LONDON
Big Ben
A landmark clock tower on the Thames, beside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
OVERVIEW
Exploring Big Ben
Big Ben refers to the bell inside Elizabeth Tower, which stands beside the Houses of Parliament along the River Thames. This area is the starting point for the Royal London walk and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
The best views come from Westminster Bridge and the surrounding streets, where you can see the tower, the clock face, and the full stretch of Parliament together. Arriving early offers clearer views, fewer crowds, and some of the best photo opportunities in Westminster.
EXPERIENCE
Big Ben Highlights
Key viewpoints and experiences around Big Ben.
Elizabeth
Tower
Big Ben is the bell inside Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. The tower is best viewed from Westminster Bridge or from across the river on the South Bank.
Tickets & Entry
Guided tours of Elizabeth Tower require advance booking and often sell out months ahead. Tickets can be booked through the UK Parliament.
Houses of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster runs along the river next to the tower. Walk along the street side for close-up details, or step back onto the bridge or river path to see the full length of the building.
Westminster Bridge Views
Walk onto Westminster Bridge for clear views of Big Ben and Parliament together. The best angle is looking back toward the tower from the middle of the bridge.
Along the
Thames
The river path offers quieter viewpoints. Walk along the South Bank for open views looking back toward Big Ben, especially just past the bridge.
plan your visit
Plan Your Visit to Big Ben
How to start your walk and make the most of your time at Big Ben.
Starting Point
Big Ben sits next to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, making it the ideal starting point for the Royal London walk. Starting early helps you avoid crowds, time your visit for the Changing of the Guard, and return to Westminster Abbey later in the day.
Best Photo Spots
Stand on Westminster Bridge or cross to the South Bank for the best views of Big Ben and Parliament together. The red phone booths on Great George Street in Parliament Square also create a classic London foreground for photos.
Best Time to Visit
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and clearer views, as the area is busiest midday. Big Ben is also especially striking in the evening when the clock face is illuminated.
Continue the Route
From here, walk toward Parliament Square and along Whitehall, passing Horse Guards on your way to St. James’s Park.
BUILD YOUR ITINERARY
How This Fits Into Your Day
Begin your walk in the early morning at Big Ben, taking in views of Parliament and the Thames before continuing along Whitehall toward Horse Guards.
FAQ
Big Ben FAQs
Can you go inside Big Ben?
Yes, you can go inside Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), but it requires booking a guided tour in advance, often months ahead. Tours involve climbing 334 steps and are available to visitors aged 11 and over, with tickets released on the UK Parliament website.
Where are the best views of Big Ben?
The best views are from Westminster Bridge and the South Bank, where you can see the tower alongside the Houses of Parliament. Parliament Square also offers classic views with the surrounding landmarks. There are also Red Phone Booths located on Great George Street in Parliament Square that provide a classic London foreground for your photo.
When is the best time to visit Big Ben?
Early morning offers fewer crowds and clearer views, while the evening provides a different experience when the clock face is illuminated.
How long do you need at Big Ben?
Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes taking photos and walking around the area, though you can stay longer if you explore nearby viewpoints along the river. The lines to take pictures at the phone booths can get pretty long if you go at a busy time.
How does Big Ben fit into the Royal London walk?
Big Ben is the starting point for the Royal London walk, leading through Parliament Square and along Whitehall toward St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace.