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When visiting London you have check Big Ben off of your checklist! Lucky for us we were able to stop by during the day and on our way in for the night. We really enjoyed seeing it all lit up at night time. The crowds weren't too large so we were able to get some awesome selfies and group pictures without an issue. Highly recommend keeping your head on a swivl for any signs of pick-pocketers!
Big Ben should definitely be on your checklist of London's attractions. Along with Buckingham Palace - Big Ben is an architectural icon. Please consider yourself warned when I say 'expect an enormous crowd' when visiting. Walking across the bridge over the River Thames to get a snapshot of Big Ben from the best perspective was an adventure in itself - be prepared to be pushed, shoved, forced through a rapid current of people while dodging strollers and street vendors. Once you've survived the river of people - take a moment to enjoy the view and snap some photos.
Big Ben is technically the bell inside of the clock tower, but most people often think of Big Ben as the whole tower. This is a 4-sides faced clock at an incredible part of the London attractions scene, standing at 316 feet or 96 meter tall. Big Ben is quite the celebrity finding itself as a major part of many movies and shows. We came during our first day as we explored the city in the day time and it was crowded and stressful. Fortunately we passed by Big Ben once again at night and was able to see it lit up. Wow. Absolutely stunning. It's even more beautiful at night. I recommend trying to stop by in the day and at night to see the contrast. A must visit while visiting London.
What can I say about Bug Ben that hasn't already been said. Big Ben is an iconic part of London and no trip to London would be complete without seeing and hearing Big Ben. We arrived in Parliament Square late on a Sunday afternoon and into the middle of a pro-Palestine protest. Due in large part to the protest and partly due to beautiful weather, Parliament Square was packed. The crowds were shoulder to shoulder. BUT we got to see and hear Big Ben. A must-see London attraction.
I remember telling my British friend when I saw Big Ben (I know that's the bell inside and the tower is actually called Elizabeth Tower, but who are we kidding? It will always be known as Big Ben) that it didn't seem real. After seeing it in movies and TV shows, it was surreal to finally see it up close in person. First of all, I didn't know it was so detailed, like I didn't know about all the gold filigrees. Secondly, I didn't know it had a Latin inscription that says "Domine Salvam fav Reginam Nostram Victoriam Primam" meaning "O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First". Seeing it in movies and TV shows it's like, "Oh, yeah, it's that famous clock tower in London", but in person it's like, "Oh, wow, I didn't realize it's so beautiful and well crafted!" It's a definite must see for a London trip. However, at the same time, expect ridiculous crowds and it being a quick "I saw it, I took pictures of it, now on to the next sight."
One of the most iconic land marks in the world. I had forget just how big and bold the clock tower is. I love how gold and crisp it is these days. In a few days I am doing the Big Ben climb up into the clock tower. I can't wait. There are tons of great spots to get pics all along the bridge and on the other side of the river.
One of the infamous landmarks on my vision board, and so glad I was able to see it in person. Big Ben is a prominent symbol of Britain and parliament. It was great being able to be there when the clock hits the hour, just so iconic. However, there are many people taking photos even having photoshoots down there. It's definitely surreal to see Big Ben in person and being able to examine it from ground level is breathtaking. From here, you can walk to the Westminster Abbey and London Eye. Definitely stop by Big Ben if you have a chance while you are in London.
Visited Big Ben while in London. Did you know its official name is the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee -- but everyone still calls it Big Ben. The site was impressive, with plenty of onlookers taking in the views. We spent about 30 minutes exploring and enjoying the surroundings. Fun fact: the minute hand is roughly the same length as a single-decker bus! Overall, it's worth a quick stop and was one of the highlights of our trip. Saluti
As one of the well-known main attractions in London, I oddly always thought that Big Ben was a free standing clock but as I stood in front of the massive round time dial (clock) formation, I realized that it was attached to an enormous structure called the Houses of Parliament. Tours inside Big Ben were not available. No need for a wrist watch, view the Big Ben clock from almost one mile away.
