Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is the most iconic bridge in London, a Victorian engineering marvel of two soaring Gothic towers linked by high walkways above a road bascule that still lifts to let tall ships pass. Often mistaken for London Bridge, its blue-and-white silhouette beside the Tower of London is instantly recognised, and visitors can cross its high glass-floored walkway and see the original steam engines that once raised it.

What you actually see

• The twin towers - the soaring Gothic towers over the Thames.
• The glass walkway - the high-level walkway with a glass floor.
• The bridge lift - the bascule roadway rising for tall ships.
• The engine rooms - the original Victorian steam machinery.

When to go

Year-round; the bridge is free to walk across any time, floodlit beautifully at night. The high walkway and engine-room exhibition are ticketed, and the bridge lifts on a published schedule, so check the times to catch it opening.

Honest expectations

Walking across is free; only the high walkway and engine rooms are ticketed, and some find them a modest exhibition. The much-photographed bridge lift happens only at scheduled times, so check the timetable to catch it. Do not confuse it with the plain London Bridge nearby.

Nearby

The Tower of London is alongside; the South Bank, Borough Market and City are a short walk.