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Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben)

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

Monument and Historic and Protected Site
London
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9.4/10
7,479
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    STA Travel U.S.
    "third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world."(20 Tips)
    Charmain L.
    "Loved listening to it chime the hour!"(17 Tips)
    Cenker K.
    "Amazing view during the sunset and cloudy weather in the winter."(28 Tips)
    Marc-Antony F.
    "Truly fantastic architecture."(12 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon458 Tips and reviews
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  • Yuvi S.
    Yuvi SehmiAugust 16, 2014
    Really famous landmark in London you can't go to London without visiting such buildings as the Big Ben and it overlooks the River Thames which is a spectacular sight , especially in at night
    Upvoted 6 hours ago
  • ℳ𝒶𝓎♍heart icon on user image
    ℳ𝒶𝓎♍January 18, 2017
    An instantly recognizable symbol of London, you can spy Big Ben from any number of vantage points in the city. It's truly magical if you're standing right there when you hear the clock's chime
    Upvoted 3 days ago
  • David C.
    David ChungJanuary 14, 2017
    One of the most popular attractions in London, definitely worth visiting! Do take a walk along Westminster Bridge to get a nice view on the clock tower as well as the adjacent Palace of Westminster.
    Upvoted 5 hours ago
  • Nick W.
    Nick WardJune 17, 2014
    The climb of the Elizabeth Tower to Big Ben was was one of the best tours I have ever taken in London. Book about 6 months in advance via your local MP
    Upvoted Oct 29
  • Saad M ™
    Saad M ™August 27, 2016
    The real name is “The Clock Tower”. Big Ben is just the nickname given to the largest bell in the tower, formally known as “Great Bell”. However, “Big Ben” has become much more commonly used. (FACT)
    Upvoted Oct 26
  • Mike T.heart icon on user image
    Mike TownsendFebruary 12, 2014
    A fantastic Iconic landmark in London, that I recommend anyone visiting checks out. One Tip - Make sure you take your coat, it can be really cold here, with the Thames winds.
  • Jose L.heart icon on user image
    Jose LopezFebruary 3, 2015
    To go inside the Big Ben's tower you must be a citizen from Great Britain, or book in advance (up to a few moths before your visit). The place and building is amazing, the details are impressive.
  • Jacques
    JacquesMay 13, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    You can hear the chimes of Big Ben all around London The official name is Elizabeth Tower; but everyone calls it Big Ben. You can arrange a tour up the tower to see the clock face but contact your MP
  • Wendy P.
    Wendy PAugust 5, 2017
    A must see when you are in London, easily accessible from Westminster tube station. Westminster Bridge is next to the tower and you can see London Eye from across. very nice place for a photo :)
  • Karenheart icon on user image
    KarenJanuary 6, 2018
    Big Ben actually refers to the bell inside the tower, but has become synonymous with the entire structure itself. What a beautiful sight with the London Eye in the close distance.
  • Social News Network
    Social News NetworkNovember 16, 2013
    You can't visit London without going to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Two photo ops in one: the London Eye is just across the River Thames!
  • Deborah Lynn R.heart icon on user image
    Sojourned in Westminster with my University of Guelph mate from Canada. Enjoyed seeing the Big Ben, the O2 and the Sealife Aquarium. I would recommend it to anyone who wants some British culture.
  • Chris H.heart icon on user image
    Chris HainesSeptember 7, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    One of the most photographed buildings in all of London. Also one of the most iconic landmarks. It is a great view. Just a shame about all the tourists.
  • Malek A.heart icon on user image
    Malek AlmutairiOctober 3, 2016
    Not doubt everybody visiting London should go there and it is even more special to see from the other bank of the Thames. Fantastic building !!! Really amazing 😍
  • Carl G.heart icon on user image
    Carl GriffinDecember 27, 2015
    Probably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Big Ben is the name of the bell and not the tower.
  • Raghad A.
    Raghad AlsaidalaniAugust 9, 2018
    Again a must visit place when you are in London but currently it is under maintenance so you wouldn’t be able to see it fully
  • Andrew C.heart icon on user image
    Andrew CAugust 28, 2018
    The whole Parliament House is under scaffolding :( but ya can still see one of the faces... the bridge is the best photo spot!!!
  • Steve H.
    Steve HovingtonMarch 1, 2014
    A golden inscription, written in Latin, can be found at the base of each clock dial. It reads Domine Salvam Fac Reginam Nostrum Victoriam Primam, meaning O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First
  • Ferhat D.heart icon on user image
    Ferhat DönmezJune 1, 2015
    This is a very historical and arhitecture building which is the where English Parliament located also. Have to visit..
  • Ahmad A.heart icon on user image
    Ahmad AlfilimbanyFebruary 18, 2016
    Amazing architecture! Good place to walk around especially the river side..
  • Jason M.
    Jason McKeytonJuly 10, 2016
    You will be amazed once you realize how small it is for a "big" Ben! Nevertheless really worths the experience, and you shall take some of your best photos here!
  • Nansky G.
    Nansky G.April 29, 2013
    One of the TOP ten places to visit in London. Big Ben chimes every 15 minutes and the sound can be heard for a radius of up to 5 miles.
  • Felipe F.
