Why Tower Bridge Is London’s Most Iconic Landmark
In London, few structures command the same instant recognition as Tower Bridge. It’s not just another bridge crossing the Thames-it’s the symbol of the city itself, standing proud between the Tower of London and the modern skyline of Southwark. Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner who’s walked past it a thousand times or a first-time visitor stepping off the Tube at London Bridge station, Tower Bridge doesn’t just sit in the city-it defines it.
It’s Not Just a Bridge, It’s a Working Marvel
Many people assume Tower Bridge is just a pretty postcard image. But it’s still fully operational. Every day, the bridge lifts for river traffic-cargo ships, tourist boats, even the occasional Royal Navy vessel. In 2024 alone, it opened over 800 times. That’s more than twice a day, on average. If you’re near the bridge between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., you might catch it rising. The sound of the hydraulic system kicking in, the slow creak of the bascules lifting, the crowd gathering on the walkways-it’s a real-life spectacle you won’t find anywhere else in the world.Locals know the best spot to watch it: the southern bank near City Hall, where you can see the entire lift without the tourist crowds. If you’re in a hurry, check the Tower Bridge website for live opening times. No need to wait around-plan your walk around it, not the other way around.
A Design Built for the Empire
When construction finished in 1894, Tower Bridge was the most advanced bridge of its kind. It was designed to let tall-masted ships pass through while still letting horse-drawn carts and later, electric trams, cross over. The Victorian engineers didn’t just build a bridge-they built a statement. At the time, London was the heart of the British Empire, and this bridge was meant to show off British ingenuity.The twin towers? They’re not just decorative. They house the original steam engines (now electric), the walkways, and the exhibition spaces. The high-level walkways were originally meant for pedestrians to cross even when the bridge was open. Today, they’re part of the visitor experience-offering panoramic views of the Thames, the Shard, and the City of London’s financial district. Walk across them on a clear day, and you’ll see why this bridge has stayed relevant for over 130 years.
More Than a Tourist Trap
Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, the gift shops sell £12 mugs and £5 keychains. But dismissing Tower Bridge as just a tourist trap misses the point. For Londoners, it’s part of the rhythm of the city. It’s the backdrop to morning runs along the South Bank, the landmark you point to when giving directions to a friend from out of town, the bridge you cross on the way to Borough Market for a Sunday brunch.Walk from Tower Bridge to Borough Market in 10 minutes, and you’re in the middle of London’s best food scene-stalls selling artisan cheese, oysters from Cornwall, spicy jerk chicken, and freshly baked sourdough. Grab a coffee from Bar Italia or Monmouth Coffee and sit on the riverbank. Watch the boats go by. Listen to the buskers playing jazz. This is London life, right here.
The Bridge That Connects History and Modernity
Just upstream, you’ve got the Tower of London-where kings were imprisoned, executed, and crowned. Downstream, you’ve got the Shard, the Gherkin, and the Bloomberg European HQ. Tower Bridge sits right in the middle, physically and symbolically. It’s the link between London’s medieval past and its global present.Even the materials tell the story. The steel frame was built in the 1880s using British steel from the Midlands. The granite and Portland stone cladding came from quarries in Dorset and Devon. Every brick, every rivet, was sourced from across the UK. It’s not just a London landmark-it’s a British one.
How to Experience It Like a Local
Most visitors pay £32 to go inside the exhibition. Locals? We skip it. Here’s how to see Tower Bridge the way Londoners do:- Walk across it at sunrise-few people are around, the light hits the towers just right, and you’ve got the whole bridge to yourself.
- Take the DLR from Canary Wharf to Tower Gateway. It’s cheaper than the Tube, and you get a killer view of the bridge approaching from the east.
- Grab a pint at The Anchor Pub, right next to the bridge. It’s been serving beer since 1740. Sit outside, watch the bridge lift, and order a pint of London Pride.
- Visit during the annual London Festival of Architecture in June. The bridge often hosts light projections and installations that turn it into a canvas for artists.
- Take the Thames Clippers riverbus from Westminster to Tower Bridge Pier. It’s £12.50 return, and you get a different perspective from the water.
Why It Still Matters
London has changed. The skyline’s taller, the accents are more global, the Tube runs 24/7 on weekends. But Tower Bridge hasn’t. It still lifts. It still creaks. It still draws crowds. It’s not just a relic-it’s alive.When the Queen died in 2022, Londoners gathered on the bridge to lay flowers. When the city celebrated the Platinum Jubilee, the bridge was lit in gold and purple. When the pandemic hit, it was one of the few places people still walked to-quietly, safely, together.
It’s not just a bridge. It’s a witness. To wars, to celebrations, to quiet mornings and late-night strolls. It’s the one landmark that doesn’t need a sign to tell you why you’re here. You just feel it.
Is Tower Bridge the same as London Bridge?
No, they’re two different bridges. London Bridge is the plain, modern concrete bridge just upstream that carries the A3 and the Tube. Tower Bridge is the ornate, bascule bridge with towers and walkways, built in 1894. Tourists often confuse them, but locals know the difference. If you’re taking a photo with the iconic bridge, you’re at Tower Bridge-not London Bridge.
Can you walk across Tower Bridge for free?
Yes. The road level is always open to pedestrians and cyclists at no cost. The high-level glass walkways inside the towers require a paid ticket, but the main crossing is free 24/7. Many Londoners use it as a shortcut between Southwark and the City, especially on lunch breaks.
When is the best time to see Tower Bridge lift?
Weekday mornings between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. tend to have the most predictable openings, with fewer crowds. Check the official Tower Bridge website for real-time schedules. Avoid weekends if you want to avoid tourists-the bridge lifts just as often, but you’ll be sharing the view with hundreds of people.
Is Tower Bridge open at night?
Yes. The bridge is always open to foot traffic, even after dark. The walkways are well-lit, and the bridge is beautifully illuminated at night. It’s one of the safest and most atmospheric places to walk in London after sunset. Just avoid the dark corners near the eastern end if you’re alone.
What’s the best way to get to Tower Bridge from central London?
Take the Tube to London Bridge station (Jubilee or Northern line) and walk 5 minutes south. Or take the DLR to Tower Gateway-direct and scenic. If you’re coming from the west, the Thames Clippers riverbus from Westminster or Blackfriars gives you the best approach. Buses 381, 42, and 15 also stop nearby. Avoid driving-the area is congested and parking is scarce.