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What an exciting legendary British landmark to see! The tower is actually called Elizabeth Tower after Queen Elizabeth II, but many people still call it by the nick name of the bell, Big Ben. The gothic tower sits close to the Thames and attached to the Parliament building. The building was designed by Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry. We did not go inside for the tour which cost £35. Ordering tickets is complicated as tickets are only released on the second Wednesday of each month and can only be ordered on line. (I don't even understand what "released on second Wednesday" means. It makes planing complicated.) Anyway, tickets weren't available for 3 months out. Great views of the Tower can be seen from Westminster Bridge. In the mornings, it is a great experience to hear Big Ben ring, counting off the hours. The clocks are said to be the most accurate clocks and have far outlasted my watches. Elizabeth Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Definitely worth a visit and if you can order tickets three months in advance, a tour!
I mean you really can't miss Big Ben when you're in the area of the Houses of Parliament. The Gothic-Revival structure was built in 1859. Not only should it be part of sightseeing for visitors to London but it's a great landmark for meeting up with folks. "I'll meet you at Big Ben at noon for lunch" kinda thing. I mean you just can't miss it since it's nearly 315 feet tall.
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.
14 years ago
I'm in LOVE with London! Came here a couple of months ago to celebrate my birthday! BIG BEN is a must when visiting London. There's really nothing more to say... just bring your camera :) I ended up blowing up a huge photo of me with BIG BEN in the background which now hangs up in my place. Good times! Cheers! -Miss Yelp 2012 read more
Located in the heart of London, you can't miss the massive infamous clock on the streets of London. Once you exit the subway in between the Westminster Abbey & Parliament buildings, you'll notice the massive clock directly right in front of you (and if you do see it right away, you can look for the massive crowd gathering looking directly at it. TIP: Put on your walking shoes because just by exiting the Westminster subway station, you can hit up the majority of all the famous landmarks and tourist attractions from the Buckingham Palace, Green Park, St. Johns Garden, Winston Churchill monument, Gandhi monument, Big Ben, London Eye, Parliament buildings, Old London Yard & St. Margaret's Church, Horse Guards Parade/Palace, Imperial War Museums/Churchill War Rooms all in one trip. Best when you get there early so you can enjoy the walk and sight see as you go. read more
If there is one place I had to take a picture of when in London, it is Big Ben. My breath was taken away when I first laid my eyes on the clock - I'm not sure if I can find words to describe it. It is my favorite landmark and iconic image of London. To see Big Ben is a breathtaking moment - during day or night. You really feel like you're in London when you see it. There are many ways and angles to see Big Ben. The best way, in my opinion, is to start from across the Thames and walk along Westminster Bridge from London Eye Side so you can enjoy its architecture from afar. While crossing the Westminster bridge, you get amazing pictures and views of the entire Big Ben/Parliament landscape, and can slowly take it in. I also enjoyed viewing it from the London eye, during the sunset. The clock is just as breath taking up close, but it's a challenge to navigate through all the tourists. You can take pictures at the traffic light since it's not super crowded. Big Ben is in Westminster, near other attractions in the area including Westminster Abby, Buckingham Palace, Churchill War Rooms, Horse Guards, etc. Spend a day in Westminster and you'll get a good feel for London. read more
5 years ago
11 years ago
#PincheFlaggers! APR 14, 2015 Hi Pancho, We're writing to let you know that we elected to remove one or more of your photos of Big Ben from Yelp because the content didn't appear to be broadly representative of the business (e.g., wrong business, close-up of patrons, etc.). Please visit our Content Guidelines (http://www.yelp.co.uk/guidelines) for more information, and thanks for helping us keep Yelp fun and useful for everyone! Regards, Andy Yelp User Support ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So the wife knowing I'm a Steelers fan says hey let's go see Big Ben!, he's here I say? What, Big Ben... C'Mon let's go! So we get here and the wife says look Big Ben http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/big-ben-london?select=Z6KxTsTD2PjAsuEZ8y4gnQ#E-MbxdVcN_0hRIE-MN86lw Umm all I see is some clock! she tells me yeah that's Big Ben http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/big-ben-london?select=Z6KxTsTD2PjAsuEZ8y4gnQ#Z6KxTsTD2PjAsuEZ8y4gnQ So the Brits call some clock Big Ben, for all you looking for the real Big Ben http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/big-ben-london?select=Z6KxTsTD2PjAsuEZ8y4gnQ#pBmZzRsh06ckOiSrhUb9AQ he ain't here! I must say though, Ben (the clock) is pretty Big! read more
