Tower Bridge is London's most distinctive river crossing, recognised by its twin towers, blue suspension elements and opening central bascules. You can cross at road level for views along the Thames, or visit the exhibition inside to explore the high-level walkways and Victorian engine rooms. Its combination of working infrastructure, engineering history and dramatic architecture makes it more than a photo stop. It also anchors an easy riverside visit with the Tower of London, Shad Thames and the South Bank.
Tower Hill (Circle, District)
45–90 minutes
Blue hour just after sunset when the bridge is lit.
Why visit
Walk across for free, or pay to see the high-level glass walkways and engine rooms.
Visitor information
- Crossing the bridge on foot is free, at any hour.
- The Tower Bridge Exhibition (walkways with glass floor and Victorian engine rooms) is a separate paid visit.
- Allow 20 minutes just to cross, or 60–90 minutes with the exhibition.
- Bridge lift times are published in advance on the official site — a lift is worth timing your walk around.
Official sources
Visit plan
0:00
North side: first view from the Tower of London moat path.
0:10
Cross on foot — free, at any hour, with river views both ways.
0:20
South side: drop down to Shad Thames and Butler's Wharf for the classic bridge photo.
0:40
Walk west along More London for the City skyline, then on to Borough Market.
When to go
Free vs paid
Free
- Crossing the bridge, the riverside paths on both banks and every viewpoint listed above.
- Watching a bridge lift from street level.
Paid
- The Exhibition: high-level walkways with a glass floor and the Victorian engine rooms.
- Opening hours and prices are published on the official Tower Bridge site.
Access & families
- The road-level footways are step-free from both banks.
- The Exhibition has lifts to the walkways; the official accessibility page confirms the current route.
- The glass floor is a hit with older children and uncomfortable for anyone afraid of heights.
- Traffic noise and wind on the deck make it a short stop with babies.
Practical tips
- 01Check the bridge lift times online — a unique sight.
- 02Combine with Tower of London next door.
- 03Glass-floor walkway gives birds-eye views.
Tickets & tours
Partner link. Prices and availability are shown by the provider.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to walk across Tower Bridge?
No. The road-level walkways are a public crossing and free. Only the high-level glass walkways and engine rooms require a ticket.
How do I know when the bridge will lift?
Lift times change with river traffic and are published on the official Tower Bridge website — check it the same day.
Where are the best photo spots?
Shad Thames and Butler's Wharf on the south bank, the More London riverside for the full span, and the Tower of London moat path on the north bank.
Is the paid Exhibition worth it?
It is worth it if you want the glass-floor walkways above the traffic and the Victorian engine rooms. If you mainly want the view of the bridge, the free crossing and the south-bank paths are enough.
Is Tower Bridge the same as London Bridge?
No. Tower Bridge is the Victorian bridge with two towers that opens for ships. London Bridge is the plain concrete bridge upstream, about 15 minutes' walk west.