The London Eye
Build a trip to London
About
The last word in London's skyline for the millennium, the London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel offering 360-degree views of the capital. Each of its 32 glass capsules represents a London borough. The slow, graceful rotation takes about 30 minutes, providing a serene escape from the bustling streets below. On a clear day, you can see as far as Windsor Castle. Expert recommendations suggest booking the 'Fast Track' ticket to bypass the notoriously long lines, especially during summer. The best sensory experience is during the 'Golden Hour' just before sunset when the city is bathed in orange light. Pro tip: Book online for a significant discount compared to gate prices. For a special occasion, private capsules with champagne are available to elevate the experience.
Highlights
- 360-degree London views
- Slow-motion cantilevered wheel
- Sunset over the Thames
- Iconic millennium landmark
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Thames River
Cruising the Thames from Westminster Pier past the Houses of Parliament, the South Bank cultural quarter, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, the Shard, Tower Bridge opening its Victorian bascules, and HMS Belfast moored mid-river provides a two-hour panoramic survey of London's extraordinary architectural history from Mediaeval to postmodern in a single journey. The City Cruises service stopping at Embankment, Bankside, London Bridge, and Tower Piers allows hop-on-hop-off exploration of the South Bank's museums and attractions, while the evening dinner cruises with live jazz and three-course meals offer a romantic way to experience the river as it was meant to be seen—from the water—with the city's riverside illuminations creating a continuous spectacle. Tower Bridge's free exhibition inside the towers reveals the engineering genius of its 1894 design.
.jpg)
Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is Europe's largest arts center, a Brutalist landmark that has been the pulse of London’s cultural scene since the 1951 Festival of Britain. Comprising the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Hayward Gallery, it hosts world-class music, dance, and art exhibitions. The riverside setting is iconic, often bustling with book markets, street performers, and seasonal pop-up bars. Expert recommendations: Visit the Hayward Gallery for cutting-edge contemporary art or the rooftop garden for a hidden green escape. Pro tip: There are often free lunchtime concerts and workshops in the Royal Festival Hall foyer. On weekends, the Southbank Centre Food Market behind the hall is a fantastic spot for gourmet street food. The concrete skate park beneath the building is a legendary piece of London's urban culture and great for photography.
Big Ben
The Great Bell of the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is arguably the world's most famous timepiece and a global symbol of British democracy. Completed in 1859, this Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by Augustus Pugin has endured through World Wars and remains a pinnacle of Victorian engineering. Visitors are captivated by its ornate four-faced clock and the majestic chimes that resonate across the Thames. For the best sensory experience, stand on Westminster Bridge at the top of the hour to feel the vibrations of the bell. Expert recommendations suggest capturing photos from the south bank of the Thames near St Thomas' Hospital for a full-scale view. Note that internal tours must be booked months in advance and are only available to UK residents via their MP, but the exterior is best viewed at twilight when the clock faces are beautifully illuminated.
Casa do Frango
Located in a light-filled converted warehouse near Borough Market, Casa do Frango brings the flavors of the Algarve to London. The space is filled with greenery and rustic wooden furniture, creating a breezy, Mediterranean sensory experience. Expert recommendations: The 'Piri-Piri Chicken' (brushed with a secret sauce and grilled over charcoal) is the absolute must-order. Pair it with the 'African Rice' and the 'Batatas Fritas.' Pro tip: Don't miss the hidden speakeasy-style bar, 'The Green Room,' located within the restaurant for a post-dinner cocktail. It’s a very social, high-volume restaurant, making it great for groups. If you're visiting for lunch, they have excellent Portuguese pastries like 'Pastel de Nata' to finish your meal.
Reviews
Visited this place? Share your experience and help other travelers.