Big Ben
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Better known as Big Ben (it's actually the name of the Great Bell!), this iconic clock tower which stands at the Houses of Parliament is officially called the Elizabeth Tower, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. When the Elizabeth Tower is open for tours, you can climb up the tower and admire the clock and bell up close—though slots are limited to U.K. residents and require reservations in advance. But fret not, you can still learn about its history and admire its ornate golden facade on a tour of London or the Houses of Parliament. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
- Embankment • 10 min walk
- Waterloo • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,348 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia14,153 contributionsBig Ben is an iconic symbol of LondonProbably everyone on Earth has heard the sound of Big Ben. Big Ben is the main bell you hear when you hear the chimes. The Tower and the connection to the House of Parliament and the clock is well known, but it is not Big Ben. Big Ben is a bell, it has been restored recently. Big Ben is an iconic symbol of London.Visited January 2023Written March 21, 2023
- Victoria BRaleigh, North Carolina1,632 contributionsBeautiful!My oldest little was so excited to see Big Ben since she's seen it in her Peppa Pig book before our trip. We approached it on a double decker bus and she was too excited to be contained. It was great to see this beautiful clock up close with my family!Visited August 2022Written April 11, 2023
- Fam GBagsvaerd, Denmark538 contributionsIconic placeBusy place with a lot of tourists, like us, but still a place we several times past during our stay. It is like the bell tower sorry Elizabeth Tower, with the Great Bell is pulling you to visit, and it actually feels nice to be there. Lot of history and properly the best know place in whole England - iconic place.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 11, 2023
- BRLAAdventurer186 contributionsBig Ben Back in Action!Cleaned and renovated and majestic as ever. Have seen Big Ben years ago with and without scaffolding for the repairs. Now that it is complete, they did a good job and well worth visiting London to see.Visited May 2023Written May 24, 2023
- Grover RPensacola, Florida18,062 contributionsMost Notable Landmark in LondonProbably the symbol for London, it wraps so many things about England and London in to one identifiable piece of architecture. Big Ben is the clock in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament. However, the entire clock tower has taken on the name and identity for London. More than the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace, Big Ben is the symbol people most think of when you mention London. It is a MUST SEE on any visit and can be seen from so many places. However, my favorite may have been the London Eye.Visited December 2022Written May 27, 2023
- pfefmeisterSan Francisco, California3,043 contributionsSounds GreatWe were surprised by the timbre of the clock when we walked by on our way to the Parliment. Sounds like all is well in Big Ben land. Tickets to the Parliment are hard to come by - when we looked they were 3 weeks out. Still, enough to walk by and admire while waiting again for that glorious sound.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2023
- WaJello1,307 contributionsSelf-Guided Walking TourAfter going to Churchills war room we decided to walk around the area and see what we could find. We found Westminster abbey which is right next door to the House of Parliament which is part of Big Ben. It was a pretty site to see but we had no desire to dig any deeper based on the “pricey” comments of readers.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 10, 2023
- Andreas B1 contributionFor everybody😎This place is so beatiful for everybody because it is a typical attraction of london, it is a must see! This place is so beatiful for the color, it’s like the Sun, and the clock is amazing to the eyes. If you go, the place is near the river and the city center of London. So it’s easy to find.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 26, 2023
- Marco P1 contributionlove at first glancethe view was spectacular, the "Big Ben" was the FIRST build that I immediately fell in love with. At night it is unique, this building is fantastic and the people nearby give to the place a touch of class. It was fascinating, It’s definitely worth a visit! 100% recommended!Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 26, 2023
- Simão Gomes10 contributionsBIG BENGoing to London has an obligatory stop. The iconic symbol of London has to be seen in first person. One of the most beautiful monuments that can be seen. It's a shame having a lot of people taking pictures and street vendors, but it's worth itVisited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
31,962 reviews
Excellent
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2,832
Poor
849
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763
Sahloff79
Peterborough, UK494 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Big Ben Tour Dec 2023. Was able to book tickets to climb up the iconic Elizabeth Tower.
Currently they are only available for UK residents and are on sale every second Wednesday at 10am. They sell out quicker than the old bell chimes!
What an incredible tour. We climbed the 334 steps up to the belfry, saw Big Ben II bell struck 12 times at noon, saw the clock mechanism before walking behind all 4 clock faces.
As a proud Brit - this is much more than a clock - it’s a national symbol that has been the background for so many historical events and the traditional New Year celebrations. It was an absolute privilege to be there and surprisingly emotional.
The tour is fully guided with lots of stops, where you are provided with pertinent information.
The only criticism/frustration was the fact that no photos are allowed. They were very strict on this and cameras/phones had to be put in a locker. It would’ve been fantastic to capture a magical tour. Not sure what the reason for this is - security or timing? Bought a guide book in the Westminster shop though.
