Tower Bridge at Night

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. While it’s impressive during the day, Tower Bridge at night is truly magical. When the sun sets, the bridge lights up, reflecting on the Thames creating a breathtaking scene.

My two friends and I ventured to Tower Bridge after viewing it all lit up from London’s Sky Garden. Seeing it from afar and then close-up while strolling across it was a highlight of our trip. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, experiencing Tower Bridge at night is a must.

First, I have to address a common misconception.

London Bridge vs. Tower Bridge

Some tourists don’t know the difference between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Many people familiar with the popular song, “London Bridge is Falling Down,” think the popular iconic bridge in London must be London Bridge – but it’s not. Tower Bridge is the expansive and dramatic-looking bridge we’ve all seen pictured in magazines and online. London Bridge is further down the Thames and is just a regular looking bridge. (See the picture below.)

Okay, now that we’ve got that covered – here are 7 reasons why you should visit Tower Bridge at night, along with 3 tips to make the most of your trip.

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Why Visit Tower Bridge at Night?

1. The stunning glow highlights the dramatic architecture.

As the sun goes down, blue and white lights come on and beautifully highlight the dramatic Tower Bridge architecture. The glow enhances its grandeur, making it one of the most picturesque nighttime spots in London.

2. You’ll encounter fewer crowds.

During the day, Tower Bridge is packed with tourists, but at night, the crowd thins out. We weren’t alone visiting Tower Bridge at night, but we encountered much fewer people than during the day. We had more space to admire the bridge, take uninterrupted photos, and enjoy the atmosphere without the daytime rush.

3. The lights against the dark sky present perfect photo opportunities.

The great nighttime photography is the main reason I wanted to visit Tower Bridge at night. The scene offers a dramatic combination of the illuminated bridge, the Thames, and London’s skyline all against a dark sky.

4. The ambiance creates an unforgettable experience.

A nighttime stroll across Tower Bridge and along the river lets you soak in the peaceful and scenic environment amid twinkling lights. We extended our walk to the South Bank, where we saw interesting art pieces and lit-up sculptures along the way.

5. You get breathtaking views of London.

From Tower Bridge, you get fantastic views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, including The Shard, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and the City of London’s skyline. At night these are all lit up including even more bridges looking down the Thames. The nighttime view easily beats the daytime view for this reason.

6. Witness a Tower Bridge lift.

We didn’t actually get to see this, but if you time your visit right, you may get to see Tower Bridge opening against the night sky to allow large boats to pass through. The bridge lift schedule is available on the official Tower Bridge website, so check ahead if you’d like to see this engineering marvel in action.

7. It’s a safe and easy walk.

Tower Bridge has pedestrian footpaths on both sides of the bridge making it easy and safe to walk across. Plus, with less traffic and people at night it’s less hustle and bustle than daytime. In case you’re wondering about personal safety, there were enough other people around that my friends and I felt safe the entire time exploring Tower Bridge and the area around it.

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Tips for Visiting Tower Bridge at Night

Best view of Tower Bridge:

• On the bridge itself – Stand at the center for a perfect symmetrical view.
• South Bank – Offers an excellent angle to photograph the bridge.
• Tower of London area – Provides a classic view with reflections on the river.

Nearest Tube to Tower Bridge:

• Tower Hill – This station north of the Thames is about an 8-minute walk to Tower Bridge.
• Monument – This station is also north of the Thames and is about a 16-minute walk to Tower Bridge.
• London Bridge – This station is on the south side of the Thames and is an 11-minute walk to Tower Bridge.

Dress warmly in cooler months.

It can get cool near the river at night. You may want a jacket and even hat and gloves depending on when you’re visiting. I was very glad to have my hat and gloves when we were there in mid-April.

Final Thoughts

Tower Bridge at night is a sight you won’t forget – especially when you come home with stunning photos of the bridge all lit up. Visiting this iconic landmark after dark is a highlight of any London itinerary. Be prepared knowing the best viewing spots, dress warmly, and most importantly – don’t forget your camera!

Have you seen London’s Tower Bridge all lit up after dark? What was your experience? Any tips to add? Tell us in the comments – we’d love to hear from you.