Visit Tower Bridge | Tickets, Hours, & Essential Tips

Visiting Tower Bridge reveals its Neo-Gothic façade, but the real marvel lies within the Tower Bridge Exhibition. The full experience is a linear journey through the North Tower, Glass Walkway, South Tower, and Victorian Engine Rooms. To make the most of your visit to Tower Bridge, a smart plan ensures you seamlessly transition from the historical exhibits to the high-level views, avoiding queues and catching the bridge lift if possible.

Entry points

North Tower entrance

The sole entrance to the Tower Bridge Exhibition is located at the North Tower entrance (on the riverside, next to the bridge deck). All visitors must check in here for their timed slot and undergo security before taking the lift up to the first exhibition level.

Once you reach the top of the North Tower, the route is essentially a one-way path across the river. You cannot turn around and must continue through the South Tower after crossing the Walkway.

Person walking on Tower Bridge in London at sunset with city skyline in background.

Route flow

Ascend the North Tower

Your official experience to visit Tower Bridge begins with historical exhibits in the North Tower. From there, you proceed directly onto the high-level West Walkway (Glass Floor), cross to the South Tower, and descend.

Descend to the Engine Rooms

The final major stop after completing the exhibition in the Towers is the detached Victorian Engine Rooms. The route requires walking across the southern approach to the separate Engine Rooms building.

Tower Bridge engine room with large green and red machinery components.

Optional add-ons

Blue Line memorial: Don't miss the commemorative Blue Line path on the ground level after exiting the South Tower. It's an outdoor feature that connects the tower stories to the powerful Engine Rooms, featuring plaques of the original bridge workers.

Official audioguide app: Enhance your self-guided visit to Tower Bridge by downloading the official audio guide app. This provides rich, detailed context on the engineering, history, and the Blue Line plaques as you move through the exhibition

Explore better with a local expert

While you can easily visit Tower Bridge independently, a guided tour transforms the experience from a walk-through into a masterclass in history and engineering. Your local expert will handle the entry logistics and provide context on the Blue Line workers, the hidden complexities of the Victorian engines, and the architecture of the towers.

Book your guided experience

How to make the most of your time

Quick visit

Highlights: North Tower history → Glass Walkway crossing

What you get: A fast-track approach that delivers the thrilling, essential aerial views and photo opportunities of the interior.

Standard visit

Highlights: North Tower → Glass Walkway → Blue Line → Victorian Engine Rooms

What you get: The fully balanced exhibition experience, contrasting the architectural grandeur with the silent power of the machinery below.

Deep dive

Highlights: North Tower (full film screenings) → Glass Walkway (timed for a Bridge Lift) → South Tower Exhibit → Engine Rooms (interactive models)

What you get: The most comprehensive tour, providing deep historical context and a potential view of the bascules lifting directly from above.

Handy tips for your visit to Tower Bridge

Pick calmer windows: Visit Tower Bridge right at the opening time (9:30am) or after 4pm for a quieter experience on the Glass Walkway. The hours between 11am and 2pm are the busiest.
Time the Bridge Lift: Check the official lift schedule online before booking your ticket.
Follow the Blue Line: Take time to read the plaques on the Blue Line path before entering the Engine Rooms for an insightful memorial to the bridge's builders.
Bag restrictions: Large luggage, wheeled bags, and rucksacks exceeding 45 x 35 x 20 cm are strictly prohibited inside and cannot be stored.
Lifts vs. stairs: All sections are accessible by lift, but if you want the full experience, ascend the original staircase in the North Tower.

Explore Tower Bridge

The Glass Walkway

Walk 42 meters above the river for views of London life and the moving traffic directly beneath your feet.

What to look out for: Panoramic city views; watching a Bridge Lift (check schedule).

Explore the Walkways

Engine room machinery inside Tower Bridge, London.

Victorian Engine Rooms

See the colossal, original steam engines that reveal the ingenious hydraulic power system used to lift the bridge for 80 years.

What to look out for: Original steam engines; hydraulic accumulators.

See the engines

Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames in London, featuring its iconic twin towers.

North and South Towers

Explore the architectural heart of the bridge, learning about its challenging construction and the heroes who kept it running.

What to look out for: Blue Line plaques; original design blueprints

Victorian Engine Rooms at Tower Bridge with steam boilers and educational display.

Tower Bridge Exhibition

Immersive displays and films detailing the 8-year construction project and the vital role the bridge played in trade and history.

