10 best London bridges to visit

Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge in London, instantly recognisable for its twin towers and distinctive Victorian Gothic design. Completed in 1894, it was a remarkable feat of engineering, built to ease congestion while still allowing tall ships to pass along the Thames, something it continues to do today as the bascules lift. Spanning the river beside the historic Tower of London, it offers some of the most iconic views in the capital and sits within easy reach of attractions such as HMS Belfast and The Shard.

What I love most about Tower Bridge is how much there is to experience beyond its striking appearance. Walking across the lower level gives you sweeping views along the river, but I recommend heading up to the high level walkways as from here, you can look down through the glass floor onto the traffic and river below, an experience that never quite loses its thrill!

It is also one of the city’s most recognisable cultural backdrops, and I love to see it featured in my favourite films, from James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough" to "Paddington" and "Mission Impossible". For me, it is more than just a bridge, it is the defining image of London’s skyline, whether seen in daylight or illuminated at night.

Best for: First-time visitors, iconic photos, London landmarks, riverside walks.
Good to know: This is a must-visit landmark, with free access to the pedestrian walkway, while tickets are required for the exhibition. Bridge lift times are published online and are worth planning around, though it can get busy during peak hours. For a unique view of Tower Bridge and the river, I recommend booking a window table at The Vault 1894, a family-run riverside pub set beneath it.

This famous bridge in London is one of the capital's most recognisable crossings, linking the Palace of Westminster with the South Bank and framing some of the city’s most iconic views. Every time I cross it, I find myself pausing to take in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on one side, and the London Eye on the other.

First opened in 1862, the current bridge replaced an earlier version and was designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind the Palace of Westminster, which explains how closely the two are connected visually. One standout feature about Westminster Bridge is its distinctive green paint reflects the benches in the House of Commons, along with the view that has inspired artists and writers from Monet and Turner to Wordsworth. It can get busy, but always feels like the perfect snapshot of London at its most iconic.

Best for: Epic London views, photography, first-time visits.
Good to know: I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter experience. The bridge links directly between Parliament Square, home to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, and the South Bank, making it an easy and scenic route between some of London’s most famous landmarks. To see the area from a different perspective, you can also join the fascinating Westminster by Night Walking Tour, when the riverside and surrounding landmarks are beautifully illuminated.

London Bridge has been the city’s most important crossing for nearly 2,000 years, with bridges on this site dating back to Roman times. Today’s version has been in use since 1973, but it follows the same historic route that has connected London for centuries.

From 1209 until the mid-18th century, London Bridge functioned as a busy commercial street, lined with homes, businesses and even a chapel, making it one of the most unusual bridges in the world. I always find it fascinating to picture those earlier versions, especially the 19th century granite bridge designed by John Rennie, which opened in 1831 before being dismantled in 1968 after it could no longer cope with modern traffic, then shipped stone by stone to Lake Havasu City in Arizona and reassembled in 1971 to attract visitors.

What I find most interesting is how all of those versions shape the way we experience it today. This is the London Bridge of the nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down", a reflection of its long history of rebuilding and repair. From experience, it offers great views along the Thames, particularly towards Tower Bridge, and easy access to nearby highlights such as Borough Market, The Shard and the Monument designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It may not be the most eye-catching bridge, but for me, as a history lover, it is one of the most compelling stops on a riverside walk.

Best for: History lovers, iconic London stories, riverside views.
Good to know: Architecturally simple compared to nearby bridges. Offers great views towards Tower Bridge and is within easy reach of Borough Market, the Shard and the City of London.

Millennium Bridge is architecturally unique and one of London’s most strikingly modern crossings. Opened in 2000, it creates a direct line between St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern, and I always find the view hard to beat. As I walk across, the cathedral sits perfectly framed ahead, giving the whole experience a sense of symmetry that feels carefully designed. Its sleek appearance sets it apart from London’s older bridges, and there is something about its clean, contemporary style that makes it feel unmistakably modern against the historic skyline.

It is also one of the few bridges with a story that people genuinely remember. Nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge” after it swayed unexpectedly on opening day, it was quickly stabilised, but the name has endured and become part of its character, helped by appearances in films such as "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". The bridge offers a scenic crossing between Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the City of London, and is one of the most enjoyable and atmospheric ways to take in the Thames.

Best for: Iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral views, striking modern design and film locations.
Good to know: It is a pedestrian-only, scenic route between major attractions. The best views are looking back towards St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Waterloo Bridge is, in my experience, the place to come for unforgettable views of London. Opened in 1945, it stretches across the Thames with a calm, open feel that makes it ideal for taking in the skyline in both directions. I always find myself slowing down here, looking east towards St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City or west towards Westminster, especially at sunset when the light reflects across the water and the whole scene feels beautifully atmospheric.

What makes it even more meaningful is its history. Known as the “Ladies’ Bridge,” it was largely built by women during the Second World War, many of whom were not formally recognised at the time, giving it a powerful human story behind its elegant design. It is also deeply woven into London’s cultural life, most famously in The Kinks’ "Waterloo Sunset", which perfectly captures the mood and romance of this stretch of the river. With the Strand at one end and the South Bank’s theatres, galleries and riverside walks at the other, it is one of those places where history, views and atmosphere come together in a way that feels distinctly London.

