As amazing as this beautiful icon is, I was sad to see that it was under construction as they are refurbishing it. The face was still in tact and lovely, but the tower has quite a lot of scaffolding around it, as of our visit In September. I believe it will be a lengthy process Londoners and tourists should get used to that sight. No matter though... still incredibly impressive and and the location on the Thames is perfect and the walk across the bridge was perfect. We did it many times in our explorations of the city and I never tired of the views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. read more

It is completely under scaffolding and you cannot see it at all. Don't waste your time here. They should bring in a real contractor to finish it. The guards said they would be renovating it for 4 years so to come back then. Here's to no Big Ben till 2022. read more

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

See all

The Clock of all clocks! I mean... if you don't have a picture with Big Ben or a red phone booth, then were you really in London?! We enjoyed a late-morning walk through the park from Buckingham Palace to find Big Ben. We took our time and may have covered about a mile in less than an hour? I'll try to find out and update this later, but I think there's a bus stop where you can literally take a picture of the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey altogether as your background! I visited during construction, so I didn't get to hear the glorious ringing :( It's still well worth the one-sense experience! In a world of digital everything, Big Ben was truly a sight to behold. read more

A must see of course. It's nice to be there at night so you can hear the bell tolls instead of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just remember that there are a lot of pick pocketers and transients who find ways to get money from you. read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

See all

Well you can't really get a good picture because of the glares. I managed to snap a few (attached) but it's currently surrounded by scaffolding because tomorrow 21August, it'll be closing for fixtures for four months or four years? I can't remember but that's a pretty significant amount of time. The clock is a nice clock for that it is, a relic in English history but I didn't get up close and personal or inside, in fact, most of my photos are from quite a distance away. read more

See all

What trip to London isn't complete without a trip to Big Ben. This was my first time in London and was interested to see this icon. For me it lived up to the hype as it was very majestic. Too bad that you are not allowed To go into this clock tower. From any angle this icon shines over London. We were lucky to get here before the renovations started and heard the chimes of the bell. Also, don't forget to look at your companion and say, "Look, Big Ben, Parliment" when you are there (American humor). Enjiy read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Beautiful Big Ben. When I made my list of "things to see in London" I felt it was an obligation to put Big Ben on my list. Not because I felt the need to, but because I felt I had to. I thought "okay I'll see it in passing on my way to something else." Oh my god. I turned the corner onto the street where he stands and I was taken aback. Big Ben was majestic and stood magnificently tall in all its glory. I didn't know I would feel so moved by this clock! Pictures could never ever do any justice. There's so much intricate detail on the building that's easily looked over in pictures. It's something your eyes have to feast in person because there's just so much to absorb. I'm so sorry I ever doubted you, Big Ben :') read more

See all

The most iconic structure in London, visiting the Big Ben is a must for anyone stopping by in London. The bad thing is that you can't go up the tower (unless you are a British citizen and you make a special request) but the good thing is that anyone can enjoy the beautify and it's magnificent and intricate design from the outside, both during the day and at night. A must stop even if it's for s brief few minutes. read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

After my in-depth research in preparation for this trip, the first thing I was enlightened on was that the clock is not called Big Ben! The iconic landmark we see is actually the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the bell inside. Anywho, it will be the first landmark you'll see that makes you realize YOU ARE IN LONDON! I so wanted to take a tour, but alas, only UK citizens are allowed to request a tour, meaning I'll be out. Minus one star. Looks great in pictures at night when lit up and during the day with the double decker bus in the frame. read more

You cannot miss Big Ben when you come to London for a visit! Grateful to hear the fine chimes ringing during the 6 pm hour at sunset in March 2017 when we visited. Can't believe they are closing the clock tower for renovation (for 4 years!) a couple months back in Aug 2017...but glad we got to enjoy Big Ben's bells when we came earlier this year! :) Thank you Great Bell! read more

Another late review from my visit to London. Five stars for the beautiful landmark. I liked the clock so much that I had to buy a mini Big Ben to take home from a souvenir shop. I think it's cute to look at from a distance. read more

See all

Disappointing; couldn't even see the time. Hopefully this is resolved soon as I was late for my flight as a result. read more

Big Ben - Big Broken. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Oh look it's Big Ben (aka Parliament Clock Tower AKA Elizabeth Tower). It's cool because it's such an icon, but you can't tour it...unless you're a British citizen with special permission of a politician (you know I'd do that tour). It was actually smaller than I thought it would be..but I guess I shouldn't pick on the height of a 150+ year old tower. Still it's one of those places that make you say, "oh wow, yes I'm in London" so that's cool. read more

The Big Ben is beautiful. The best view of it is of course from the London Eye.