Going to see Big Ben i didnt expect its attachment to the massive Houses of Parliament. It has an overarching presence at the front and it heads up one side of the Westminster bridge. When you cross to the other side of said bridge you get a true view of how massive that complex is. Truly iconic as many other things London read more
10 years ago
OMG, I couldn't believe that I was actually there, after seeing it all those years on screen. well, when they called it Big Ben, mainly just meant the great bell of the clock of the Palace of Westminster, it called Elizabeth Tower officially. Big Ben is just a nickname, I like the name anyway, let just stay with it in the rest of my review. My first impression of the Big Ben, "I thought it would be bigger." Haha, I really did say that when I first saw it. I guess the "thing is 10 times bigger on screen" have been proved again. Well, 10 times is a bit over the top though. but it really doesn't matter, the tower was still looking amazing, so iconic, and the clock just looked brilliant, magnificent, something old but still got it charm. The Details around the clock tower just caught my eyes, what a beauty. During my visit, I was even luck enough to here the strikes of Big Ben. And I was with my lovely hubby next to the river Thames. It was just one of those most romantic and beautiful moments ever. As one of the most iconic symbol of London, I don't think everyone who travels to London would miss this one out. it doesn't matter from the park, the bridge, river boats or from the London Eye, Big Ben just looks brilliant. read more
6 years ago
Is there another bell in the world that symbolizes a nation? I think not. The clock tower which is built in Neo-Gothic style, soon to be renamed the Elizabeth Tower, houses Big Ben the bell inside the tower. Big Ben is 13.5 tons. It is made of copper and tin and cracked just 4 years after it was made. It has 7 (4 meter clock faces) and is largest four faced chiming clock in the world housed in the world's 3rd highest clock tower. Each clock face contains 312 pieces and 48 (1 meter figures). An inscription in Latin at the base of the clock dial reads, "Lord" keep safe our Queen Victoria the First". Big Ben also has a twitter account that tweets "Bong" every hour. Good for office chatter. Easy to get to just take the tube to Westminster station, hop off and you are there. Best photo is from the London Eye although there are many other photo opportunities. Only UK citizens are permitted inside the tower to see the clock. Submit your applications to a member of parliament. Cheers! read more
10 years ago
Technically, Big Ben is the name of the massive bell inside the clock tower. The tower is officially known as Elizabeth Tower, renamed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2012. read more
I have to agree with my fellow Yelp colleagues. I have jumped across the pond a total of five times to see this fabulous landmark. Everytime I see it, it feels like itsy bitsy snowmen are walking up and down my spine. :) And while visiting Big Ben you can stop by Parliament and listen to them all yell at each other about city water pipes whilst they demonstrate their genius way of exploiting the English language to put someone down and basically call them a liar (without actually calling them a liar). "If the gentlemen from Yorkshire wasn't talking from the southbound end of a north-facing horse, he surely would agree that the water pipes in Marylebone are in dire need of mending!..." Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, I made that Parliament speech up but those Brits are so funny. :) I heart London! Cheerio! read more
12 years ago
can't imagine myself visiting London without a seeing a Big Ben; is my top favorite place, and when I am standing and watch this magnificent building I always have this wonderful feeling. Now I am in London, and I am so happy!!!! When I hear the sound of the bell every half an hour is like a melody. So many pictures and videos, but nothing can describe this amazing building and this beauty, only your eyes can do, so don't miss it. I was so lucky because I was there for summer. Recommendations Visit London during Xmas and view the fireworks; it will magical!!!!! London = Big Ben!!!! read more
8 years ago
Okay Ben is the bell not the clock, but who cares. It your in London you have to have at least one picture. read more
8 years ago
13 years ago
London wouldn't be London without famous landmark - Big Ben. Come on, guys, must see and the end of the conversation. It's incredible and fascinating both from outside and inside. The incredible thing about United Kingdom is that you're allowed to come and see how the Parliament works and it's impressive that you can be a part of it :) read more
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are to London as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It's a true icon in every sense of the word and it has to be on your must-see list when you come to London. Big Ben refers only to the bell inside the clocktower and only UK citizens can view it (after only being approved by a member of parliament I believe). Tourists can tour Parliament itself though or you could do what my fiancee and I did and that's simply take in the beauty of such a gorgeous structure. I can't recommend this enough! read more
16 years ago
A must see when in London. It is magnificent, historical landmark. I recommend coming at night. The photo opportunities are amazing. read more
11 years ago