What to look out for: Historical photographs; interactive models.

What to expect

How to book your Tower Bridge tickets

Standard entry secures your access to the Glass Walkway, Towers, and Victorian Engine Rooms, but all visitors must pass through security and ticket validation. Since Tower Bridge is a single, contained attraction, the decision is less about navigation and more about convenience and insight.
Timed entry is essential: Unlike attractions where you can buy a ticket on arrival, all visitors must book a timed slot online. This secures your entry time and cuts the risk of being turned away if the exhibition is at capacity.
Guided tours for depth: For those who want more than the self-guided panels, a guided tour offers an expert narrative. This provides personal insight into the bridge's construction and operation.
Combos for efficiency: If you plan to spend the day in the area, look at combo tickets that package your visit to Tower Bridge with nearby landmarks like the Tower of London or a Thames River cruise. These streamline your itinerary and offer cost savings.

Recommended Tower Bridge tickets

Tower Bridge and Engine Rooms Entry Tickets

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1 hr. - 3 hr.

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Combo: Tower of London + Tower Bridge Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Tower Bridge + London Eye Tickets

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Skip-the-Line Tower Bridge Tickets and Tower of London Early-Access Guided Tour with Beefeater Opening Ceremony

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Ticket comparison table

Ticket type	What’s included	Best for	Price range
Standard timed ticket	Access to Towers, Glass Walkway, and Engine Rooms	Best price; self-guided explorers	From £12.80
Guided tour	Expert guide commentary + full exhibition access + Thames River cruise	Deep historical/engineering insight; first-time visitors	From £69
Tower Bridge combo	Timed entry + entry to another London attraction	Maximising value; multi-day London trips	From £24.98

Tower Bridge timings

Tower Bridge Exhibition: 9:30am– 6pm (open daily)

Last entry: 5pm

Closed on: December 24–26

Note: Opening hours may occasionally be adjusted for special events or maintenance; always check the official schedule before you visit Tower Bridge.

Detailed timings

Best time to visit Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London with raised bascules, viewed from the River Thames.

Weekday vs. weekend

Aim to visit Tower Bridge on a weekday (Monday to Friday) to avoid the heaviest weekend crowds. The best time of day is immediately at 9:30am opening or in the late afternoon, after 4pm. Crowds tend to peak between 11am and 3pm. Wednesdays can sometimes be slightly busier due to fewer events elsewhere.

Peak season vs. low season

The summer months (June–August) and school holidays are the peak season, resulting in maximum waiting times. The low season (November–February, excluding the Christmas period) offers the quietest experience. Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October) strike the best balance between comfortable weather and manageable queues.

Relaxed Opening

If you are hoping for a relaxed time at Tower Bridge, take advantage of the Relaxed Opening experience that is held on the second Saturday of every month, between 9:30am to 11:30am. This is especially great for those with autism and other needs, as well as their families and caregivers. Visitors can explore the Towers, Glass Floor, and Engine Rooms. Families can also take part in a family trail. During these hours, Tower Bridge ensures that:

The number of visitors is limited.
Loud hand dryers are turned off and replaced with disposable hand towels
Loud soundscapes and videos are turned off.
The staff will be trained in disability awareness sessions.
Provide a visual story to help you plan your visit.
Provide Access Toolkits that contain sensory items to help assist visitors who may be overwhelmed due to the new environment.

Note: While the Tower Bridge reopens to the public at 11:30am, Relaxed Opening visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like.

Where is Tower Bridge located?

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom | Find On Maps

The Tower Bridge is located on the River Thames, connecting the historical City of London to the Southwark area. The entrance is situated near the North Tower, making it highly accessible via public transport.

Closest landmarks: Tower of London (400 meters away), City Hall (500 meters away)

Getting to Tower Bridge

Tube: Take the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill Station (7-min walk) or the Jubilee or Northern Line to London Bridge Station (10-min walk).
Train: Closest National Rail stations are Fenchurch Street or London Bridge (10-15 min walks) or the Tower Gateway DLR Station (7-min walk).
Bus: Routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and 343 stop at Stop P, K, L (3-min walk).
Riverboat: Arrive by Thames Clipper at Tower Pier (6-min walk) or London Bridge City Pier (8-min walk).

From outside London, take the M25 motorway towards London, following signs for the A13 (if approaching from the north/east) or the A2/M20 (if approaching from the south/east).