3 years ago
An extraordinary and historic view of the Big Ben as soon as you walk out for the train station. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful!! Really spectacular architecture. Well worth a stop on your travels through London. read more
Glad I got to see it before the renovations! It's just what you'd expect from all the movies, books and websites you ever looked at. It stands tall and iconic, as well as right next to parliament. Nearby, you have the red telephone booths which are, of course, just begging that you get in to them for a quick pic lol What more can be said? Is it possible to go inside? Is that a silly question? Hmm not sure...but at least you can appreciate the sights from the outside. Anyway, you're really transported to your very own British dream here! read more
In seeing Big Ben for the first time with my own eyes, I have to sadly admit that I was slightly disappointed. I was unaware that the iconic clock was under a current long-term renovation project. The last renovation project was 31 years ago. However, in hearing Big Ben for the first time in person, I was slightly elated. Elated to the point of not saying a word as it's mechanism struck its bell twelve times at the stroke of midnight on January 1st. With reverence to Big Ben, the London Eye that was across the River Thames sequenced its fireworks to each bellstrike. Truly something to experience for the first time. British government, please renovate Big Ben promptly, and thoroughly. read more
09/10/17 Probably the world's most renown clock. This clock was completed in 1859. Big Ben is the name of the giant bell inside the belfry in the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster where the Parliament meets. The bell was cast at Whitechapel in 1858. A horse drawn carriage delivered Big Ben to his current home. The architecture is Neo-Gothic with lots of adornment. Did you know that there is Latin words under the clockface? The Latin translated is: Oh Lord, Keep Safe our Queen Victoria the first. Facts about Big Ben: In 1916 during WWI the clock was silenced for two years to avoid German Attack. The House of Commons was destroyed in WWII by a German bomb but Big Ben survived and still struck hours. When Winston Churchill died on January 30, 1965 the bells where silenced during his funeral. Four year renovations began on August 2017 Once you see this iconic landmark you'll want to go home and read some history. read more
Big Ben is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. It's also another tourist attraction. After we got off the city cruise, we came here to check it out. It was a bit disappointed coz we came here at wrong timing. Big ben is under construction that no chiming and striking till Aug 2021. The most iconic landmark will be slients for few years. Hope we will go back and check it out 4 years later. read more
You have probably seen this in a thousand movies and always wondered if such a place really existed. Yes, it does exist and yes, it's freaking huge. It's also beautiful and it's really something you can spend a good amount of time looking at. I know I sure did. It's one of the greatest landmarks in the world and for a very good reason. It's freaking Big Ben! Everyone knows Big Ben! I loved that I finally saw it, and hopefully I'll be able to glance at it again, before I leave London. read more
When I think of the great city of London, Big Ben always comes to mind. It's a famous landmark located at Westminster Bridge and Parliament. It's a fun place to get a picture taken. It's actually not that grand in person. It's more a myth. Note to Self: This was my 1314 review, so I finally caught up with Yelp chief Jeremy Stoppelman at 1314 reviews. read more
3 years ago
Don't recommend, don't talk all it does it goes "bing bong bing bong.... Bing bong bing bong. read more
6 years ago
9 years ago
Definitely a must see when visiting London, although hard to miss even if coming for a day. I was in town for several days over Christmas and luckily our hotel was walking distance to see Big Ben. Apparently Big Ben is a bell inside the building that isn't visible however the entire building is known as Big Ben for tourists. You can walk all around the building to capture picture of the stunning architecture. If you get up close you can see the beautiful details work. For Christmas time they had a tree outside which was lit up in the evenings. Big Ben is a sight to see both in the daytime and at night when it glows. It is very close to the London Eye and on one side has the river while the other side is across from the Westminster Abbey. read more
4 years ago
Absolutely one of the must-see structures in all of London. I mean what is a better representative of the city of London than Big Ben itself?! There are so many awesome views of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster from all different directions. Not only can you get up close and personal under Big Ben near Parliament Square and snap endless photos of/with it, but there are also great photo spots afar on Westminster Bridge, The Queen's Walk and especially overhead on the London Eye! Just a side note in that the area around the Palace of Westminster is quite crowded so you just have to watch where you are walking as not only will you most likely be taking photos of/with Big Ben, but plenty of other people will be too. read more
You cannot visit London and not go to Big Ben. This historic and iconic tower has withstood time, wars and remained in the heart of old London next to Parliament. You have to experience the sight in person. The only thing is you cannot take tours in the actual tower. I have to admit, I was thinking of that song "holiday road" from National Lampoons European Vacation" when Clark would drive around Big Ben and Parliament. hehe read more
