Big Ben, officially known as the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, is an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom. The clock tower, renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012, stands at 316 feet tall and features a neo-Gothic design. It was completed in 1859 and has since become a prominent landmark, recognized globally. Visitors admire the intricate detailing and the famous chimes of Big Ben, which resonate throughout the city. The tower is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the Palace of Westminster.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 88,361
- Viator 4.4 71,466
- Tripadvisor 4.5 31,918
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central Location Situated next to the Houses of Parliament and near the River Thames, Big Ben is easily accessible and surrounded by other major attractions, making it perfect for sightseeing.
- Iconic Landmark Big Ben is a world-renowned symbol of London and British heritage, making it a must-see for any visitor wanting to experience the city's essence.
- Memorable Chimes Hearing the distinctive chimes of Big Ben is a magical experience that resonates with the history and rhythm of London, creating a lasting impression on visitors.
- Photogenic Views Westminster Bridge and the South Bank offer excellent vantage points for capturing memorable photos of Big Ben, particularly at sunset or when the tower is illuminated at night.
- Stunning Architecture The Gothic Revival architecture of the Elizabeth Tower is breathtaking, offering intricate details and a majestic presence that is especially impressive in person.
Criticised
- Large Crowds The area around Big Ben is often very crowded with tourists, which can make it challenging to navigate and take photos, especially during peak seasons.
- Limited Interior Access Unless you are a UK resident, you cannot go inside the tower. While the exterior is impressive, this limits the overall experience for international tourists.
- Potential Noise and Chaos The surrounding area can be quite chaotic with traffic and street vendors, detracting from the overall experience of viewing the landmark.
- Security Restrictions Strict security measures are in place, including restrictions on items allowed inside during tours, which might be inconvenient for some visitors.
- Tour Booking Difficulties Gaining access to tour the inside requires booking far in advance (months). This creates challenges for those with inflexible travel schedules.
The longer read
Big Ben, officially the Elizabeth Tower, is a globally recognized symbol of London and British heritage. Many reviewers describe it as a must-see attraction, with its stunning Gothic Revival architecture leaving a lasting impression. Located adjacent to the Houses of Parliament and near the River Thames, Big Ben is easily accessible and photogenic, especially when illuminated at night. Its recent restoration has renewed its gleam, making it an even more impressive sight. The tower's location facilitates visits to other nearby attractions, such as Westminster Abbey and the London Eye, enhancing the overall sightseeing experience.
The chimes of Big Ben are iconic and deeply resonate with visitors. The sound is frequently described as magical and unforgettable, embodying the heart of London. While admiring the exterior is free, access to the interior is restricted to UK residents or requires booking well in advance. A tour inside the Elizabeth Tower is highly recommended by those who have experienced it. The tour involves a climb of 334 steps up a narrow spiral staircase, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights. Lockers are provided as nothing can be carried during the ascent. Despite the climb, the experience of seeing the Great Bell up close and standing behind the clock faces is often described as fun, educational, and worth the effort. Protective ear coverings are provided when the clock strikes to mitigate the thunderous sound.
Westminster Bridge offers an iconic and breathtaking vantage point, providing a full view of the Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower. This location is highlighted as perfect for photos, especially at sunset, capturing the tower's reflection on the Thames. While the area around Big Ben is often crowded, particularly during peak hours, an early morning visit is recommended for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities. Despite the crowds, the area is clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant visit. Whether viewed from the bridge, the South Bank, or up close, Big Ben provides a memorable and awe-inspiring experience, embodying London's rich history and timeless charm.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7219 4272
- Website
- parliament.uk/bigben
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 20:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 20:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 20:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 20:00 |
| Sat | 8:00 - 20:00 |
| Sun | 8:00 - 20:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 30 venues we hold for Lambeth, where the most-reviewed is London Eye.
Still deciding?
- What are the daily times when Big Ben’s chimes can be heard from the tower and nearby?
- What are the current visitor access policies and ticket requirements for touring the Elizabeth Tower inside?
- When is the most favorable season or month to see Big Ben with clear weather and fewer crowds?
- What key historical events and architectural details define the significance of Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower?
- What other notable sights are within walking distance of Big Ben that visitors should include in their itinerary?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.