Blackfriars Bridge, spanning the River Thames, is an iconic structure in London renowned for its Victorian-era design. Opened in 1886, the bridge connects the City of London with Southwark and features striking red and white arches. It is notable for its views of key landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern. The bridge is not only a vital transportation link but also a popular spot for pedestrians and cyclists, offering an ideal vantage point for photography and sightseeing. Its historical importance and architectural beauty make it a significant point of interest for visitors exploring the city's rich history.
What each source says
- Viator 4.9 11,319
- Google Places 4.4 1,283
- Tripadvisor 4.0 185
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Access to Blackfriars Station The unique location of Blackfriars Station spanning the river provides convenient access to Thameslink services and stunning views from the platforms.
- Convenient Thames Crossing Blackfriars Bridge provides a direct route for pedestrians and vehicles connecting the City of London with Southwark and the South Bank, making key attractions easily accessible.
- Proximity to Cultural Attractions Located near the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, and other cultural hotspots, making it an ideal starting point for exploring London's artistic side.
- Rich History and Architecture The bridge is a Grade II listed structure with Victorian architecture and historical significance, offering a glimpse into London's past.
- Stunning City Views The bridge offers picturesque views of London landmarks including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, and other iconic skyscrapers.
Criticised
- Heavy Traffic The bridge can be very busy with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which could detract from the experience.
- Not the Most Aesthetically Pleasing Some find the bridge unremarkable in appearance compared to other Thames bridges like Tower Bridge or the Millennium Bridge.
- Obstructed Eastern Views The adjacent railway bridge significantly obstructs the view to the east, limiting the panoramic experience.
- Potential for Crowds As a key route, the bridge can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, potentially diminishing the enjoyment of the views.
- Railway Bridge Impact The railway bridge and station dominate the view, which some reviewers find unsympathetic to the overall aesthetics of the area.
The longer read
Blackfriars Bridge is a functional Thames crossing offering both pedestrian and vehicle access between the City of London and Southwark. Many reviewers mention the views from the bridge, particularly those of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, and the surrounding cityscape, though some find the views to the east partially obstructed by the adjacent railway bridge. Several reviewers recommend walking across the bridge to take in the views, especially at sunset. The bridge is described as generally busy, but with ample space for pedestrians. Some reviewers note that it is less crowded than more iconic bridges like the Millennium Bridge. Blackfriars Bridge is considered a convenient route for reaching destinations like the Tate Modern and the South Bank. Several reviewers highlight Blackfriars Station, which spans the river, as a unique feature offering stunning views from its platforms. The station's modern design and connections to Thameslink services are also appreciated. The bridge's history is mentioned by several reviewers, including its Victorian origins and the remains of earlier structures. The bridge's architecture is described as interesting, though opinions vary on its aesthetic appeal. Some find it visually pleasing, while others consider it unremarkable. The bridge's location near other attractions, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern, is seen as a plus. Reviewers appreciate the bridge's accessibility to public transportation, including the Blackfriars Underground station and nearby Blackfriars Pier for river cruises. Some reviewers found the area around the bridge to be less touristy than other parts of London. The bridge's role as a major thoroughfare is noted, with some reviewers mentioning the heavy traffic it carries. Some reviewers mention the bridge's historical significance, including its construction in the 19th century and its association with historical events. While some reviewers find the bridge's aesthetic qualities lacking compared to other Thames bridges, most agree that it serves its purpose as a functional and convenient crossing with worthwhile views.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of Blackfriars Bridge in London?
- When is the best time of day or year to visit Blackfriars Bridge for great views or photos?
- What interesting attractions or landmarks are located near Blackfriars Bridge?
- Is Blackfriars Bridge easily accessible for pedestrians and are there good walking routes nearby?
- What makes Blackfriars Bridge unique compared to other London bridges?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.