Once inside the city, follow signs for Central London and the A100 (Tower Bridge Road).

Take the A100 toward Central London, follow signs to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Parking facilities

There is no dedicated visitor parking available on-site at Tower Bridge. Visitors must use nearby public car parks or on-street parking (subject to restrictions).

Nearby parking: Tower Hill Car & Coach Park

Facilities

Restrooms: Toilets, including accessible facilities, are available in both the North and South Towers and the Engine Rooms.
Baby changing: Dedicated baby changing facilities are conveniently located in the South Tower and the historic Engine Rooms.
Lifts (Elevators): Lifts are available in both the North Tower and the South Tower.
Free Wi-Fi: Visitors can connect to complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the high-level walkways.
Seating: Benches are provided in the Towers, on the Glass Floor walkways, and within the Engine Rooms.
Quiet rooms: Two dedicated quiet rooms are available in the South Tower for visitors.
Gift shops: Located near the exit, these shops sell exclusive books, souvenirs, and gifts inspired by the landmark.

Accessibility at Tower Bridge

General facilities & assistance

Entry is free for disabled visitors and their required companion; please present relevant ID upon arrival at the Ticket Office.
Tower Bridge offers priority access to bypass the main queues at the entrance.
Additionally, three comprehensive Access Toolkits are available for loan at both the Ticket Office and the Engine Rooms, providing support tools for a tailored experience.

For visitors with physical disabilities

The entire Tower Bridge Experience, including the high-level Walkways and Engine Rooms, is fully step-free via lifts and ramps.
Tower Bridge offers complimentary manual wheelchairs for loan to enhance your visit. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the main Ticket Office and the Engine Rooms entrance.
Adapted restrooms are available throughout the attraction.

For visitors with hearing impairments

Fixed Induction Loops are installed at key customer service points to assist with clear communication. These include the main Ticket Office, the North Tower, the Engine Rooms entrance, and the Gift Shop.
You can also book a specialised British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Guided Tour, which typically takes place at 11am on specific dates. Pre-booking is essential due to limited capacity.

For visitors with visual impairments

Enhance your sensory experience when you visit Tower Bridge with textual aids. Tower Bridge provides free loan of Braille and large-print guidebooks at both the Ticket Office and the Engine Rooms entrance, offering detailed descriptions of the exhibits.
The staff are trained and ready to provide additional descriptive support and guidance throughout the attraction.

Visiting with family

Accessibility: Lifts provide step-free access to all exhibition areas, including the Glass Floor. Strollers are welcome throughout the experience.
Facilities: Baby changing stations are conveniently located next to the main visitor restrooms on the North Tower.
Activities: Keep younger visitors (6–10 years old) entertained with self-guided, free family trails and activity sheets available upon entry.
Dining: Find family-friendly cafes and dining options nearby, such as the Tower Bridge Kitchen, for a quick rest and refreshment.

Rules and restrictions

Bags: Large bags, backpacks, and bulky luggage are not permitted within the Exhibition spaces.
Security: All bags and personal belongings may be subject to security checks upon entry.
Photography: Non-commercial photography and filming are permitted, including on the Glass Walkway, but flash photography is discouraged.
Animals: Only assistance and certified service animals are allowed inside the structure.
Smoking/Vaping: Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vapes, is strictly prohibited everywhere inside Tower Bridge.
Food & drink: No food or beverages are allowed in the Exhibition areas.
One-way route: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the staff at Tower Bridge have curated a one-way route: Your visit will begin in the North Tower. You will then make your way towards the South Tower via the Walkway. Your visit ends at the Engine Rooms and then the gift shop.

Where to shop

The Tower Bridge Gift Shop: The shop is located just as you exit the exhibition on the South side. It specialises in exclusive Tower Bridge merchandise, including detailed architectural models and collectable replicas of the famous Bascules. You'll also find a selection of historical and engineering books, high-quality London-themed prints, and unique souvenirs perfect for commemorating your trip.

Where to eat

There are no full-service restaurants located inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition, but the surrounding area offers some of London's best food, from historic pubs to riverside dining.

Participants at coffee workshop, Nineteen95 Espresso Bar, learning brewing techniques.

Casual bites & historic pubs

For a quick and traditional stop, visit The Dickens Inn (250m) in St Katharine Docks, which offers pub classics and a lively atmosphere. You can find numerous coffee houses and quick-bite vendors right near the Tower Hill Tube Station exit for convenience.

