Best for
First-time visitors, families, photographers wanting an elevated Thames view
Time needed
45–60 minutes including queuing
Worth it?
Yes for the view over Westminster — a classic, low-effort London activity
Skip if
You've already got a comparable view from the Shard or another high viewpoint
About London Eye
The London Eye was built as a temporary Millennium landmark, opening on 31 December 1999 (though delays meant it didn't accept passengers until March 2000), and was intended to stand for just five years. Its popularity meant it never came down, and it has since become one of London's most visited paid attractions and a permanent fixture on the South Bank skyline.
At 135 metres tall, it was the world's tallest observation wheel when built and remains one of the largest in Europe. The wheel holds 32 sealed glass capsules (numbered 1 to 33, skipping 13), each fitting up to 25 people, and completes a full rotation in about 30 minutes — slow enough that the wheel never actually stops for boarding, just slows to a crawl.
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On a clear day, views stretch up to 40 kilometres, taking in the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben directly across the river, St Paul's Cathedral, the Shard and, on the best days, Windsor Castle in the far distance. The ride is a straightforward sightseeing experience rather than a thrill ride — there's no adrenaline involved, just an unhurried 30-minute climb and descent.
Standing directly across the Thames from the Houses of Parliament, it's one of the most naturally photogenic spots in London regardless of whether you ride it, and forms one end of the popular South Bank riverside walk toward Tower Bridge.
What to See: Highlights
- 1135-metre views over the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's and the Shard
- 2A slow, 30-minute rotation in a sealed glass capsule
- 3Views stretching up to 40km on a clear day
- 4Direct riverside position opposite Big Ben and Westminster
- 5A natural starting or finishing point for the South Bank riverside walk
Skip the Queue — Book Tickets Online
Same admission, instant confirmation. Compare prices across platforms.
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Insider Tips
Book online in advance — prices are cheaper than walk-up and you can pick a time slot
Go at golden hour or just before sunset for the best light over the river
Fast-Track tickets cost more but cut the queue significantly at peak times
The wheel doesn't fully stop for boarding — it's a smooth, gradual process, not a sudden jolt
Combine with a South Bank walk toward Tower Bridge, taking in Borough Market and the Tate Modern along the way
Book a Guided Tour
Get the most from your visit with a local expert guide.
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Getting There
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Open in Google Maps →- 1Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines) — a 5-minute walk. Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee) is across Westminster Bridge, also about 5 minutes.
Where to stay
Hotels in London
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels near this attraction — from budget hostels to luxury stays. Free cancellation on most rooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You want an easy, unhurried view over Westminster and the Thames
- You're travelling with kids or anyone who prefers a gentle ride over a thrill attraction
- You want the classic London Eye/Big Ben photo across the river
- You're building a South Bank day around the Eye, Tate Modern and Borough Market
Skip if...
- You're already planning to visit The View from The Shard or another high viewpoint
- You have a fear of heights or enclosed capsules
- Queues and ticket prices for a 30-minute ride don't feel worth it to you
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The Elizabeth Tower's Great Bell and the Gothic Revival Palace of Westminster — Britain's seat of government, viewable free from outside, or climbed on a rare, popular guided tour.
The View from The Shard
Western Europe's tallest building, with viewing galleries on floors 68–72 offering the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in London — over twice the height of the London Eye.
Thames River Cruise (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)
A fast, frequent catamaran river-bus service that doubles as a scenic sightseeing cruise, linking Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich along the Thames.