Views & landmarks
London Eye
What it is
The London Eye is a large observation wheel on the south bank of the Thames, opened in 2000. Visitors ride in enclosed glass capsules for a slow rotation, taking in views over the river and the surrounding city skyline, including the Houses of Parliament directly across the water. It's a sightseeing ride rather than a museum or historic site, so the appeal is the view itself.
Getting there
It sits on the South Bank, across the Thames from the Palace of Westminster. From central London it's an easy walk if you're already near Westminster or Waterloo, and Waterloo and Westminster Underground stations are both within a short walk. Coming from Heathrow (LHR), the quickest route is the Heathrow Express to Paddington followed by a short Underground or taxi connection, taking roughly an hour in total.
Time to allow
The rotation itself takes around 30 minutes. With queuing to board, allow closer to an hour overall, more if you're visiting at a busy time.
When to go
Queues build up around midday and in the afternoon, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Going earlier in the day tends to mean shorter waits. Clear weather makes a noticeable difference to the views, so an overcast or foggy day is worth avoiding if you have flexibility. Late afternoon or early evening can be a good compromise, with softer light for photos.
What to combine it with
Big Ben is only 0.4km away across Westminster Bridge, and Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church are close by as well, at 0.7km and 0.6km respectively, so the four make a natural walking loop. Charing Cross is also nearby at 0.7km if you're continuing on to the West End or need a rail connection.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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