Of course you have to get a pic with the iconic Big Ben when you're in London. During our trip in June 2015, we were here during the day and then came back again at night for the night photo. You can walk from here (Westminster tube) to the London eye or other attractions (Abby, and St James park). You can also take the city cruise from here along the Thames read more
BIG BEN! I finally met you! I've seen so many pictures and movies of you and heard so many great things about you, but I never got a chance to meet you until now. And whoa you stand beautifully by day and by night!! The name Big Ben is really referring to the clock in the tower and the tower itself is called Elizabeth/Victoria tower (from the Queens). The tower has lots of history and attracts a lot of tourists with its beauty, history, and reputation! Right by Big Ben, it's the Parliament, the Thames River, and the London Eye! It's a very touristy spot, so it can get very crowded around noon time and at nightfall or even throughout the day, especially on weekends! If you go around 7/8, you only see runners and people going to work, so you get to enjoy some fresh air and won't get pushed around!! But I have to say that the crowd adds to excitement and desire of this masterpiece architecture! read more
The iconic Big Ben. You aren't able to get inside of it but you can definitely take a ton of photos from outside of it and with it in the backdrop. You can see it from several keypoints in the city - The London Eye, Trafalgar Square, etc. read more
18 years ago
Big Ben is majestic and magnificent. What else can you say about this most famous of British landmarks? If you ever get the chance, go see the New Year's Eve fireworks over the river. There's really nothing like seeing fireworks over Big Ben and the London Eye, what a way to ring in the new year. read more
10 years ago
London is a big city with a lot to offer. It is a city of wonder and dreams for a lot of people I know. One thing that I always dreamed about was seeing Big Ben in person. The massive beaming clock haunted me with images of impressive architecture and beauty. This year I finally got the opportunity to experience it in person and it did not disappoint. Technically the massive clock tower is not named Big Ben but for simplicity sake as well as pure childlike stubbornness I shall continue to call it as such for the remainder of my review. How does one even begin to review something as famous as Big Ben? When you think of London what comes to your mind is probably Big Ben and the royal flag. Big Ben has become almost a figurehead of London and British pride. It towers above the city and can be seen everywhere in tourist representation. The detail in the tower itself is almost indescribable. Oh how badly I wanted to reach out and touch it. What more can I say? If you are ever in London go see Big Ben. Even if just for a moment and even if simply from afar. Big Ben is the heart of the city and with every beat of the ticking tower the energy of the city can be felt. read more
I am in love with Big Ben ! I never thought that I would be so amazed how beautiful and tall it really was. I have seen it in many pictures and movies and I thought it was just ordinary clock- nothing special. However, seeing it person is a whole different view - it is absolutely extraordinary. Each time we walked by it, I can't help be just be sort of mesmerized by it. I loved it and it is a must see and even though you aren't as mesmerized by it like I was. At least you got to see one of the famous sites in London. It is probably one of my favorites tourist things that I did in London. read more
16 years ago
I remember as a child learning the piano, I was assigned to learn the Westminster Quarters and used to sing along. "O Lord our God/Be Thou our guide/That by thy help/No foot may slide." Or at least that was what was written in my piano book! But still, when I moved to London, hearing the chimes of Big Ben was one of the things I had to do and also took my parents here when they came to visit. Its a brilliant site when you come out from the Tube as one minute you can't see it and then the next its just there. But I believe the best view is from across the river. There you can see it and how it connects parliament and the echos from the chimes are just majestic. You must also go at dusk or in the evening when it is all lit up. And of course, try to go at the hour mark and hear the full verse of the Quarters! read more
10 years ago
During our London tour of course we came across , past Big Ben I mean why wouldn't you. Not much more I can say that probably has not been said already.. Beautiful tower , great architecture really quite lovely to see in person. It stands nice & tall & u can see it from pretty much any where in the surrounding area. Nothing says London like Big Ben, Beautiful tower for sure. read more
8 years ago
It is a great place! I think it is the heart of the London. Big Ben is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London and it is a very visited place in London. I recommend visiting the Big Ben whenever you are in London because it is a beautiful place. I visited it for the first time in 2012. I hope when I get back to London to visit this place again. read more
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Big Ben - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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