Tower Bridge Treasures: Unmissable Nearby Experiences

Right next to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is a must for anyone who wants to unlock London’s long and fascinating history. Step through the ancient gates and you’re instantly surrounded by stories of plotting royals, daring escapes, and even a few jaw-dropping diamonds.

You’ll start your adventure with the Yeoman Warders—better known as Beefeaters—whose entertaining tours bring gruesome executions and royal drama to life. Their booming voices echo through the medieval stone walls, making every tale stick with you long after. One of the main reasons we love the Tower? It covers history from so many angles—kings, queens, hapless prisoners, secret ravens, and even a resident ghost or two.

Of course, the Crown Jewels attract the biggest crowds, sparkling in a fortress within a fortress. Seeing these treasures up close feels surreal, especially knowing that some of them have played a part in royal ceremonies for centuries. But don’t rush straight there—make time for the Bloody Tower, where you’ll hear about mysterious disappearances and notorious prisoners.

If you’re traveling with kids (or young-at-heart friends), the armor displays and interactive exhibits keep everyone entertained. Wander across ancient battlements for sweeping views of the Thames and out over Tower Bridge itself—one of the very best angles for your photos.

The Tower of London stands out for its sense of theater and excitement: dungeon doors swing shut, ravens hop along the rooftop, and the past feels alive and accessible. 

A short walk from Tower Bridge, The Shard rises above the city like a glittering glass arrow. Head up to the viewing platforms on floors 68, 69 and 72, and you’ll treat yourself to dazzling, 360-degree views over London. We’re not exaggerating when we say this is a must for anyone keen on photography, architecture, or just out to soak up the scale and sprawl of the city. You’ll spot all the big names on the skyline—the familiar dome of St Paul’s, the distant Canary Wharf tower, and, right below, the tangle of the Thames as it wiggles its way through town.

One of our favorite features? The Shard’s open-air Skydeck. Even on a brisk London afternoon, there’s something electric about standing high over the river, the wind in your hair and the city at your feet. You’ll find telescopes on the main floors too, letting you zoom in on London’s quirkiest rooftops or hidden parks.

Visit at sunset for that golden-hour glow, or in the evening when city lights sparkle. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, treat yourself to bubbles at the champagne bar—a glass in hand and landmarks in every direction.

Flowing right beneath Tower Bridge, the Thames provides one of the best (and easiest) sightseeing opportunities in town. Hop aboard a City Cruise and you’ll glide past centuries of history, from Shakespeare’s Globe to the towering dome of St Paul’s, picking up quirky stories and picture-perfect views along the way.

Every cruise has its own charm, but we recommend starting your adventure from the Tower Pier—right next to Tower Bridge—so you snag the best seats as you set off. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the open deck or staying cozy inside, you’ll get ever-changing angles on London’s famous sights. Live commentary brings the journey to life, blending fun facts (did you know Cleopatra’s Needle once caused a river traffic jam?) with dramatic tales about pirates, monarchs and secret wartime missions. You’re free to hop on and off at stops like Westminster or Greenwich, piecing together your perfect walking-and-floating itinerary.

Our top tip: bring a snack or drink and settle in for an hour-long round trip. It’s hard to beat the feeling of drifting under Tower Bridge as the bascules loom above, waving at walkers or catching the occasional wedding photo shoot on the banks. There’s a slower pace from the water that you won’t find on London’s busy city streets, and it’s a relaxing way to orient yourself before more exploring.

A few minutes east of Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks is a world away from the bustle of central London. Once home to warehouses and wharves, it’s now a picturesque marina where sleek sailboats bob beside historic pubs. The vibe is pure relaxation, whether you’re stopping for a quick bite or planning a long, lazy afternoon.

Take a stroll along the docks and you’ll find alfresco terraces, leafy courtyards and people-watching spots galore. We love grabbing a seat at The Dickens Inn—this three-story timbered building is swaddled in flowers in summer and wrapped in twinkling lights in winter. Inside, low ceilings, wood beams and nautical bric-a-brac create an atmosphere that feels equal parts historic inn and friendly sailor’s haunt.

What should you order? The fish and chips are legendary—light, crisp batter and chunky chips—while the pies win raves for flaky pastry and comforting fillings. With a hearty ale in hand, settle into a window seat and watch boats drift by or pull up a chair on the massive terrace for classic people-watching. There’s plenty of room for groups, and the buzz is lively but never too loud.

When hunger pangs strike, make a beeline for Maltby Street Market—a food-lovers’ paradise artfully squeezed under Victorian railway arches just south of Tower Bridge. This weekend market is a riot of aromas and action, with traders turning out everything from oozy raclette and syrupy pastries to fan-favorite sausage rolls.

It’s delightfully local, a little bit boisterous and absolutely packed with flavor. Arrive hungry—by half past eleven, the line for gourmet scotch eggs can snake halfway down the street. We recommend raiding the St John Bakery stall for their game-changing doughnuts, or tucking into freshly grilled steak sandwiches from The Beefsteaks. Vegan or gluten free? No problem—there’s a stall for every craving.

There’s a buzz at Maltby you just don’t find at bigger, glitzier markets. Tables fill up fast, but if you spot a makeshift seat on a crate or a spot by the floral gin stall, grab it. Chat with stallholders, strike up conversations with fellow foodies, and sample your way down the block. Best of all? It’s just a short, atmospheric walk from Tower Bridge, making it the perfect post-sightseeing lunch stop.

For a dash of drama and a visit to history’s murkier side, the Jack the Ripper tour is a true London original. Your guide—part historian, part storyteller—meets you near Tower Bridge and whisks you into the atmospheric, gas-lit alleys of Whitechapel, where one of London’s most notorious crime sprees played out.

What makes this walk stand out is the way it fuses real history with eerie suspense. You’ll look up at crumbling brick walls and realize these are the very lanes Victorian Londoners wandered, half in shadow, as the Ripper’s legend grew. Expect compelling commentary, period photos and plenty of time for speculation. Was it the royal doctor? An unknown madman? Everyone comes away with their theory and a slightly raised heartbeat.

Even if true crime isn’t usually your thing, this walk is a fascinating lens on London’s social history—poverty, newspapers, police and all the gritty details. The walk finishes up safely, back in the land of bright lights and busy city life, just steps from the bridges and bars of the present day. It’s spooky good fun and a must for anyone curious about the city’s darker and more mysterious corners.

Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are best. One of our all-time favorite things to do after Tower Bridge is to follow the Thames Path west along the north bank toward Borough Market. This part of the path is pure urban theatre—watching dog walkers dash past, street performers juggling for a cheerful crowd, and boats gliding quietly by. You’ll wander past some of the city’s best skyline views, get up close to historic wharves, and (if you’re a public art fan) ogle unusual sculptures and murals tucked along the route. Cross at London Bridge and you’ll land right at Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and finest food hubs. Snack your way through, from tangy local cheeses to globe-trotting street food and, if you’re visiting in winter, the world’s best hot chocolate from Rabot 1745.

And there you have it: the perfect blend of grand adventures, tasty pit stops and secret finds—all just steps from London’s most famous bridge. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a photographer or just a curious wanderer, Tower Bridge’s neighborhood has a bit of London magic waiting for you around every corner.