It's a clock, it goes dong, and people travel thousands of miles just to have their photo taken in front of it (such as myself). Still, it is one of those iconic parts of London, and you really don't need to spend all that much time here, unless of course you have a clock fetish and have absolutely no interest in doing anything else in London, then go for broke. However, I wouldn't recommend it because there is so much to London that sitting in front of a clock would sort of be a waste. read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Great place to take photos! a must visit in London. Lots of tourists come here when they're in London. You can also get some good shots of the London Eye across the river. Come during the day and at night for a different view. read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

See all

This is my hundredth time coming here and I can never get enough unfortunately right now they're doing a lot of construction in this Square around parliaments big Ben and it's very crowded every single time that I come But it is still breathtaking in on a nice chilly day read more

Big Ben is the most iconic landmark in London( probably in the entire United Kingdom), he deserved put in the first page and first line of your itinerary. Whether you come to Big Ben in the daytime, nighttime or even at nightfall, he would shows different sights to you. It is easier for you to consider every detail of him clearly in the day time, and take some selfie. Big Ben at nightfall is my favorite, I get a feeling of Disney. In the nighttime, all the lights turns on, soak yourself in the majesty of the British empire. There are plenty of sites around Big Ben are deserve your time. Westminster bridge over Thames just next to Big Ben, after across bridge, then turn left, there is London aquarium about 15 minutes walk, keep walking about 10 minutes you will meet the London dungeons, keep walking then, London eye will find you. I highly recommend you to take 3 bus stops to the London library and the nation gallery. read more

See all

Thank God for Big Ben! How else would we be able to tell time?! Gorgeous and Iconic. It's not a landmark that will take much of your time because there's really nothing to do except take a picture. Just an awesome tourist stop! Reminds me Peter Pan when I visited! read more

See all

** Review 400! ** Following my trend of making each 100th review of something iconic I couldn't think of anything more fitting than this British landmark, especially following my recent trip back to my homeland this past May. Living and growing up in England (whilst also living in London for 4 years in my late teens) I saw and passed by Big Ben so many times I lost count and it really is true in that ''you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone'' because man do I miss this amazing landmark! Many people (and even some Londoners) get confused with the fact that ''Big Ben'' is actually the name given to a bell INSIDE the Tower. Big Ben was cast on 10th April 1858 meaning he recently celebrated his 150th Birthday! (not to be confused with the Clock Tower which turned 150 on 31st May 2009) The Clock face in which it's encased is the largest four faced chiming clock in the world. In it's lifetime it has only experienced one major breakdown which was on 5th August 1976 where it then had to be 'shut down' for a total of 26 days over the following months, which for it's age is pretty damn impressive! Other sights that surround it are The London Eye (or what I refer to as ''The Eye Sore''), The houses or Parliament and the River Thames. The Tower holds very fondly in my memories, where every December 31st I would gather with friends and family, regardless of where we were, and see the New Year in together watching as the hands struck Midnight, followed by the musical chiming of the bells within and cheers of delight from the entire country. Some more facts I picked up over the years and still somehow remember: * The Tower is soon to be renamed "Elizabeth Tower" as tribute to the Queen in her recent Diamond Jubilee (sorry, but it will ALWAYS be Big Ben to me!) * The Tower leans slightly to the North West. * The tower has no lift! Instead there are 334 stairs to the top. * The interior of the tower is not open to non UK residents. Even then UK residents must arrange for a tour through their Member of Parliament. * Big Ben weights 13 and a half tons! * Big Ben is made from Tin and Copper. Who'd have guessed I knew so much?! read more

"London calling at the top of the dial And after all this, won't you give me a smile? London Calling I never felt so much alive..." I think it was chime of Big Ben that called me to England. The dial turned to an hour, and here I was, standing in front of most iconic building in London, the Clock Tower... I walk over the bridge and just stand there listening to it, watching the four clocks counting minutes and hours, circle after circle, chime after chime. Tick-tack... London's life goes by, black taxis, double-decker busses, tourists and locals rushing to some unknown destinations. Do not rush, man, stop, and count minutes with me. Enjoy the moment. Because, if you do, no matter there you going, you will see the Big Ben spear in the sky. It will stay with you, and chimes will still call your name... read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Most people don't realise that you can't see Big Ben, which is technically the bell inside the clock. Most people extend this to include the clock or event the clock tower. This is the largest 4 faced chiming clock in the world and Big Ben celebrated its 150th anniversary this year. It is quite rightly one of London's biggest tourist draws with its neo Gothic tower being the 3rd highest clock tower in the world The chimes are famously used to count down to midnight every New Year read more