Currently they are only available for UK residents and are on sale every second Wednesday at 10am. They sell out quicker than the old bell chimes!
What an incredible tour. We climbed the 334 steps up to the belfry, saw Big Ben II bell struck 12 times at noon, saw the clock mechanism before walking behind all 4 clock faces.
As a proud Brit - this is much more than a clock - it’s a national symbol that has been the background for so many historical events and the traditional New Year celebrations. It was an absolute privilege to be there and surprisingly emotional.
The tour is fully guided with lots of stops, where you are provided with pertinent information.
The only criticism/frustration was the fact that no photos are allowed. They were very strict on this and cameras/phones had to be put in a locker. It would’ve been fantastic to capture a magical tour. Not sure what the reason for this is - security or timing? Bought a guide book in the Westminster shop though.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beachgirl56065
Keller, TX18 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
The only part of Big Ben you can really see is the clock face as the rest is covered with wood and scaffolding at moment. It was disappointing. My understanding from the driver is that they only recently uncovered the face. The impression I got was that they have been working on it for quite some time.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fachufaheem
164 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
The Elizabeth Tower, known informally as Big Ben (the nickname for the Great Bell), is a must see site in London. It is an extremely beautiful example of Gothic revival architecture and is, without question, the grandest clock tower on this planet. I would also highly recommend booking tickets for a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament too.-
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chattykatie1992
Brooklyn, NY27 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Unfortunately it was covered in scaffolding. Like NY, the iconic picture you hope to get is obstructed by construction. Of course it remains one of the top ten to see. The refurbishing will take two years and it’s worth it to maintain an icon so important . We’ll have to go back!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria P
Chislehurst, UK21 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
It’s big but that’s about it. Massive hands.
I wonder if they’ll will add a digital face? Maybe they need to jazz it up a big with different sounds on the hour. I’m thinking different bird noises from across the globe and you can guess what they are.
I wonder if they’ll will add a digital face? Maybe they need to jazz it up a big with different sounds on the hour. I’m thinking different bird noises from across the globe and you can guess what they are.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IanBH707
Guildford, UK16 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
My wife and I went on the Big Ben Tour this week. To book tickets you need to go onto their web site. They release tickets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month. They make it very clear to need to be reasonably fit. To the top of the tower is 330 steps, although it is taken in a couple of stages. Guide was very good. We went on the 16.00 tour so were in the room with all the clock mechanism at 16.40 in time to see and hear the 16.45 chimes. We then went up to the clock tower. You stand within a couple of meters of Big Ben. They give you ear protectors. We saw it chime at 17.00. Coming down you go behind the clock faces. If you have seen the 39 steps you will know what I am talking about. And then back down. In total an hour and a half. Fantastic. If you wish you can then change your visitor pass for one that allows you into the public viewing areas of commons / Lords
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic6,340 contributions
Jul 2022
One of the icons of London that you just can't miss. You can see it from multiple places, as it stands out quite a lot above other buildings in the area.
Passing cars directly in from of the tower will prevent you to take a nice picture right away. Just count with a fact that it might take some time for you before all the cars and tourists in your way disappear from the view so you take your perfect picture.
Passing cars directly in from of the tower will prevent you to take a nice picture right away. Just count with a fact that it might take some time for you before all the cars and tourists in your way disappear from the view so you take your perfect picture.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Was absolutely gorgeous. You get wrapped in a beautiful feeling of serenity upon seeing this magnificent piece of art. I mean, this is the worlds LARGEST four face clock and i'm simply in awe
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabby London
London, UK122 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
I booked my tickets for Big Ben, which were booked two months in advance.
On the day, we went through airport style security. We then met our guide.
Our guide for the event explained what we were going to experience. He said whoever books the 11am tour is usually the smartest (ego boost), because one got to hear 12 bongs. I had no idea about this because I only booked the 11am slot because I didn’t fancy traipsing to Westminster early in the morning.
I paid £25 each for my tickets, but if you’re a U.K. National, you could ask your MP (Member of Parliament) for tickets. They’re like gold dust, but you never know. I had no hope in hell to get my MP to give me tickets. I’m still waiting for her to get back to me about my Westminster Palace tickets.
If you are coming to London and you know your travel itinerary, make sure you add this one to your list of things to do. If you check the following website, you’ll know what’s available and when.
On the day, we went through airport style security. We then met our guide.
Our guide for the event explained what we were going to experience. He said whoever books the 11am tour is usually the smartest (ego boost), because one got to hear 12 bongs. I had no idea about this because I only booked the 11am slot because I didn’t fancy traipsing to Westminster early in the morning.
