You’ve braved the Crown Jewels queue, nodded hello to the Beefeaters, and soaked up centuries of intrigue at the Tower of London. What next? Lucky for you, Tower Hill delivers some of London’s best historic finds, waterside strolls, spectacular views and foodie haunts, all within easy reach of the moat. This patch of the city serves up medieval tales, cutting-edge museums, pub lunches, river cruises and sky-high adventures. Whether you’re after a proper British pint, architectural wonders, or a unique selfie spot, you’ll find it just around the corner from the Tower. We’re here to map out the best of the best.
Our favourite things to do near the Tower of London include:
- Tower Bridge
- The View from the Shard
- City Cruises – Thames River Pass
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Moco Museum
- Jack the Ripper walking tour
- Leadenhall Market
- The Coal Shed steakhouse
- Sky Garden
- St Katharine Docks
Tower Bridge: Step into a London Legend
Tower Bridge is more than just a backdrop for holiday selfies;it’s a living piece of London’s story. As you cross, take in the intricate Victorian engineering: all those blue trusses and rivets blend historic detail with showstopping design. Inside, the Tower Bridge Exhibition whisks you through the bridge’s construction history, complete with original machinery and tales of daring river leaps. For those with a head for heights, high-level glass walkways offer a fun test of nerve and present unbeatable views over the Thames: spot St Paul’s, The Shard, and the bustling City neighbourhoods on either side. Watch London’s red buses rumble by above, or the bascules lift for tall ships gliding below.
Plan your visit at dusk for golden light, or early morning when the city is just waking up. With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a family-friendly vibe, the bridge feels more welcoming than ever. And that selfie on the glass floor? Essential.
The View from the Shard: Sky-High City Views
The View from the Shard: Sky-High City Views
You haven’t truly appreciated London’s sprawl until you’ve seen it from the top of The Shard. This 95-storey glass behemoth cuts through the skyline and the views from its upper decks will convince anyone that London is as vast as it is beautiful. Ride the superfast lift to floors 68, 69 or 72 and suddenly the streets, parks and palaces are laid out like a living map.
The atmosphere up top oozes celebration (and a touch of James Bond glam). Sip a cocktail at the Champagne bar, or step out onto the open-air sky deck for a breeze and that feeling of being on top of the world—well, London at least. We love spotting landmarks: can you see Wembley’s white arch, the London Eye and Tower Bridge all in one frame? With floor-to-ceiling glass, every side of the city twinkles, especially at sunset. Pro tip: don’t rush back to street level. Instead, soak up the sense of grandeur, watch the weather roll over the city, and toast your adventure.
City Cruises: Thames River Pass for Epic Sights
Ready for a break from sightseeing on foot? City Cruises lets you swap pavement-pounding for deckchair-lounging and see London from a new angle. The River Thames winds through the city’s heart and, from the boat, landmarks old and new glide into focus: Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe and, of course, our old pal Tower Bridge.
We love the commentary—there’s a great mix of quirky facts, history and dry British one-liners. The vibe is laid-back, with fellow passengers papping away at riverside scenery (and each other). Grab a coffee or a classic gin and tonic at the on-board bar, and feel London’s energy around you as you drift along. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to tick off a stack of famous sights in comfort. Plus, you disembark right near the Tower, so you can pop back for evening photos with the palace all aglow.
St Paul’s Cathedral: Awe, Architecture, and Whispered Secrets
St Paul’s Cathedral: Awe, Architecture, and Whispered Secrets
Just a scenic walk up the Thames from the Tower, St Paul’s Cathedral stands as an architectural masterpiece and spiritual landmark. Enter through the grand doors and you’re welcomed by marble floors, swirling domes and enough mosaics to keep your camera busy for an hour. You’ll hear secrets whispered across the famous Whispering Gallery—send a friend to the far side to test the acoustics.
It’s the layered mix of art, history and emotion that gives St Paul’s its spark: try climbing up to the Stone Gallery for a dizzying panorama of London rooftops. The crypt below holds tombs of national heroes (Nelson and Wellington are neighbours here). If you time your visit right, catch a choral performance, when music echoes through the dome like magic.
Leadenhall Market: Harry Potter Magic Meets Victorian Chic
Dating back to the 14th Century, Leadenhall Market is a covered arcade brimming with charm and personality. Wander its colourful passageways and you’re instantly surrounded by ornate wrought iron, painted shopfronts and elaborate ceilings—a dreamland for photographers and shoppers alike. Film buffs may spot that Leadenhall doubled as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.
