8 best bridges in London: iconic landmarks and views

The best bridges in London are more than just river crossings — they’re landmarks, viewpoints, and pieces of history. Indeed, comprising over 30 iconic structures, London’s bridges are hard to miss. Take your pick of Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, or the Millennium Bridge for some of the best sunsets in the city, or simply marvel at the glorious sense of play in the Fan Bridge.

For the epic views of the city alone, don’t let your trip to London slip by without visiting a bridge or two.

London’s best bridges at a glance

Best bridges in London for sunsets: Waterloo Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and Millennium Bridge

Most Instagram-worthy bridges: Fan Bridge and Tower Bridge

Best London bridges for city views: Tower Bridge and London Bridge

Best bridges in London for seeing the city’s top attractions: Westminster Bridge and Golden Jubilee Footbridges

1. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge in London, and often mistaken for the much simpler London Bridge. Its iconic towers make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, whether you catch it raised for passing ships or standing proudly in its usual position. By day or night, Tower Bridge is one of the most popular places to visit in London.

Things to do nearby

• Explore the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, the famously uniformed Beefeaters, and a group of resident ravens.

• Wander through Leadenhall Market, a covered market and charming hub for shopping and dining.
• Relax at St. Katharine Docks and visit the Instagram-famous “Girl with a Dolphin” statue, a perfect spot to capture Tower Bridge in the background.

Address

Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

Opening hours

Bridge and walkways open 24 hours
Towers open daily, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM

2. Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge, a sleek steel suspension bridge, opened in 2000 to mark the arrival of the 21st century. While it famously wobbled on its debut, that issue was swiftly resolved, and the bridge now stands firm as a modern London landmark. The pedestrian bridge effectively connects the Tate Modern to St Paul’s Cathedral, making it a picture-perfect spot for a scenic walk.

Things to do nearby

• Christopher Wren’s 18th-century domed masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, is an iconic part of the London skyline.
• Visit the Tate Modern, a world-class contemporary art museum set in a repurposed power station.
• Book tickets to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the 17th-century London theater, and one of London’s top cultural attractions.

Address

Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge is painted green to match the color of the leather benches in the nearby House of Commons. At night, it’s illuminated green as part of the Illuminated River project. With the London Eye on one side and the Houses of Parliament (including Big Ben) on the other, this is one of the most famous bridges in London for its stellar view.

Things to do nearby

• Get lost in St James’ Park, a peaceful green space in central London, occasionally visited by Members of Parliament seeking a quiet moment.
• Check out Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch. If the Royal Standard is flying above the palace (not the Union Jack), it means the King is in residence.

Address

Westminster Bridge, London SW1A 2JH

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. London Bridge

With a history dating back to the 1st century, London Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in London, sort of. Though the current structure was built in the 1970s, it sits on the same site of earlier Thames crossings which have played a key role in the city’s development over centuries. While it may not stand out visually like some of its neighbors, its rich past makes it one of the most famous landmarks in London, and it has probably the best view of Tower Bridge a few hundred feet downriver.

Things to do nearby

• Sample street foods at Borough Market, a historic market south of the river, now one of London’s trendiest food destinations.
• Check out Southwark Cathedral, a grand Gothic cathedral that has been a place of worship for around 1,000 years.
• Check out the stunning views from the observation deck at the UK’s tallest building, The Shard.

Address

London EC4R 3TN

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. The Fan Bridge

Located just a short walk from Paddington Station, the Merchant Square Footbridge, or Fan Bridge, is an engineering marvel crossing the Paddington Basin. Unlike traditional bridges that open for boat traffic, it unfurls like a giant Japanese fan at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, adding a unique and playful touch to the city’s skyline.

Things to do nearby

• Enjoy bars, restaurants, boats, and a “floating pocket park” in Paddington Basin.
• Another innovative feat of engineering, the Rolling Bridge curls into a tight octagon when it opens.
• Hyde Park, a 20-minute walk away, is a vast green space stretching between Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.

Address

Paddington Basin, London, UK

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Golden Jubilee Footbridges

Hungerford Bridge, a 19th-century railway bridge, connects Charing Cross Station to Waterloo Station. On either side of it, you’ll find the Golden Jubilee Footbridges, which opened in 2002. The west-facing bridge has an especially good view of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, making it a prime spot for sightseeing.

Things to do nearby

• Don’t miss the London Eye, a 443-foot (135 m) Ferris Wheel with epic views of London’s iconic bridges and other landmarks.
• Admire major works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Constable at the National Gallery, Britain’s principal national art museum.

Address

Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NZ

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. Waterloo Bridge

While the city has transformed since The Kinks wrote “Waterloo Sunset,” watching the sun go down from Waterloo Bridge remains a top London experience. To the east, you’ll see the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London’s gleaming skyscrapers. To the west, there’s a straight-line view down the river to the London Eye and Palace of Westminster.

Things to do nearby

• Explore Covent Garden, a vibrant area with the Royal Opera House, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and some of London’s best street performers.
• If you’re an art lover, you won’t want to miss Courtauld Gallery, which houses an outstanding collection including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas.
• Discover entertainment, food, bars, and more views on the Southbank.

Address

London WC2R 2PP

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Hampton Court Bridge

Stretching across the River Thames, Hampton Court Bridge marks the westernmost point of London’s historic river crossings, 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Tower Bridge. Built with three arches, this brick-faced bridge, dating back to the 18th century, is a protected structure due to its architectural significance.

Things to do nearby

• Wind down at Bushy Park, a vast green space that was once a hunting ground for Henry VIII and is now one of West London’s most popular parks.
• Check out Clattern Bridge, the oldest bridge in London, dating back to at least 1293.

Address

10 Hampton Ct Bridge, Molesey, KT8 9AU

Opening hours

Open 24 hours