For independent travellers, the self-guided visit is straightforward: you purchase a timed ticket and explore the bridge’s Walkways (including a section with glass floors 42 metres above the river) and the Victorian Engine Rooms at your own pace. An audio tour is included with the ticket (available in several languages via the Smartify app) and a typical visit takes about 90 minutes. Arriving early or late in the day reduces crowds; you’ll want comfortable shoes and light luggage as you ascend via lift or stairs. The view from the high walkways gives spectacular East-West panoramas of London’s skyline and the Thames, and the engine rooms add depth with steam-era machines and historic context.

If you prefer a more immersive experience, the guided tour offers expert commentary, anecdotes about the bridge’s design and use, and access to areas you might otherwise miss or move through more quickly. Bookings are essential, and the tour runs roughly 1.5 hours. Adult prices start at about £35, with children’s tickets and concessions available. On selected dates you can even join a “Behind-the-Scenes” tour that delves into hidden bascule chambers and the deep workings of the bridge — though these are extremely limited and often sell out well in advance.

Whichever option you choose, getting there is simple: the main visitor entrance is on the north-west side of the bridge, beside the Tower of London. Nearest Tube stations include Tower Hill (Circle & District lines) and London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee lines). It’s wise to book your timed ticket in advance, especially at weekends or in high season. Arriving just as your slot opens helps you avoid bottlenecks at security and ensures you get the best light for photos. Accessibility is well supported — lifts serve the Walkways and Engine Rooms, and detailed accessible visit information is available.

Don’t rush — take time on the glass floor terrace to look down at the river, linger on the East Walkway to watch boats glide beneath you, and check the scheduling page if you’re lucky enough to see one of the bridge lifts (towering sections open to let tall ships pass). Also take a moment in the Engine Rooms to appreciate how this feat of engineering has served London since its opening in 1894.

Whether you pick the freedom of a self-guided visit or the depth of a guided tour, plan ahead, choose your time wisely (early or late helps), and allow at least one to two hours. With that, your visit to Tower Bridge becomes more than a photo-op — it becomes a journey through history, engineering, and sweeping river views.