One of the world's most iconic landmarks! Def, a must see while in London. Very easy to get here and the view is just beautiful. Uno de los paisajes más icónicos del mundo! Definitivamente, venir aqui mientras se este en Londres. Muy fácil de llegar y la vista es simplemente hermosa. read more
Seriously, who doesn't love that sexy beast that's become one of London's most quintessential landmarks? You cannot come to London and not take dozens of pictures from all sorts of different angles. Fortunately, it's situated near plenty of other interesting sites, so you don't have to come all this way just to snap a few pics of the big guy; though, who doesn't love a good selfie? In the immediate vicinity, you have the London Eye, as well as a few other attractions, and a plethora of great restaurants with a decent view of Southbank and the River Thames. A mere 15 minute walk up the street and through a gorgeous little park, you can also reach Buckingham Palace. And across the bridge, you'll reach Blackfriars Station which is surrounded by fancy taverns, restaurants, the Tate Modern across the way, the OXO shopping center, and St. Paul's Cathedral a mere bus ride away. So, come early, take those selfies, go explore, come back at night when Big Ben is his most gorgeous, and take more selfies! Just beware the photo bombers. They're everywhere! read more
3 years ago
Beautiful in person, also Great to see from the water if you can ... most hop on and off busses include a city tour from the water too! read more
10 years ago
The most amazing place I've visited in my life!!!!! It's such a thing to see, it's one of the most iconic things to see when you are in London. Big Ben is one of the most popular things although there are other things like Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace, but in photo's and the like the Big Ben is probably the most common to picture taken when people are visiting London. I took the hop on hop off bus that tours London and this location was on my bucket list!!!!! It's right near the eye of london read more
11 years ago
ABSOLUTELY a must see when you are in London!! What a beautiful landmark! Either day or night, many tourists in this area capturing the beauty of Big Ben. There are so many things to see in that area. Plan whole day here for sure. Have dinner near the water and see the night view. You won't be disappointed. read more
Big Ben is the iconic image of London and the United Kingdom. Unlike the Hollywood sign that symbolizes Los Angeles or the Statue of Liberty that shouts New York, this iconing building is the identity of the nation. Much larger in person than it seems in any image, Big Ben is a must-do stop when visiting London. You simply can't skip stopping here for the classic tourist photograph. Day or night, it is a very cool place and gives me chills every time I see it. The tower itself was built in 1858 (without hydraulic cranes!) and soars 316 feet above the city. Easily accessibly from the Westminster Tube Station. Interestingly, Big Ben is actually the name of the largest of the clock bells, not the tower or even one of the clocks. Keep that in mind the next time you're in a trivia game. read more
13 years ago
I'm glad to know I'm not the only uneducated American that did not realize Big Ben is a bell, not a clock tower!!! Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The nickname is often extended to include to the clock and the clock tower. The tower is now officially called the Elizabeth Tower, after being renamed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The Clock Tower is absolutely beautiful and is a must see attraction in London. You can't actually climb the clock tower or see the bell in person, but this is still a must see sight. My suggestion is to download Rick Steves' free audio guide onto your ipod: http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/0602/britain_downloads.htm His Westminster walks starts on the Westminster Bridge in front of the London Eye, Thames River, and Big Ben. The audio guide will walk you past the House of Parliament, important government buildings, and the audio guide ends at Trafalgar Square. read more
10 years ago
It's probably THE thing to see when in London (besides maybe Buckhingham Palace). It's listed here under the name Big Ben. Well, most people do probably think of the Elizabeth Tower (since 2012), when talking about Big Ben. It's a great place for taking some pics. The architecture is timeless, always a looker, even we've been here a couple times before. The hardest thing about it is getting a good spot and a good angle. Especially when it's completely packed with visitors. We liked the spot at the corner of Westminster Bridge Rd and A3211 (at the corner of the Westminster Station). If you stand close to the street you get some good pics. Just wait for some traffic to pass or some red lights (hoping no Doubledecker Bus will stop in front). You also can get a good pic and look from the Bus Stop (P) Parliament Square. These two spots we thought were best if you want a pic of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) with yourself on it. If you just need a pic of Big Ben, then many locations will do. Also nice to see it from a boat on a River Cruise. read more
For any visitor to London, Big Ben is worth a look and apparently 10 a.m. on the nose is the time to see it according to our tour guide Tony. We rushed through other landmarks just to get there before the clock struck the mark. Nearly the whole tour group of 30 plus folks - except us -- then paused on a busy street to take photos by a signature red London phone booth with Big Ben towering in the backdrop. Let's just say that 20 minutes later, you won't get that 10 a.m. on the clock view any more. Tony haughtily told us Americans, hint hint "savages" in his tone, that Big Ben is now the Elizabeth Clock. Okay okay, I get it Tony! P.S. My former client - in high end jewelry - said the best time to photograph a watch face is actually 10:10 a.m. So that's the time you'll see in most watch ads. read more
10 years ago
