Visiting Tower Bridge, the iconic London landmark
A Neo-Gothic symbol
Spanning the River Thames, the spectacular Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable structures on the planet. This essential symbol of the British capital features two elegant Neo-Gothic towers and a distinctive blue frame. People often mistake it for London Bridge, but the name actually comes from its neighbor, the Tower of London. You can see the fortress clearly from the glass-floored high-level walkways of the museum. Keep in mind that you can purchase tickets that bundle entry to Tower Bridge and The Monument.
A 19th-century engineering feat
Construction on this architectural marvel began in 1886 and spanned eight years, requiring nearly 500 workers to complete. At the time of its opening, it was the largest bascule bridge in the world. It measures 246 meters long and 65 meters high, a scale that required over 11,000 tons of steel. Sir John Wolfe-Barry and Horace Jones served as the primary architects. The bridge used an ingenious hydraulic mechanism to allow both road and river traffic to move efficiently, a revolutionary system for its day. While the towers provide the bridge with its signature look, they originally housed steam-powered machinery, which was replaced by an electric motor in 1976.
A modern visitor experience
Every detail was intentional, right down to the exterior cladding of Portland stone and Cornish granite. On the south bank of the Thames, do not miss the engine rooms, where much of the original Victorian-era machinery is on display. For a deeper dive, the Tower Bridge Exhibition provides detailed blueprints and explanations of how the bridge functions. The highlight for many is the high-level walkway, where the view of the Thames from 42 meters up is exceptional.
Following a renovation in 2008, a new LED lighting system was installed, giving the structure a striking appearance after dark.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
For me, this bridge represents one of the great symbols of London. Its architecture is really superb. I also recommend visiting the museum located inside. It is super interesting, but above all, very impressive.