Immerse yourself in the Leadenhall’s bustling atmosphere and top-notch boutiques. Browse cheese shops, chic wine bars and family-run florists. There’s always a line at Cheese, known for its fantastic sandwiches and toasties, while bars like The Lamb Tavern pour classic pints for post-office crowds. Visit over lunch for the full effect: Londoners gathering for a bite, laughter echoing through the dome, and twinkling lights overhead.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour: Chills and Thrills in Old London
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour: Chills and Thrills in Old London
If you’re drawn to a little mystery, the Jack the Ripper walking tour is a must. Led by charismatic guides who know their history (and their spooky tales), this trek winds through Whitechapel’s alleys, just north of the Tower. With atmospheric gas lamps and cobblestones underfoot, it feels like you’ve stepped into Victorian London.
Expect dramatic storytelling and quirky details: how detectives cracked clues, what local papers reported, and why these chilling events still intrigue the city. Stops along the route touch on period pubs, local landmarks and streets that rarely appear in guidebooks. The atmosphere is part-theatre, part-education, all fun—especially as the sun sets and the city takes on its nighttime glow.
The Coal Shed: Steakhouse Perfection with a Sophisticated Twist
If you fancy treating yourself to a memorable meal near the Tower, The Coal Shed is the answer. Just a few blocks away on One Tower Bridge, this stylish steakhouse delivers on both flavour and style. Chunky wood tables, moody lighting and an open kitchen give it a fashionable yet comfortable feel.
It’s all about the details here. The menu showcases the best of British produce, with signature steaks aged to perfection and grilled over coals for deep, smoky flavour. We love the sharing platters and fresh seafood options—the charcoal-roasted sirloin and the wood-roasted monkfish are must-tries. On sunny days, nab a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows for Thames views, and tuck in!
St Katharine Docks: Marina Magic and Riverside Feasts
St Katharine Docks: Marina Magic and Riverside Feasts
Just behind the Tower sits a pocket of calm, and we’re surprised by how few visitors know to seek out St Katharine Docks. One minute you’re walking beneath the fortress walls; the next you’re among bobbing yachts, tree-lined promenades and waterside restaurants buzzing with London locals.
The atmosphere here is restorative: strolling by the boats, you can dip into a waterside pub like The Dickens Inn for classic fish and chips or dig into Mediterranean spreads at Dokke, with their standout brunches and epic coffee selection. The floating shops and seasonal food stalls mean your snack game is strong year-round, whether you’re craving doughnuts, oysters or a pint of local ale.
Evenings are extra special—you’ll see the masts lit up and reflections twinkling in the water. Take your coffee to go, find a bench, and count the passing boats and city towers just beyond.
Sky Garden: Rooftop Garden Escapism—For Free
If you love a city view but want something a little more subtle than The Shard, Sky Garden is your answer. It’s London’s highest public garden, perched atop the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. Once you’re through security and up in the lift, you’re greeted with a wall of windows, lush greenery, and panoramic views of London’s skyline—all entirely for free (just book a timed slot in advance).
We love the laid-back feel here—wandering through indoor palm groves and exotic ferns, sipping flat whites at the Sky Pod Bar, or nibbling lemon cake with St Paul’s dome in your eyeline. The mood is tranquil in the morning and buzzy in the afternoon, especially when local musicians add background tunes. Stay for sunset as the city lights flicker on, or linger over dinner at Fenchurch Restaurant if you’re feeling fancy.
Wilton’s Music Hall: Victorian Charm and Live Entertainment
Wilton’s Music Hall, tucked away just north of the Tower, claims the crown as the world’s oldest surviving music hall—and it feels like stepping into another century. Wooden balconies, twinkling fairy lights, and creaky floors set the scene for a mishmash of comedy shows, inventive plays and toe-tapping musical acts.
Wilton’s isn’t your average venue—it’s packed with history and stories. Sip a pint at the Mahogany Bar (dating from the 1720s!), stretch out at rustic wooden tables, and soak up the friendly, quirky ambience. Acts range from Shakespearean mashups to jazz quartets, so you’ll always find something worth catching.
Our tip? Stop by even if you’re not seeing a show; the bar and building alone are a treat. It’s a relaxed, chatty crowd and, with luck, you might just stumble into a pop-up poetry slam or open mic night.
Looking for more London inspiration? Find things to do near Westminster Abbey and around Kensington Palace.
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