As one of the most famous and instantly recognizable structures in the entire world, the Tower Bridge in London opens up and welcomes you into the heart of the bustling English capital. Enjoy unrivaled views of historic buildings and modern icons from one of the most exclusive cruise ports in the world as you sail through Northern and Western Europe. London is truly one of the most important cities on the planet with so much to see and many ways to see them. History greets you at every turn and the Tower Bridge is no exception. Built 120 years ago to ease road traffic while maintaining river access, this suspension bridge has become one of London’s most emblematic attractions every world traveler yearns to see:
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is often mistaken for London Bridge. Located on the River Thames, it is a combined bascule and suspension bridge that offers stunning views of London and provides easy access to many of the city's top attractions. If you're visiting London from a cruise and only have one day to explore, Tower Bridge is a perfect starting point for your adventure. Here’s a guide to making the most of your time around Tower Bridge.
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Tour Tower Bridge
Begin your day with a visit to Tower Bridge itself. This historic bridge is not only an engineering marvel but also a key part of London’s history. You can take a guided or self-guided tour of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes the opportunity to explore the bridge's high-level walkways. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of London, including landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, and the HMS Belfast.
Tip: Don’t miss the chance to walk on the glass floor on the upper walkways for a unique perspective of the traffic and river below.
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Visit the Tower of London
Just a short walk from Tower Bridge, you’ll find the Tower of London, one of the city's most famous historical sites. The Tower is home to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and a variety of fascinating exhibitions that delve into London's medieval history. It’s also where you’ll find the Beefeaters, the ceremonial guards of the Tower.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues and make sure to join one of the iconic Beefeater-led tours for a deeper insight into the Tower’s history.
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Take a Thames River Cruise
After exploring the Tower of London, hop on a Thames river cruise for a relaxing and scenic ride. The cruise offers a different view of London, passing by landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. It’s a perfect way to see the city’s riverside attractions while taking a break from walking.
Tip: You can opt for a hop-on, hop-off Thames cruise to explore more areas at your own pace.
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Explore Borough Market
Head to Borough Market, located just a short distance from Tower Bridge, to experience one of London’s oldest and most popular food markets. Here you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, pastries, street food, and gourmet treats. It’s an excellent spot to grab lunch and sample local flavors or international delicacies.
Tip: Don’t miss the freshly made salt beef sandwiches at one of the market’s stalls, a classic London treat!
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Walk Across London Bridge
From Borough Market, it’s a short walk to London Bridge, another iconic crossing over the Thames. While the bridge itself is not as visually striking as Tower Bridge, it’s still a historical landmark that offers great views of the surrounding areas, including the famous Shard building. You can also visit Borough High Street for some local shopping or to explore quaint cafés.
Tip: If you have time, climb to the top of the Shard for unparalleled views of the city.
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Stroll Along the South Bank
The area along the South Bank of the River Thames is a lively cultural hub with plenty of attractions, from the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to the Tate Modern art gallery. If you enjoy art or history, make sure to visit the Tate Modern for world-renowned contemporary art exhibits, or take in a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Tip: The Southbank Centre also hosts a variety of events, from music performances to art exhibitions, so check the schedule during your visit.
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Visit the Shard
For the best views in London, head to the Shard, the tallest building in the UK, located near London Bridge. You can go up to the View from The Shard, an observation deck on the 72nd floor that offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. From here, you’ll see iconic landmarks, parks, and the sprawling cityscape of London.
Tip: If you’re visiting during sunset, the views are particularly spectacular, and you can catch a glimpse of the skyline bathed in golden light.
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Explore St. Katharine Docks
Just to the east of Tower Bridge, St. Katharine Docks is a picturesque marina surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and historic buildings. It's a peaceful area that contrasts with the bustling city, offering a great spot for a relaxing break by the water.
Tip: Stop by the Dickens Inn, a historic pub located at the docks, for a traditional English lunch or a drink by the water.
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Visit the HMS Belfast
If you’re interested in naval history, the HMS Belfast is a must-see. Docked on the Thames near Tower Bridge, this World War II-era warship is now a museum offering an immersive experience of life aboard a Royal Navy vessel. You can explore various decks, see exhibitions about naval history, and even experience what it was like to live and work on the ship.
Tip: Make sure to check out the Gun Room and the Bridge, where the ship's officers once commanded.
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Relax at St. James’s Park
For a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, take a walk through St. James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. It’s located near Buckingham Palace, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, watch the resident pelicans, or take a seat by the lake and admire the view of Westminster Abbey and the London Eye in the distance.
Tip: If you have the time, head to Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, which usually takes place at 11:30 AM.
Tower Bridge is an iconic starting point for your London adventure. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or simply enjoying the city’s beautiful riverside views, there’s something for everyone around Tower Bridge. You can easily spend the day exploring the surrounding attractions, from the historic Tower of London to the vibrant food stalls at Borough Market.