Best for
Everyone — the exterior view is essential; the interior tower tour suits dedicated history fans who plan ahead
Time needed
10–20 minutes to view and photograph; 90 minutes for the Elizabeth Tower tour
Worth it?
Yes for the view (free); the tower tour is worth it if you can get tickets and don't mind 334 steps
Skip if
You're hoping for spontaneous interior access — tours must be booked months ahead
About Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster has been the seat of English and then British government since the 11th century, though almost the entire current building dates from after an 1834 fire destroyed the medieval palace. The rebuild, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in an elaborate Gothic Revival style, took over 30 years and produced one of the most photographed government buildings in the world.
"Big Ben" strictly refers only to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower (renamed for Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, having been simply the Clock Tower for over 150 years before that), though the name is universally used for the whole tower. The tower and its four clock faces were fully restored between 2017 and 2022, including re-gilding the clock dials and repainting the tower's Gothic ironwork in its original Prussian blue and red colour scheme, long hidden under decades of black paint.
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Climbing the tower is possible only via official guided tours booked well in advance, taking visitors up a narrow 334-step spiral staircase to stand beside the bell mechanism itself — a genuinely rare experience, since general public access to the interior is otherwise restricted. UK residents can also arrange free tours of the Houses of Parliament through their local MP; overseas visitors book paid tours directly through the parliamentary ticketing system.
For most visitors, though, the experience is simply viewing the building and tower from Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge or across the river — free, unticketed and available any time, and arguably the more relaxed way to appreciate one of London's most recognisable landmarks.
What to See: Highlights
- 1The Elizabeth Tower and its Great Bell, "Big Ben"
- 2Charles Barry and Pugin's Gothic Revival Palace of Westminster
- 3The 2017–2022 restoration's re-gilded clock faces and Prussian-blue ironwork
- 4Rare guided climbs up the tower's 334-step spiral staircase (advance booking essential)
- 5Free, unrestricted exterior viewing from Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge
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Insider Tips
Elizabeth Tower tour tickets go on sale on the second Wednesday of each month for dates three months out — book the moment they release
Tower tours require climbing 334 steps and involve loud bell noise — not suitable for under-11s or those with mobility concerns
The classic photo spot is on Westminster Bridge, facing back toward the tower
The exterior view is completely free and available at any time of day or night
UK residents can request free general Parliament tours via their local MP; overseas visitors book paid tours directly
Book a Guided Tour
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Getting There
Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
Open in Google Maps →- 1Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines) — directly outside.
Where to stay
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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 the classic Big Ben and Parliament photo from Westminster Bridge or Parliament Square
- You're interested in Gothic Revival architecture and British political history
- You've planned far enough ahead to book an Elizabeth Tower tour slot
- You're comfortable climbing 334 spiral stairs for the tower tour
Skip if...
- You were hoping to walk in without a booking — the tower interior isn't open to casual visitors
- You have mobility issues that rule out the spiral staircase
- You're only interested in the exterior and have already photographed it — no need to return
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
Westminster Abbey
The coronation church of English and British monarchs since 1066, and the burial place of kings, scientists and poets — still a working church, with weekday sightseeing hours and a Sunday services-only schedule.
Trafalgar Square
London's grand ceremonial square, watched over by Nelson's Column and four bronze lions, fronted by the National Gallery — free, open 24/7, and the geographic heart of the city.
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.