I walked by on a Sunday, as it's closed on Sunday's. The area was extremely busy that day with some sort of rally. Not sure if it's always this crowded but it was controlled chaos. I can't help but think of Vacation when I see or think about Big Ben. read more

My recommendation is to go to the City of Westminister to visit Westminister Abbey. By default, you will see Big Ben and Parliament. You'll see just as much as 99% of everyone else. Only a very dedicated, select few will attempt to officially tour Big Ben, which requires booking a guided tour in advance: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/bigben/ However, it seems that official tours are suspended while the clock is being renovated. read more

The most beautiful clock I've ever seen. It's huge and regal, and is the epitome of English elegance. Worth the trek in blustery cold London for sure. read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

I have seen movies with Big Ben, I have read books that mention Big Ben and when I was standing in front of Big Ben I felt so extremely small and in awe of its history. As been told before Big Ben is not a clock (WHAT??) but it's the largest bell that rings out the hour on the hour that happens to have clock plates on all 4 sides of the bell tower. Sadly you cannot go into Big Ben, but you can walk around him, take him in with your eyes, walk down the street and look back and still see him. Big Ben is Grand I tell you! So happy to have had the chance to see it and take a picture or 2! If in London you have to see it! You have to! Its history people! Go and see it! read more

See all

The not so big Ben! I was really excited to see one of London's most famous landmarks but it was not as spectacular as the name. There is a park right across the street where you can take great shots with it. It was just a tower and a clock. The architecture of the tower was typical of the buildings here. Located at the end of the Palace of Westminster. I was expecting to be in awe of Ben but it was not epic at all. Do not get me wrong, it should be a must see on your list but it just did not meet my expectations as one of the worlds more famous sites. read more

See all

Big Ben always conjures up happy thoughts for me because it reminds me of the scene where Peter explains to Wendy how to get to Neverland (second star on the right and straight til morning). Needless to way, my heart was giddy as soon as my eyes discovered Big Ben. It is located on a very busy intersection! For me, the chimes which rang every hour were the true heartbeat of London. I purposefully stop a couple times during my visit to wait for those chimes...just magic. It is super touristy. And it has a real name other than Big Ben. But I don't care. I'll bask in the my touristy ignorance to keep a precious part of my childhood in tact :) For those of you who actually want some more information-here is a video I found on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w6tK4jCH6w). read more

Big Ben - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

What's it with all of these London icons being different from what the American consciousness perceives? What? Do the Brits expect us to open a book and read something? Phttbt. USA! USA! Well, as has been mentioned several times over by American reviewers, Big Ben is a bell, not the tower. Who knew? Like, seriously... who knew? Did anyone know that? With GI Joe pleased that I was now one-half closer to winning the battle, I was able to properly appreciate the majesty of the tower (but not the bell, as I missed it ringing). There's something to be said to be surrounded by a mass of humanity and face to face with something that you'd only seen on TV and read about in books. Standing at the base of the tower, I became very aware of how small I was and how little time I'd spent on this earth. The experience of being here should take you out of yourself. It's incredible. Living in such a young city (even for the US), it's not everyday that I get to appreciate the sheer awesomeness of history come to life. There's not a bad picture to be taken of Big Ben but it's difficult to make its magnificence translate into a photograph. Coming to London without visiting the tower and seeing it in person is, in my opinion, a waste of a trip (and with how easily accessible it is by Tube, there's truly no good reason for missing it). How often does history/literature come to life? read more

Such a beauty during the night, and a spire of architecture in the day. I had the wonderful opportunity to pass by Big Ben in the day and evening and finally had the time in my touristy schedule to snap a picture in the evening. It's such a stunning structure during the evening - the light flows and radiates through the whole structure while reflecting on the waters. A must visit for visitors - you just can't simply ignore this gorgeous landmark and structure of art. read more

Big Ben - night time - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Ding Dong. Hard to miss in Westminster or coming on or off the bridge, and if you did, I'm sure the name rings a bell. Currently under long term construction despite everyone working around the clock. read more

When I think of London, I can't help but think of Big Ben, which is the mother of all four-sided clocks. I have to be honest, I was so enthralled, I didn't even notice what time it was. Isn't that why you're supposed to look at a clock? I was able to get some pretty good pictures on two separate occasions. The structure, itself, has a lot of history behind it, and is pretty exciting to see in person. It's particularly cool to see the sun shining on it when the sun decides to show itself. London is such a great "walking" city, and it is easy to hit this place up as it is centrally located. As you make your way around town doing the tourist thing, it's mandatory to check out this Westminster section of London ... and the big ol' clock. read more

