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Step 1
Read up on the history of the Tower. The Tower of London is steeped in history, and learning a little before you tour the site can help you get the most out of your visit. Many famous people spent time in the Tower, including Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh.
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Step 2
Purchase tickets. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Tower of London ticket office. Discounts are offered for students with ID, disabled visitors and those 60 and older. Children five and younger are admitted free of charge.
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Step 3
Explore the White Tower and the grounds. The oldest part of the Tower of London is the White Tower, the distinctive four-turret building in the center of the complex. Visitors can climb throughout this 11th-century building and explore the museum inside. Other areas open to the public in the 18-acre site include the medieval palace, the scaffolding site and the Traitor's Gate along the Thames.
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Step 4
See the Crown Jewels. Since 1303, the Tower has been home to the Royal Crown Jewels. Viewing these crowns, tiaras, sceptres and orbs are one of the highlights of any Tower visit. The Crown Jewels, one of the most valuable jewelry collections in the world, all date from after 1649, as Oliver Cromwell had all of the previous collection melted down for coinage when he ruled England.
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Step 5
Take a tour. The Yeoman Warders, called "Beefeaters" give free one-hour tours of the site. The tours leave every 30 minutes from just inside the gate.
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Step 6
Chat up a Beefeater. The Tower of London is guarded by Yeomen Warders. These colorfully-dressed, former military officers guard the jewels, act as tour guides and pose for pictures