I paid £25 each for my tickets, but if you’re a U.K. National, you could ask your MP (Member of Parliament) for tickets. They’re like gold dust, but you never know. I had no hope in hell to get my MP to give me tickets. I’m still waiting for her to get back to me about my Westminster Palace tickets.
If you are coming to London and you know your travel itinerary, make sure you add this one to your list of things to do. If you check the following website, you’ll know what’s available and when.
Written March 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
busconi
Wenatchee, WA5,365 contributions
Jun 2022
Wasn't able to enter as refurbishing is still ongoing. Should be open to visitors soon. But it is an iconic structure and we are glad to have viewed it, even if only from the streets outside.
The tower itself is called The Elizabeth Tower (formerly The Clock Tower) Big Ben actually refers to the Clock's largest bell. And this tower was completed in 1859. (I love trivia) I also found that the tower was hit by a German bomb in 1941 but only minor damage occurred. And a really interesting tidbit, it is said, if the bell ever chimes 13 times, the lion statues in Trafalgar Square will come to life and either defend or ravage the city. (since it has never happened, we just don't know what those lions will do!!!!)
Anyway, trivia aside, one needs to set eyes on Big Ben when coming to London.
The tower itself is called The Elizabeth Tower (formerly The Clock Tower) Big Ben actually refers to the Clock's largest bell. And this tower was completed in 1859. (I love trivia) I also found that the tower was hit by a German bomb in 1941 but only minor damage occurred. And a really interesting tidbit, it is said, if the bell ever chimes 13 times, the lion statues in Trafalgar Square will come to life and either defend or ravage the city. (since it has never happened, we just don't know what those lions will do!!!!)
Anyway, trivia aside, one needs to set eyes on Big Ben when coming to London.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
András S
Budapest, Hungary261 contributions
Is it open for visitors in 2023?
The renovation has finished in 2022 and yet the Parliament's website says "During the conservation work on Big Ben, we have paused tours of Parliament's clock tower. "
Nonsense.
Saurabh G
New Delhi, India365 contributions
Not open yet as per the last update I have.
Kevin M
Worcester, UK
It's not the tower!
One review said it should be Long John
That's because you're looking at the Elizabeth Tower.
Big Ben is a big bell.
Bong!!
Inspiration648121
Sweetwater, TN
Does anyone know if the pandemic has had an effect on the construction of Big Ben? Has the estimated completion date changed or is it still due to open end of 2021?
Ian L
London, UK2 contributions
Thanks for your question. We don’t have an update about the works yet. Please go to the Big Ben page on the UK Parliament website (parliament.uk/bigben) where you can sign-up to our e-newsletter to receive the latest information.
Nooker P
Bydgoszcz, Poland1 contribution
I would like to see the current pic of Big Ben now because I am going to London next week thanks!
Mital_Ashish
Mumbai, India465 contributions
the pic uploaded are early December, i believe the repairs are going to last till summer 2021, the BIG BEN will still look good
I’m planning a trip to London next year around May 2021. Will the scaffold be off Big Ben by then?
Amy C
London, UK348 contributions
Dont know sorry
Is the correct time on the first or last chime. Logically it should be the first. Please confirm, thank you.
Will H
Tadcaster, UK10 contributions
That's a good question, It chimes it is the last one
#eli_2007
Pianoro, Italy91 contributions
Scusate qualcuno sa come mai il big-ben é impalcato?😕
globetrade
Fasano, Italy46 contributions
Restauro il prossimo anno dovrebbe tornare al suo splendore.
MEurope
United States133 contributions
Hi, does anyone know which side of Big Ben is not covered by scaffolding? It would be nice to try and find the right location/direction from which the see it. Thanks for any info!
Courtney S
United States83 contributions
You can’t see any of the clock tower :(
Looking towards Big Ben from Trafalgar Square, you can see the clock face, but the closer to get, you also lose sight of that.
SavCity
San Rafael, CA1 contribution
I am visiting London next week! I'm curious if Big Ben is still covered in scaffolding? Or has that part been completed and you can see the tower? Thanks!
jim_s69
croydon121 contributions
Still covered and will be for a long time, asbestos and previously unknown WW2 damage recently discovered
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Frequently Asked Questions about Big Ben
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Big Ben:
- Westminster Abbey Tour and optional visit to Houses of Parliament in London (From $76.71)
- London Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket (From $53.31)
- London In One Day Tour with Changing of the Guard with London Eye option (From $149.52)
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise (From $52.66)
- Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option (From $67.61)
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- (0.30 mi) hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey hotel
- Restaurants near Big Ben:
- (0.02 mi) Cafe Nero
- (0.02 mi) Caffe Nero
- (0.03 mi) Greggs
- (0.04 mi) St. Stephen's Tavern
- (0.10 mi) The Red Lion, Parliament Street
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