- 2-min walk (200 m)
- Explore royal history, Crown Jewels, and medieval towers
- Cost: From £33
Top things to do near Tower Bridge
St. Katharine Docks
Sky Garden
Tate Modern
Tower Bridge, London’s architectural icon spanning the Thames, sits in the heart of the City of London and Southwark areas. From this central point, many things to do near Tower Bridge lie within a 20-minute walk, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, museums, parks, and riverside spots. Use this as your handy guide for planning a seamless day around the bridge and its surroundings.
Unlock London’s top attractions with a city pass. The Go City London Pass covers Tower of London, The Shard, and more, all within a short walk. Save up to 40% and skip the lines.
This medieval fortress houses the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and centuries of English history.
Hidden near Tower Hill, these fragments of ancient Roman walls mark London’s early boundary.
Climb its 311-step spiral staircase to a viewing platform overlooking the City.
Board this historic Royal Navy cruiser, now a floating museum, to explore nine decks of wartime history and hands-on exhibits.
Discover vibrant exhibitions on fashion, textiles, and design in a colorful building founded by designer Zandra Rhodes.
Step into the dark history of London’s oldest prison, with interactive displays and stories of infamous inmates.
Explore one of the world’s leading modern art museums, housed in a former power station on the Thames.
Uncover the story of British currency, gold bars, and financial history in this interactive museum.
Trace London’s maritime and trade history in this riverside warehouse museum, with immersive galleries and family activities.
See London’s best landmarks the easy way with a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. Explore sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye, all linked by scenic routes and flexible stops.
Go up to the 72nd floor for sweeping views of London’s skyline from Western Europe’s tallest building.
Enjoy lush greenery and panoramic city views from this free rooftop garden in the Walkie Talkie building.
Climb the roof of The O2 for panoramic views of London’s skyline and the Thames.
Ride a glass elevator to the top of a historic power station for unique city views.
Classic British grill with riverside seating and unbeatable Tower Bridge views.
Trendy café for specialty coffee, pastries, and light bites in a stylish setting.
Trendy café for specialty coffee, pastries, and light bites in a stylish setting.
Stylish brasserie with classic British fare, riverside terrace, and elegant interiors.
Dine in iconic glass igloos serving modern European dishes and creative cocktails.
Waterfront spots with al fresco seating and views of the docks and yachts.
Modern steakhouse with a focus on British beef and seafood, just steps from the river.
Classic British grill with riverside seating and unbeatable Tower Bridge views.
Iconic London working-class eatery on Tower Bridge Road, known for pies and parsley liquor.
London’s legendary food market, packed with global street food, artisan cheeses, and fresh produce.
💡 Tip: South of the bridge, check out the Bermondsey Beer Mile for local breweries under railway arches, open Fridays–Saturdays for tastings. Start at Maltby Street Market for snacks first. Pints are £6–£7
Experience one of London’s most famous bridges for free while admiring skyline views.
Pedestrian path running along the Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge—perfect for sunset strolls and skyline views.
See Tower Bridge’s halves rise for passing ships, a unique London sight that’s completely free to enjoy.
Enjoy the peaceful marina, browse the boats, and relax at waterside benches.
Open-air amphitheatre by the river hosting free film nights, concerts, and public events through summer.
Sample free tastings and soak up the lively market atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Check Tower Bridge’s official lift schedule in advance (often published weekly). Time your visit to see the bascules open for ships.
A riverside green space with lawns, flower beds, and unbeatable Tower Bridge views, perfect for a picnic or a break.
A hidden local park near Bermondsey Street with benches, flowerbeds, and a children’s play area.
Community park with playground equipment and shaded seating, popular with families and locals.
A large Victorian park with gardens, a boating lake, and playgrounds, just a short walk from the river.
💡 Tip: Grab lunch from Borough Market and enjoy it in Potters Fields Park, right beside Tower Bridge for unbeatable river views.
Modern pedestrian boulevard with fountains, public art, and open-air events beside City Hall.
Historic cobbled street lined with converted warehouses, trendy restaurants, and riverside views.
A lively riverside arcade with shops, cafés, and public art, ideal for a stroll or coffee break.
Bustling artery connecting London Bridge to Tower Bridge, full of eateries, pubs, and independent shops.
Walk the glass floor high above the Thames and learn about the bridge’s engineering with interactive displays.
Explore this real WWII warship, where children can clamber up ladders and explore the mess decks.
Open lawns and playgrounds make this riverside park a great spot for kids to run and play.
Occasional family-friendly screenings and concerts in summer.
Discover gruesome tales and try on medieval torture devices in this hands-on museum.
Pick up snacks and treats from dozens of stalls, with plenty of options for picky eaters.
