Views & landmarks
Big Ben
About Big Ben
Big Ben is the clock tower attached to the Palace of Westminster, on the north bank of the Thames. Strictly, "Big Ben" refers to the Great Bell inside, but the name is now used for the whole tower. Most visitors come to see the tower from outside and take photographs, either from the street or from across the river on the South Bank, rather than to go inside.
Getting there
From central London, the nearest Underground station is Westminster, on the Circle, District, and Jubilee lines, only a few minutes' walk away. From areas like Covent Garden or Soho, expect a walk of around 20-25 minutes, or a short Tube ride.
How much time to allow
Seeing the tower itself, including a walk around Parliament Square and along the river for photos, takes about 20-30 minutes. If you're combining it with nearby sights, plan for at least half a day in the area.
When to go
The area around the tower gets busy in the middle of the day, especially in summer, with crowds of visitors and tour groups around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. Early morning or evening tends to be quieter, and evening also offers a different view with the tower lit up.
Combine it with
- St Margaret's Church, Westminster (0.2km) - right next to the Palace of Westminster.
- Westminster Abbey (0.2km) - a short walk away, worth pairing on the same visit.
- London Eye (0.4km) - across the river, reachable via Westminster Bridge.
- St James's Park (0.8km) - a walkable green space to continue on foot.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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