About Tower of London
William the Conqueror's White Tower has been a royal palace, prison, mint, menagerie and the home of the Crown Jewels for nearly a millennium.
Founded in 1078, Tower of London has been welcoming visitors for over 948 years. Today it draws approximately 3,000,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 75,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Tower of London ranks #156
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #156 in our composite ranking, Tower of London represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: UNESCO World Heritage, AECOM Top 10.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–4 hours, planning your route through Tower of London is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Crown Jewels
- ◆White Tower & armoury
- ◆Yeoman Warder tour
- ◆Tower ravens
- ◆Traitors' Gate
Recognition & awards
Tower of London has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sat 9:00–17:30, Sun–Mon 10:00–17:30.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Tower of London is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.5081°N, -0.0759°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Tower of London
Tower of London was established in 1078, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 3,000,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Europe region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Tower of London, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
More museums in London
London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Tower of London with these nearby institutions:
- #4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #12Tate Modern🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #14National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #17Natural History Museum🦖 Natural History
- #41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
- #42Science Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #154Imperial War Museum London🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Tower of London?
Tue–Sat 9:00–17:30, Sun–Mon 10:00–17:30. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Tower of London?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Tower of London located?
Tower of London is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.5081°, -0.0759°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Tower of London known for?
950 years of royal fortress, prison and treasury. Key highlights include Crown Jewels, White Tower & armoury, Yeoman Warder tour. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 75,000 reviews.
How many people visit Tower of London each year?
Tower of London receives approximately 3,000,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United Kingdom.
When was Tower of London founded?
Tower of London was founded in 1078, making it 948 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