Best for: Panoramic views, sunsets, London photography.
Good to know: It is one of the best viewpoints over the Thames, with early morning or sunset being ideal times to visit. It connects the Strand to the South Bank, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions and riverside walks.

Blackfriars Bridge, in my experience, feels like a real meeting point between London’s past and present. Opened in 1869, this bridge in London stands out as it has the railway bridge and station running alongside it, with platforms stretching right across the Thames. There’s something quite special about arriving here by train, stepping out above the water with views of the skyline unfolding around you. I always think it is one of the most memorable ways to enter central London, especially with landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and, further east, Tower Bridge visible along the river.

There is also a more intriguing side to its story that adds to its character. The Victorian bridge is linked to the mysterious death of Vatican bank chairman Roberto Calvi in 1982, which gives it a slightly darker edge. Despite that, I find it a great place to cross, often quieter than nearby bridges and with excellent views in both directions. With the City of London on one side and the South Bank close by, including Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and riverside walks, it is a bridge where history, architecture and everyday London life come together.

Best for: Riverside views, quieter central crossings, architecture and infrastructure.
Good to know:Take a moment to pause halfway for views towards St. Paul’s Cathedral while using it as a scenic route between the City of London and South Bank attractions.

Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges link Embankment to the South Bank, and they offer some of the most rewarding views along the Thames. The central railway bridge dates back to the 19th century and was originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, while the two pedestrian walkways were added in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. I always find this mix of old engineering and modern design fascinating, especially as you walk across with open views stretching from the London Eye and Southbank Centre to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the wider city skyline.

A highlight here is the lively atmosphere, and there is usually a steady flow of people from photographers to street performers, all stopping to take in the scenery. I recommend timing a visit for sunset or after dark when the river and landmarks are lit up, and it becomes one of the most photogenic crossings in London. It can get busy at peak times, but it is step free and one of the easiest and most scenic ways to move between Trafalgar Square, the South Bank, and attractions such as the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

Best for: Iconic views, photography, central London walks.
Good to know: Sunset and evening offer the best views and photography opportunities.

Richmond Bridge, in my experience, feels like stepping into London’s Georgian past. Completed in 1777, it is the oldest surviving bridge over the river Thames, and its elegant stone arches give it a timeless character that feels very different from the city’s later Victorian and modern crossings. It sits naturally within its surroundings and is framed by greenery, making it feel calm and removed from the pace of central London.

What I enjoy most is the relaxed, local atmosphere in Richmond. There is a steady flow of river life, from rowers passing beneath the arches to walkers following the towpath. I recommend combining a visit with nearby spots such as Richmond Green, the riverside pubs and Terrace Gardens, or setting off on a longer walk along one of the Thames’ most peaceful stretches. Try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the quietest views and softest light, when this part of London feels at its most scenic.

Best for: Scenic walks, historic architecture, relaxed riverside views.
Good to know:Traditional Thames rowing boats (Thames skiffs) can be hired from the boathouses beside the bridge, typically by the hour, with options for individuals or small groups. Availability generally runs from spring through early autumn, depending on weather and tides.

Hampton Court Bridge sits right beside the magnificent Hampton Court Palace and, to me, feels like a natural extension of the royal setting rather than just a place to cross the river. The current bridge dates from the 1930s and was built for the growing age of motor traffic, yet its arches blend effortlessly into the historic landscape. From experience, the view here is especially stunning, with the palace just beyond the river and the water busy with boats, swans and rowers.

It is ideal for combining with a visit to Hampton Court Palace, exploring the gardens or setting off along the Thames Path, and I recommend pausing on the bridge for views back towards the palace before continuing along one of the most scenic and relaxed stretches of the river.

Best for: Scenic walks, royal landmarks, riverside views.
Good to know:The bridge is a popular spot for ice cream and offers lovely views over a quieter stretch of the Thames. It is close to Bushy Park as well as the palace, and makes a great starting point for gentle riverside strolls or picnic spots nearby.

The elegant Albert Bridge, connecting Chelsea to Battersea, is one of London’s most charming crossings. Opened in 1873, it is one of the few Thames bridges that has never been replaced, although it has been carefully strengthened over time. I recommend looking out for the small, characterful details, from the octagonal tollbooths at either end to the famous signs asking soldiers to “break step” while crossing, a reminder of concerns about structural vibration. Its delicate design and pastel colour scheme make it stand out instantly, especially against the greenery of Battersea Park and the elegant streets of Chelsea.

From experience, it’s certainly London’s prettiest bridge at night, as the soft pastel lighting gives it an almost fairy-tale quality and makes it feel like something out of a film set. It’s often used in music videos and fashion photography for that reason, and the views along the river are especially romantic.

Best for: Evening walks, romantic views, photography.
Good to know:I recommend walking across in the evening, then heading along Chelsea Embankment for a longer riverside stroll. It is also a great spot for photography, especially if you pause nearby to capture its reflection in the Thames.