Catch a West End-quality play or musical in this modern riverside venue.
Upscale dining and wine bars with glowing night views of the bridge.
Tip: Reserve outdoor tables around sunset.
See the illuminated city from the river—romantic and scenic.
Some stalls and bars stay open late, offering street food and live music on select evenings.
Sip cocktails with panoramic city views from this stylish bar on the 31st floor.
💡 Tip: Take a short tube ride to London’s West End for world-class theatre shows and musicals, just 20 minutes from Tower Bridge.
Browse boutique shops, cafés, and pop-up stalls in this riverside arcade with striking architecture.
Weekly market with street food, crafts, and local goods beside the marina.
Shop for gourmet foods, fresh produce, and artisan treats in London’s most famous market.
Find unique gifts, fashion, and food in this ornate Victorian market, a favorite for Harry Potter fans.
Cheer on runners as they cross Tower Bridge, one of the race’s most iconic points.
Season-long open-air festival with films, concerts, and pop-ups along More London Riverside.
Annual celebration with art installations, live music, and river parades along the Thames Path.
Watch spectacular fireworks over the Thames, with great views from Potters Fields Park and the riverside.
Enjoy festive markets, light displays, and pop-up bars along the riverside near Tower Bridge.
💡 Tip: For a memorable family night, watch London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from the riverside near Tower Bridge. Arrive early for the best views and bring snacks for the wait.
Path: Tower Bridge → Potters Fields Park → Coffee stop → quick riverside stroll
Path: Tower Bridge → Tower of London → St. Katharine Docks → Borough Market
Path: Tower Bridge → Tower of London → The Shard → Tate Modern → Borough Market
Path: Tower Bridge sunset → Dinner at Coppa Club → Shard Bar
Path: Tower Bridge Exhibition → HMS Belfast → Potters Fields Park → Borough Market treats
Path: Shad Thames stroll → Dinner at The Ivy → Shard sunset
Walking is the best way to explore sites near Tower Bridge.
Public Transit:
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Designated stands at Tower Hill and Tooley Street
Bike / scooter: Santander Cycles docking stations at Potters Fields, Tooley Street, and St. Katharine Docks
Central London has limited parking; use public transport if possible. Driving through central London also has congestion charge fees.
Yes, the area is well-lit and busy into the evening, especially around the bridge, riverside paths, and nearby restaurants. Stick to main routes and avoid isolated alleys late at night.
Absolutely. The riverside paths, parks, and main streets are pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of benches and crossings. Most attractions are within a 15-minute walk.
Borough Market is a top local favorite for food, while Potters Fields Park is loved for picnics and river views. Shad Thames offers trendy restaurants and historic charm.
Potters Fields Park is the best spot for a picnic, with lawns, river views, and Tower Bridge as your backdrop. St. Katharine Docks is another peaceful option.
Potters Fields Park, Shad Thames, and the upper walkway of Tower Bridge all offer excellent photo opportunities. For skyline shots, visit The Shard or Sky Garden.
Enjoy riverside walks, explore Potters Fields Park, browse Borough Market, and visit Hay’s Galleria or Leadenhall Market for architecture and window shopping.
Coppa Club, The Ivy Tower Bridge, Butlers Wharf Chop House, and Borough Market offer a range of dining options, from casual to upscale, all within a short walk.
Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, explore HMS Belfast, play in Potters Fields Park, and sample treats at Borough Market. The Clink Prison Museum is fun for older kids.
Head to the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tate Modern, or the Clink Prison Museum for indoor activities. The Shard and Sky Garden are also great for rainy days.
Yes, you’ll find lockers at the Tower of London and London Bridge station. Some attractions and markets also offer bag storage for a fee.
Tower Hill (District, Circle lines) and London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines) are the closest tube stations, both within a 10-minute walk.
Dogs are welcome in Potters Fields Park and along the riverside paths but are not allowed inside most attractions like the Tower of London or HMS Belfast.
Yes, the Go City London Pass and other city cards cover entry to the Tower of London, The Shard, and more nearby attractions.
Borough Market, Hay’s Galleria, Leadenhall Market, and St. Katharine Docks Market are all within a 15-minute walk.
Potters Fields Park, Shad Thames, and the riverside walkway offer beautiful night views of the illuminated bridge. The Shard’s observation deck is perfect for city lights.
St. Katharine Docks is a peaceful marina, while Leadenhall Market offers Victorian charm. Shad Thames is great for architecture and riverside dining.
Early mornings (before 10am) and late afternoons (after 4pm) are quieter, especially on weekdays. Weekends and holidays are busiest.
Bonfire Night fireworks, Christmas by the River, the Thames Festival, and the London Marathon all bring special events and lively crowds to the area.
