LONDON
Big Ben
London’s landmark clock tower 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. The area around Westminster is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and the starting point for the Royal London walk.
Some of the best views come from Westminster Bridge and the South Bank, where you can see Elizabeth Tower and the full stretch of Parliament together. Arriving early usually means fewer crowds and clearer views across Westminster.
EXPERIENCE
Big Ben Highlights
Some of the best ways to experience Big Ben and Westminster.
Elizabeth
Tower
Big Ben is the bell inside Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. Some of the best views are from Westminster Bridge or across the river on the South Bank.
Tickets & Entry
Guided tours of Elizabeth Tower require advance booking and often sell out months ahead. Tours are booked through the UK Parliament website.
Houses of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster stretches along the river beside Elizabeth Tower. Walk along Parliament Square for close-up details, or step back onto Westminster Bridge or the South Bank for wider views.
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 South Bank offers wider views looking back toward Big Ben and Parliament, especially just beyond Westminster 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 beside Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, making it a natural starting point for the Royal London walk. Arriving early helps avoid the busiest crowds around Westminster and St. James’s Park.
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 near Parliament Square are also a popular photo spot.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is usually the quietest time to visit, with fewer crowds and clearer views around Westminster. Big Ben is also especially striking in the evening when the clock face is illuminated.
Continue the Route
From here, continue through Parliament Square and along Whitehall toward Horse Guards and 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.