Grilled salmon with sauce and garnish, served with wine, showcasing modern French cuisine.

Mid-range dining & views

For a more memorable experience with direct bridge views, The Ivy Tower Bridge (150m) offers contemporary British brasserie fare. Just a short walk into Shad Thames, Cote Brasserie (300m) provides excellent, reliable French cuisine and service.

Where to stay

Tower Bridge sits at the intersection of three key London neighbourhoods: Bermondsey (south), Tower Hamlets (east), and The City (west). The area is central and highly convenient for travellers looking to visit Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. While it is tourist-heavy and generally expensive, the safety and excellent transport links (especially around London Bridge) make it a superb base for first-time visitors.

Recommended accommodation options:

Luxury (The City): Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square (5-min walk). A 5-star hotel near Tower Hill tube, offering exceptional service and history.
Mid-range (Bermondsey): The Bermondsey Square Hotel (10-min walk). A stylish 4-star boutique option known for its vibrant street market location and great dining nearby.
Budget (Southwark/Hostel): The Walrus Bar and Hostel (15-min walk). Highly-rated hostel near Waterloo and London Bridge, perfect for backpackers and budget travellers.
Apartment/Airbnb: Look for serviced apartments in Shad Thames (5–10 min walk) for riverside views and more space, ideal for longer stays or families.

Tip: Families and first-time visitors often prefer to stay in the London Bridge/Bermondsey area for better value and access to Borough Market, while business travellers and luxury seekers gravitate toward The City for its polished options.

Insider tips for your visit

The bridge lifts are the main highlight. Don't leave it to chance—check the official schedule online (published ~3 months ahead) and aim to arrive 30 mins early to grab a spot on the high-level walkways.
The East Walkway glass floor gets crowded quickly with people taking selfies. The hack is to start your tour immediately on the West Walkway; it's often quieter, giving you more time to lie down and get that iconic, clear shot without fighting the crowd for the perfect photo spot.
Queues form sharply from 9:30am to noon, especially during peak season. To save 15–20 mins in line, either arrive 15 mins before opening at 9:30am or plan your entry after 3pm when most large group tours have departed for a smoother and less rushed visit to Tower Bridge.
A common regret is large bags; there is no cloakroom and strict size limits (40cm x 20cm x 25cm) apply inside the Towers. Leave bulky rucksacks at a nearby luggage storage service near London Bridge Station to ensure swift entry and a comfortable experience on the narrow steps and walkways.
Skip the expensive, tourist-heavy cafes surrounding the Tower of London. Instead, take the short, 10-min walk across the bridge to Borough Market (South side). It offers dozens of affordable, high-quality street food options for a quick pre- or post-tour meal.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Tower Bridge

Can I buy tickets on-site at Tower Bridge?

While you technically can, it is highly recommended to pre-book your ticket online. Booking ahead secures your time slot, is generally cheaper, and is the only way to confirm entry on busy days.

How long does it take to complete the Tower Bridge visit?

You should plan for approximately 60 to 90 mins to explore the towers, walk across the glass floor walkways, and see the historic Victorian Engine Rooms exhibition.

What is the best time of day to visit Tower Bridge?

The quietest time is often the Relaxed Opening session (second Saturday of the month, 9:30am–11:30am). Otherwise, aim for early morning or late afternoon slots to avoid peak crowds.

What should I wear to visit Tower Bridge?

There is no specific dress code, but the interior can be cool and comfortable; flat-soled shoes are highly recommended. This ensures a pleasant walk across the Glass Walkway and through the Engine Rooms.

Can I bring a dog or other pets inside?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on a lead are generally welcome to visit Tower Bridge, but entry may be denied during extremely busy periods. Guide dogs are always prioritised.

Is the Glass Walkway safe to stand on?

Yes, absolutely. The Glass Walkway is made of toughened glass designed to withstand heavy loads. It is perfectly safe, offering a thrilling, unique view when you visit Tower Bridge.

Can I see the bridge lift from the Glass Walkway?

Yes, if you time your visit correctly. Check the official lift schedule online before booking your ticket, as seeing the bascules rise from 42 meters above is a highlight of the experience.

What else can I see in the area?

The Tower of London, The Shard, The British Museum, HMS Belfast, and many other locations are located within walking distance of Tower Bridge.