Ah, Big Ben. It's a name that most people across the world would associate with a well-known landmark in London. I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of seeing it in person, though. I know you can tour the building and tower it's housed in, but I'm pretty confident that they don't want people climbing into the actual bell area of the tower. Elizabeth Tower, on the other hand - which is the proper name for the full tower that houses Big Ben the bell - is exactly what you'd expect if you've ever seen a picture of it. Actually, on a sunny day, it's even more beautiful than that! If you're visiting London, you'll definitely want to take some time to appreciate the sight of it. But don't forget, due to it being a famous landmark Elizabeth Tower is pretty much always crawling with tourists. It can be a little overwhelming and not entirely pleasant to deal with other visitors as they take selfies and nearly bump into you as they focus on getting a perfect picture, rather than watching where they're going. Which is unfortunate since Elizabeth Tower is right by a bridge that leads to the London Eye and several other central spots. But the foot traffic makes crossing and getting to any other locations across from the tower a bit of an adventure. My advice would definitely be this: if you want to see Elizabeth Tower up close (which you really should do at least once, on a clear day if possible, to appreciate its detail and beauty), take the time to enjoy everything by it that day as well. The Abbey, Parliament, even the London Eye. That way, you'll only need to deal with the worst of the cluster of foot traffic in this area once; you can divert around it to less crowded pockets of foot traffic from then on. Then, during the rest of your trip, you'll be able to enjoy the sounds of Big Ben ringing and the sight of Elizabeth Tower from across the river and/or from afar. And speaking as someone who's been elbowed in the face by oblivious photographers, that sounds pretty preferable to me. read more
Big Ben..oh Big Ben. I see you everyday I work. And everyday I am still surprised at how beautiful it is against the night sky. It is definitely my favorite thing to look at, at night. Daytime it's pretty, but nighttime is just gorgeous. A perk is it's next Houses of Parliament and just a lil more than a 5 mins walk to London Eye. I didn't know the bell's name was Big Ben :P and not the building itself. Maybe you can be a fellow tourist and "hold" big ben on your hand. read more
When arriving in London, one of the landmarks that is hard to miss is the Big Ben. Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. You can also arrange a tour of it, only if you're a UK resident. You walk up 334 stone spiral steps to the top of the Tower and you can actually wait around to hear Big Ben strike at the hour. The tour also includes an opportunity to check out the mechanism room to learn how the clock works. +334 stone steps! read more
12 years ago
It's the BIG BEN! You can't miss it while in the UK! If you have time, it looks better at night - especially in the surrounding area, where the majestic buildings are lit up and glowing! read more
The big old clock tower attached to the Houses of Parliament, built in 1859. The name Big Ben is actually named after the first big 2.5 tonne bell which cracked only 4 years after its first ring. The tower features 4 7m clock faces each face contains 312 pieces of white glass and a total of 48 1m figures. Right up until the late 80s you were allowed in side and allowed to walk up most of the clock tower. Stil a 'stiking' symbol of London England Big Ben the best view these days is from the London Eye. read more
You can't go to London without checking out Big Ben. Located right by the river near Parliament and Westminster Abby, it is truly a great site to behold! Of course you have seen it in pictures, movies, and many TV Shows, but until you get there, the grandness of the structure is enormous! If you take a tour, you will find out that the structure itself is not called Big Ben, but it is the name of the "Great Bell of the clock". Its more official name is known as the Elizabeth Tower to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II before 2012, and then being named the "Clock Tower". You can take many tours which will review the history and take pictures of it from many areas around London, but one of best ways to see it is from the London Eye, particularly at night. read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
Big Ben, is London's most iconic landmark. It always has a bit of mystery attached as most of us see it, but don't go in it. We can go into Parliament, and tour Big Ben ... which doesn't get you into the clock tower. To get into that, you have to be a British citizen and make a special letter of request. The first time I came to London was in late 1983 ... the great clock was covered for repairs. As luck would have it, repairs are now happening for the first time in more than 30 years. Big Ben tours are now suspended due to refurbishment until early 2020 ... just adding to the mystery. If you go between now and 2020, I recommend looking up chiming times ... it still chimes at certain times, but will be chiming a lot less. Still, we're left with a beautiful structure. You'll be taking pictures of it from every angle. I recommend taking photos of it across the Thames on the South Bank; taking the London Eye and snapping every chance you get on the way up; from Parliament Square; right across the street from the Westminster tube station; from Trafalgar Square (from the right angle, you can get Nelson's Column, down Whitehall with BB in the distance) ... and so on. You can make a game of it! Again, I love Big Ben. I wish I could go in ... just like I could see the Mona Lisa without bulletproof glass around it. read more
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Big Ben - landmarks - Updated May 2026
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