If one image says “London” in an instant, it is the clock tower beside the Thames known the world over as Big Ben. Towering over the Houses of Parliament, it is the city’s most photographed landmark and the obvious place to begin any first visit. Here is what you’re actually looking at, and how to make the most of it.
What Exactly Is Big Ben?
Here is a fact that trips up most visitors: “Big Ben” is not the tower at all. It is the name of the enormous bell inside it, weighing over thirteen tonnes, whose deep bongs have marked the hours since 1859. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Either way, the soaring Gothic spire and its golden clock faces are unmistakable, and hearing the bell chime in person is a genuine London moment.
The Houses of Parliament
Stretching along the river beside the tower is the Palace of Westminster — the Houses of Parliament — where the UK’s laws are made. Its ornate, honey-coloured stonework and riverside setting make it look almost like a film set, but it is a busy, working seat of government. The building sits on a site that has hosted royalty and parliament for nearly a thousand years, and its silhouette is woven into the very identity of the city.
Can You Go Inside?
The Houses of Parliament are open to visitors, and you can take a guided or self-guided tour to see the grand halls and debating chambers; tours run on selected days, so book ahead online. UK residents can also arrange to climb the Elizabeth Tower itself. For most visitors, though, the magic is from the outside — and that costs nothing at all.
Best Views and Photo Spots
For the classic postcard shot, walk to the middle of Westminster Bridge, where you can frame the tower with the river in the foreground. Cross to the South Bank for a wider view that takes in the whole palace, especially beautiful at sunset when the stone glows gold. Come back after dark too — floodlit against the night sky, Big Ben is a completely different and equally stunning sight.
Tips for Your Visit
Big Ben sits at the heart of Westminster, within easy walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye, so it slots neatly into a single sightseeing day. The nearest Underground station is Westminster, which delivers you almost at the foot of the tower. Mornings and evenings are quieter for photos than the busy midday hours. And do pause to listen — if you time it right, you’ll catch those famous chimes ringing out across the river, exactly as they have for over 160 years.
More London guides: browse the full London Travel Guides series for landmarks, museums, food, and nightlife.
