Big Ben, London: Photos, Reviews & Location

16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament.

At a glance

#274 of 443 Tourist attractions in London #4 of 8 Cultural landmarks in London

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.50

0.8 km from the center of London

Rating breakdown

5 ★69%
4 ★17%
3 ★8%
2 ★3%
1 ★4%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 16 recent reviews that mention each topic.

View31%
Waiting & crowds25%
Price & value6%
Location6%
Atmosphere6%

London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom

parliament.uk

+44 20 7219 4272

Quick facts

What is the rating of Big Ben?: Big Ben is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 114,056 reviews.
How does Big Ben rank in London?: Big Ben is #274 of 443 Tourist attractions in London by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Big Ben located?: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom — 0.8 km from the center of London.
What do visitors mention most about Big Ben?: Most often: view, waiting & crowds, price & value (from 16 recent reviews).
How can I contact Big Ben?: Phone: +44 20 7219 4272 · Website: parliament.uk

Very nice place. It is romantic and beautiful. Even though London is somehow gloomy when I was there, but it is still pretty as it is.

I believe its original name is Elizabeth Tower, somehow it is known more as Big Ben.

Be careful about your stuffs, it is very crowded

Niroj Adhikari 2024 Jan 12

Everyone know about Big Ben no words. Just one alert. Be careful while you are taking picture, you might find some clown lady wanna be in your picture with a smiley face and she will start asking you money after. So please be aware and get away from her. Or else everything was very good. Take more pictures and videos as possible. Go to the opposite side of Big Ben so that you can take a good picture.

Gaston Boireau Lahore (gasti) 2024 Jan 10

Just saw Big Ben on my London work trip and it's seriously impressive. You've seen it in pictures, but up close, it's another level.
The clock tower is massive and the details in the architecture are super intricate. Hearing the famous chimes in person is pretty cool too. It's right by the River Thames, so the whole setting is pretty scenic. If you're in London, you gotta check it out – it's one of those landmarks that's just as awesome in real life as you'd hope.

Benreviewsall 2024 Jan 07

Having seen Big Ben many times today was wonderful to walk out of Westminster tube station and with such clear and bright skies see all of the refurbishment gleam in the sun light!

Such an icon of London and wonderful to see! Any time of the day is great to see it and if you ever don’t know how long you have been staring at it, at least it will be able to help you out!

Sandy Henderson 2024 Jan 06

What an amazing experience we climbed up to Bell Tower. I was apprehensive about the climb up 334 steps. However, my fears were not needed. It was not too cramped in the stairwell, and groups are a maximum of 12. I did not feel rushed at all, and after climbing 113 steps, we stopped and went into a room where our guide gave us the history of the building. There are a further two stops before we arrive next to Big Ben itself. We were lucky to arrive at midday, so we had the full experience! Our kind was extremely knowledgeable and answered our questions. Before you go up the tower, you have to leave anything that is a drop hazard. Also, you can not take photographs whilst on the tour. I didn't mind as I felt I was living in the moment and have the memory firmly fixed in my mind.

Ray Davis 2024 Jan 04

To see the Elizabeth Tower, "Big Ben," with near-zero crowds and traffic, try to visit as early as you can in the morning. We arrived around dawn on a June weekday and found the area to be wide open for beautiful, quiet views of the tower. The towering, Gothic Revival icon that is Big Ben is also amazing to see any time, day or night.

Khaled kthiri 2024 Jan 01

Visited Big Ben with my children and had an amazing experience! We took some great photos, enjoyed the iconic view of London Eye, and had a delightful walk along the riverside. A fantastic outing for the whole family!
RK Luxury

Hunter 2023 Dec 11

Big Ben is an iconic masterpiece that truly captures the essence of London. Standing tall by the River Thames, its majestic presence is awe-inspiring. The intricate detailing on the clock face and the impressive chimes create a timeless experience. Surrounding the area, there's a vibrant atmosphere with nearby attractions like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. A visit to Big Ben is not just a glimpse of history but a captivating journey through the heart of London's rich heritage.

Francisco Quinteros 2023 Oct 02

Big Ben, one of London's most iconic landmarks, is a masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of the city's rich history. Standing proudly on the banks of the River Thames, this towering clock tower is a sight to behold. Its official name is the Elizabeth Tower, but it's widely known as Big Ben, which actually refers to the Great Bell housed within.

This magnificent Gothic-style tower was completed in 1859 and has since become a symbol of both London and the United Kingdom. Its soaring height, intricate details, and the enchanting chimes of the Great Bell have captivated visitors from around the world for generations.

The clock faces of Big Ben are the largest in the UK, and the Great Clock itself is a marvel of engineering precision. The resounding chimes of Big Ben have marked the passing of time and important events for over a century, making it an integral part of London's sonic landscape.

Visitors can marvel at the tower's stunning architecture, with its elegant spires and intricate detailing. Ascending its 334 steps provides breathtaking views of the city, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists and a point of pride for Londoners.

Big Ben is not merely a timekeeping device but a symbol of resilience, having endured through two World Wars and various historical moments. Its timeless beauty and significance continue to inspire awe and wonder, making it an enduring icon in the heart of London's skyline. A visit to Big Ben is a journey through time and a chance to connect with the history and culture of this vibrant city.

martin walker 2023 Sep 30

This is a fantastic climb up inside Big Ben, with informative talks at intervals as you climb 334 steps to the Belfry. Superb views of London at top. Close up view of clock mechanism and chimes (!) Memorable experience plus walk around Westminster hall afterwards. Book on the web. Do not miss this tour !!

Niamul Wahab Chowdhury 2023 Sep 28

The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London's most iconic landmarks and must-see london attraction.

Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock. The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated.

The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock.

David S 2023 Sep 26

Was nice to visit this historic site. Was overcast the day we went, so the pictures weren’t as good as we hoped. We planned it so our riverboat tour started at Big Ben. It was fairly busy when we visited and the best place for pictures was either across the street from Big Ben or on the bridge.

Robert Shiver 2023 Sep 25

Really wanted to go inside but sadly I was reading where you have to be a UK citizen so that was a bust. But still got to see it from the outside and here it ring one good time. Guess that's good enough right?

Yoshiaki Ito (yoshiakiito.com) 2023 Sep 23

Big Ben is an absolute blast and a must-see for any tourist in London! This iconic clock tower is like a giant timekeeper welcoming visitors with its impressive presence. Even our Wooden Toy Monkey couldn't resist a visit to this famous landmark – it's a real adventure!

Louis Harel 2023 Sep 19

The most famous emblem of the United Kingdom. Big Ben was recently renovated (2017-2021) so now we can take it in photo in its best light. If you live in the United Kingdom, try to obtain an authorization to visit it ;)