures and videos check out our IG story highlights (London) and our feed posts & reels. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment bellow or contact us via email or even better via Instagram @borntotraveldiaries. Thank you for your time and stay tuned for our next diary page 🙂.
