London Bridge Travel

London Bridge, London — the site of the first bridge across the Thames built by the Romans in 50 AD. The Shard pierces the sky, Borough Market fills the air with the aroma of a thousand years of food, the Tower of London guards the Crown Jewels, and pedestrians weave between the suspension cables of Tower Bridge. A 2-day, 1-night classic tour featuring cloud-level views, medieval castle exploration, riverside food trail and Victorian market treasure hunting.

50 AD
Romans Built First Wooden Bridge
309.6m
The Shard Height
1066
Tower of London Founded
1014
Earliest Record of Borough Market
London Bridge and The Shard Thames skyline
London Bridge & The Shard
View of The Shard from the South Bank of the Thames — Renzo Piano's glass spire rises 309.6 metres, complementing the thousand-year-old London Bridge, overlooking the magnificent skyline of all London.

London Bridge Two-Day One-Night Classic Tour

Ascend The Shard for panoramic city views, explore the thousand-year Borough Market tasting global cuisines, discover the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, walk the Tower Bridge glass floor, and experience the millennium of history and vibrant atmosphere along the Thames.

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
The Shard, Borough Market, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, Hays Galleria
Perfect For
History buffs, food lovers, photography enthusiasts, families, architecture fans
Budget Per Person
£90-£200
01
Cloud-Level Views & Market Atmosphere
London Bridge · The Shard · Borough Market · Southwark Cathedral · Thames Path
Highlights

Start from London Bridge station in the morning and head straight to The Shard's observation deck on floors 68-72 for a 360-degree panoramic view of London — Windsor Castle, St Paul's Cathedral, Canary Wharf all in sight. Head downstairs and walk to Borough Market, where under the arched iron framework you can sample artisan bread, freshly made pasta and Spanish ham, soaking up the atmosphere of London's oldest food market. In the afternoon, visit Southwark Cathedral, a Gothic church founded in 1106 that was the spiritual centre of Shakespeare's era. In the evening, stroll along the Thames Path to Tower Bridge, enjoy dinner at a riverside pub, and watch the Tower Bridge night light show.

Attractions
The Shard
Renzo Piano's second tallest building in Western Europe, a 309.6-metre glass spire piercing London's skyline. The observation deck on floors 68-72 offers 360-degree views up to 40 miles, with St Paul's Dome, the London Eye and Windsor Castle clearly visible.
Borough Market
London's oldest food market dating back to 1014, with global cuisines gathered under railway arches: artisan bread, Scottish smoked salmon, Spanish Iberico ham, Padella freshly rolled pasta. Fully open Thursday to Saturday.
Southwark Cathedral
A Gothic cathedral founded in 1106, the parish church of Shakespeare's era where Chaucer and Dickens both worshipped. Houses 14th-century choir stalls and a Shakespeare memorial window. Free entry.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • The Shard Residences
  • Hilton London Bridge
  • The Mad Hatter Hotel (Boutique Theme)
Food Recommendations
  • Borough Market Global Street Food
  • Padella Fresh Pasta (Queue Famous)
  • The Anchor Riverside Fish & Chips
Travel Tips
  • The Shard: Best to ascend 1 hour before sunset
  • Borough Market fully open Thu-Sat, Wed lunch only
  • London Bridge station is a major tube and train interchange
02
Thousand-Year Castle & Suspension Legend
Tower of London · Tower Bridge · Hays Galleria · The George Inn · Thames Path
Highlights

Head to the Tower of London early in the morning to beat the crowds and visit the Crown Jewels first — St Edward's Crown and the Imperial Sceptre shining with a thousand years of royal power. Stroll through the White Tower admiring Norman military architecture and the Royal Armouries, look for the Tower ravens and take photos with the Yeoman Warders. In the morning, walk to Tower Bridge, ascend the high-level glass walkway to watch ships passing below, and visit the Victorian steam engine rooms to understand the mechanical principles from 1894. Have lunch at a canal-side café in Hays Galleria. In the afternoon, visit The George Inn — a 1576 Tudor coaching inn immortalised by Charles Dickens. In the evening, walk along the Thames Path back to London Bridge, ending the journey at a riverside pub.

Attractions
Tower of London
A thousand-year castle founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jewel House displays the British Crown Jewels, the White Tower exhibits medieval armouries. Legend says if the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall.
Tower Bridge
Completed in 1894, London's iconic landmark, a Victorian Gothic twin-tower suspension bridge. The high-level glass walkway allows you to look down 42 metres at ships passing on the Thames, and the steam engine rooms showcase a century of mechanical engineering.
Hays Galleria
A Victorian warehouse galleria converted in 1987, with a glass dome, canal fountain sculpture and circular balconies. Once a tea and spice wharf, now filled with boutique shops and riverside cafes. Free entry.
Practical Info
Transport
  • Tube Jubilee/Northern line to London Bridge station
  • Train from Waterloo to London Bridge: 5 minutes
  • Thames Clipper riverboat to London Bridge Pier
Tickets & Admission
  • The Shard Observation Deck: £24.95-£32
  • Tower of London: £33.60 (discount for advance online purchase)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition + Glass Walkway: £12.80
  • Southwark Cathedral: Free
  • Hays Galleria: Free
Travel Tips
  • Tower of London: Arrive at opening time to avoid tour groups
  • Tower Bridge glass walkway: Not recommended for those afraid of heights
  • The Shard sunset slot requires advance booking

Must-Try Foods in London Bridge

Borough Market Global Food

London's oldest food market originating in 1014. Under the railway arches Thu-Sat, global delights gather: Padella handmade pasta £12, Kappacasein cheese toastie £8, Bread Ahead doughnuts £4, plus Scottish oysters and Spanish chorizo.

Roast British Roast Dinner

An iconic British restaurant located above Borough Market. The signature Sunday roast uses meats from Yorkshire valley farms, served with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, overlooking the market panorama. Average £25-£40 per person. Advance booking required.

The Anchor Riverside Pub

A historic riverside pub on the Thames where Shakespeare once drank and Dickens wrote into "Little Dorrit". The outdoor terrace overlooks the river, serving signature fish and chips and Guinness. Average £15-£25 per person. Most beautiful at sunset.

Padella Handmade Pasta

A queue-famous restaurant near Borough Market. All pasta is freshly rolled and cooked on the spot. The signature pappardelle with 8-hour braised beef cheek ragu £14. Daily limited supply. Recommended to arrive at 11:30 opening. Average £15-£22 per person.

London Bridge Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-Sep: Comfortable riverside walking conditions
  • Thursday-Saturday: Borough Market fully open
  • 1 hour before sunset: Best time for The Shard
Must-Try Foods
  • Padella Beef Cheek Pasta
  • Roast Sunday Roast + Yorkshire Pudding
  • Kappacasein Cheese Toastie
  • The Anchor Riverside Fish & Chips
  • Bread Ahead Vanilla Custard Doughnut
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: £30-£55 (Shard + Tower of London combo)
  • Accommodation: £80-£180/night (riverside hotels)
  • Dining: £25-£50/day (market snacks + main meals)
  • Transport: £8-£12 (Oyster card / riverboat)
  • Total: £90-£200
FAQs
  • Do I need to book The Shard in advance? → Sunset slots recommended 2 weeks ahead
  • Are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge the same place? → Different, about 500m apart, walkable
  • Which day is best for Borough Market? → Saturday is fully open and most lively
  • How do I get to The Shard from London Bridge station? → 3-minute walk from the station exit