Tower Bridge

 

This is yet another of the icons of this amazing city, one of the ones that takes you back a few centuries back - well, that is if you're able to just look at the bridge and maybe the Tower of London because if you see glimpses of the City or the new buildings of More Place and the City Hall, then you are certainly aware that we're in the XXI century.

Legend talks about the American billionaire who wanted to buy it but his bid was for the London Bridge. The mayor of London at the time didn't hesitate to sell if for probably a ridiculously high amount of money, and probably conscious that the poor American wanted to actually bid for the Tower Bridge. It is definitely worth to go for a walk around the area; the fight with all the tourist that are taking pictures on the Bridge and are queueing to get into the Tower are definitely a highlight.

 

If you come from the North side of the river, you can cross the City, and once you pass Monument you're almost there. This area will be deserted during the weekend and I have to say that I love it that way, at the same time that buzzing during weekdays is something... but I'll talk about the City some other time. Once you have taken some pictures or even entered to visit the Tower (I haven't been in so I can't tell you if it's worth it) if it's time for a break I recommend that you get into St Katharine's Docks.

I really like to wander around the different docks, admiring the boats,and the people on them. Some of them even dare to take their boats out for a sale alongside the Thames. Others, simply stay aboard having a few drinks and sunbathing on those occasional days when the sun is out. There are a few restaurants around, all from different chains as Ping Pong, Cafe Rouge, Strada, etc. Not really my favourite but they serve food if needed. Also, there is a really cool pub, The Dickens Inn, with a fair variety of beers to enjoy. 

Once well rested, you can cross under the Towers of the Bridge towards the South side of the river. To me most areas of this side of the Thames are to be discovered but my aim is to do it bit by bit - not bad after over six years.

The South side contains the old Wharfs, now being converted into amazing blocks of flats with ice little squares to stop for a coffee, or a drink and hidden allies where Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver walk around after their first dinner. It's a different side of London that I recommend for the good weather, are it's not very welcoming when rain pours.

DETAILS:
The Tower of London - www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon - London EC3N 4AB
St Katharine's Docks -  www.skdocks.co.uk/‎ - 50 St Katharine's Way  London E1W 1LA