Millennium Bridge

After its unveiling in 2000, the Millennium Bridge—the first pedestrian-only bridge built across the Thames in more than 100 years—quickly took its place as an iconic part of London’s urban landscape. Bridge visitors are treated to expansive city and river views, with a particularly stunning architectural alignment including the south facade of St. Paul’s Cathedral visible from the south bank. Contextual detail, and architectural history of the bridge and the area, are included on a number of city walking tours.

• The bridge is a must for first-time visitors to London.

• Soon after the bridge opened, structural issues caused it to wobble. Although it was never seen as a danger, the bridge was closed for two years while dampers were added to stop the movement.

• London can be very cold and wet in the winter months, so dress accordingly if planning to walk across the bridge.

• Gentle ramps offer wheelchair access on both sides of the river.

On the north side of the bridge, the closest Underground stations are Blackfriars (a 4-minute walk away) and Cannon Street and St. Paul’s (both about an 8-minute walk away). South of the Thames, the closest station is London Bridge on the Northern Line, about a 10-minute walk away.

The bridge is open 24 hours a day year-round. Daytime offers stunning views and photo ops of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the twinkling lights reflecting on the Thames after dark are also dazzling.

If walking north to south over the Millennium Bridge, you’ll land very near the entrance to the Tate Modern. The Turbine Hall, on the renowned modern art museum’s basement level, has unique, large-scale rotating exhibitions, and from the top-floor terrace you can enjoy panoramic London views on a clear day. Entrance to the museum is free (with varying ticket costs for temporary exhibitions).