Big Ben - The north and west point of view. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

See all

Best clock ever!!! I have seen Big Ben featured in movies and television many times. Nothing compares to seeing this architectural masterpiece in person. I was surprised to find out that Big Ben is actually the bell that strikes the hours in the clock tower above the Houses of Parliament. When visiting London. Big Ben is definitely a "Must See" landmark! Do Not Miss it!! read more

See all

I am a little confused as there isn't really much to see. Yes it's a huge landmark, it's pretty at night and lights up all nicely ... but it's not like you can go inside. Actually, my tour guide Yee Gan and I found out that apparently you CAN take tours inside (not necessarily Big Ben) the building that it is located in ... but I guess like most things in London, you had to sign up fourteen months in advance and put up your first born as collateral. From the floor level, this is just a gigantic, iconic landmark for London that you may have seen in many, many movies in the past. However, from the London Eye this is truly a spectacular view, especially at night. I highly recommend the latter for your "visit" to the Big Ben. read more

The leaning tower of London? That may just be Big Ben's new nickname! You can actually see the leaning with the naked eye now... eek! With that aside, Big Ben is definitely one of the main sights to visit if you are ever in London. Call me silly, but I can't help but to imagine flying through the River Thames, past Big Ben and the Parliament Building on a broomstick... yes, I am a Harry Potter fan :) It's such a magnificent sight to see. I love the golden glow it gives off in the evening... definitely a very picturesque spot. Getting there on The Tube is really easy too! Just hop off at the Westminster Station, and you really cannot miss it.. if you do.. hmm.. you may need glasses 8) read more

Big Ben - taken from the River Thames - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Big Ben is by far my favorite landmark of all time ever. There are not words to express my love for this pinnacle piece of British history and every single time I see it in person, television or print, the giddiness of a school girl comes over me. Perhaps my love for this monument stems from the love I have for my husband (he is a Brit - I am American) or my love of History or maybe even the fact that I love the name BEN... regardless, my unwavering love remains. It is a MUST SEE if you find yourself in London and there are many great spots to get photos of it from all angles. PS. Impress your friends with this fun fact my father in law often reminds me of: it is the actual BELL inside the tower is named "Big Ben" not the tower itself. The tower is named the Elizabeth Tower... after the Queen, of course. read more

Big Ben - A photo of the ACTUAL BELL named "Big Ben" inside the Elizabeth Tower. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

How do you tell people that you are in London with only one picture? A picture of Big Ben will do! Technically, Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the Victoria Tower of the Westminster Palace, but technicality are for nerds! London has many iconic structures of old and new like the classic Tower Bridge and the modern London Eye, but even so, Big Ben remains THE symbol of London and even the whole UK. If you time properly, you can hear Big Ben's symbolic ring on every hour as well. It sounded like any other bell tower, but there's just something about the Big Ben sound that definitely rings in your ears! Getting in the tower itself is difficult because you have to be an UK citizen to file a reservation with your MP, but really, the gem is outside! If you want to make sure you aren't dreaming of landing in London, take the tube directly from the airport* and stop at Westminster station - The moment you get to ground level is the moment when you will definitely be convinced that you have arrived in the British capital! --- tl;dr version: 1) THE symbol of London 2) Tough to get in the actual tower but just check it out outside! 3) See directly at the exit of Westminster tube station --- FROM THE AIRPORT 1) If you are riding on Piccadilly Line, transfer at Green Park to Jubilee Line for a next-stop ride to Westminster 2) If you are riding on Heathrow Express or Connect, transfer to the London Underground's Circle Line directly to Westminster read more

See all

It's an iconic historical landmark, a big part of the skyline, and a must-see when in crazy bustling London. We did a chilly, top of the double decker bus tour of the city, and it was awesome! We also got great views and pics from the London Eye. My bucket list is yet only half full lol! read more

See all

This place is iconic!! Definitely a must see if it's your first time in London. Now I visited Big Ben September 2017. I just realized, I haven't reviewed many places from my Europe trip and am just getting to them now. Big Ben is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or subway. I highly recommend the subway. It's quick and cheap. Across form Big Ben is the London Eye. At the time of my visit, they just started the renovation so I was still able to get good photos. I advise to walk across the bridge and to the right is a pathway along the river. There's a ledge where you can sit and take loads of photos of Big Ben and the parliament. read more

See all