    Felipe FragaJuly 27, 2013
    Big Ben is the name of the bell on the top of tower, not the clock tower itself. Be sure to go around and check the Houses of Parliament and Westminister Abbey while you're here.
  • Cenker K.heart icon on user image
    Cenker KöseMarch 30, 2016
    Amazing view during the sunset and cloudy weather in the winter. If you don't have a picture in front, you aren't supposed to be in London!
  • Steve H.
    Steve HovingtonMarch 1, 2014
    Did you know? The clock’s time is adjusted every year with an old British penny. If the clock is fast, a penny is added to the pendulum, and if the clock is slow, one is removed.
  • Pete S.
    Pete SteanApril 28, 2014
    Big Ben, the largest bell in the Elizabeth Tower, was forged at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London's East End, as was the Liberty Bell. The Foundry still creates bells to this day...
  • Carlos D.heart icon on user image
    Carlos DuarteFebruary 23, 2018
    Unfortunately when I was there, big ben was undergoing construction. Anyway, I shuddered and was immensely pleased to get so close to this imposing figure. Unique experience in life.
  • Burhan K.
    Burhan KırcalNovember 17, 2012
    A Beautiful lounge in paris, a beautiful park in London barracks in Berlin, but Istanbul is a beautiful city.........
  • Melissa M.heart icon on user image
    Melissa MeowDecember 24, 2015
    It is really beautiful at night with the lights and all. The of Big Ben from the side of the river where London Eye is is magnificent.
  • Jay M.
    Jay MastersMay 27, 2017
    Nice one 👍 Honestly I expected something bigger... But marvelous details in gold 👌 makes it unique!
  • Magdalena M.
    If you don't have yet Big Ben in your photo portfolio then you haven't been to London properly;)
  • Staff Picks
    Staff PicksDecember 6, 2016
    Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) was one of the more wished for places throughout 2015’s I Want Somewhere holiday campaign. Where’s your somewhere? Enter to win a bucket list experience. Read more
  • Snappy Snaps
    Snappy SnapsApril 5, 2012
    Iconic London sight. Perfect to photograph - especially when the sky's blue. Taken a magically shot of Big Ben, want to share it with your friends? Print it nearby, here http://goo.gl/CQsRA
  • MEL BROWN S.
    MEL BROWN STUDIOSAugust 24, 2014
    A must. Along with the area. Lovely little pub just round the side of Westminster tube station.
  • Alessandro C.heart icon on user image
    Alessandro CandeoDecember 28, 2015
    One of London's historic landmarks. Impressive atmosphere with the night lights! Don't miss the sound of the Bell!
  • Giggle G.heart icon on user image
    Giggle GigglySeptember 22, 2015
    Beautiful landmark. A lot of tourists around though. Visit during weekdays if possible.
  • Crescentrating Halal Friendly Travel
    Big Ben is the largest four-faced ringing clock & the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.It stands 320 foot high & looks stunning at night when the four clock faces are illuminated Read more
  • Priya T.heart icon on user image
    Priya TungrusOctober 2, 2016
    One of my favourite LONDON landmarks. You can get a tour up it via your MP - mine never replies, maybe someone else will be luckier!
  • Foodimentary
    FoodimentaryApril 8, 2014
    Did you know Big Ben is the name of the bell in the structure. The building is named the Elizabeth Tower
  • UHNWIheart icon on user image
    UHNWIApril 11, 2015
    A must see, enjoy the area and the scene in the morning and come back at night for a breathtaking view!
  • Otel.com
    Otel.comMarch 19, 2013
    Did you know that the first 61 meters of Big Ben are made up of brickwork and stone and the remainder of tower is made from cast iron?
  • Paul L.
    Paul LebeauMarch 9, 2012
    Have had a great lunch in a pub close to Big Ben. Found out two things that I did not know. First it is leaning, 2nd the stone used to build it supposedly contains traces of rare earth elements.
  • Mario B.heart icon on user image
    Long way from Memphis and need the networking. It's like 9:03 p.m. here. I wish everybody success if they ones who hope I fail. I will succeed no matter what! I'm just to focus for anybody.
  • Joana V.heart icon on user image
    Joana ViannaAugust 9, 2015
    Really good spot! Next to the Parliament and Westminster Abbey... it's incredible to look at it!
  • Gary H.heart icon on user image
    Gary HorSeptember 26, 2016
    Nothing screams London than Big Ben. So many angles for that perfect shot, all equally as good.
  • Ariane H.heart icon on user image
    Ariane HoyerJune 10
    Been here 5+ times
    Just love. Be careful there are a lot of groups around. Could have steel your personal belongings quite easy.
  • Will B.
    Will BelfordSeptember 18, 2013
    Incredible! I took photos of it, I will remember for life! The city's landmark is even more beautiful when you're next to it!
  • Robert A.
    Robert AccetturaJanuary 2, 2015
    Try crossing, or on Westminster Bridge for some decent views in addition to walking right up to it.
  • HeyTripster
    HeyTripsterDecember 9, 2021
    Officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben is among the symbolic structures that are thought to represent parliamentary democracy. Read more
  • Rheart icon on user image
    RJune 21, 2017
    Just go there and enjoy the atmosphere and the beauty of the place
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