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Big Ben

In London, Big Ben refers to the Great Bell in the Parliament tower. It is widely known for its clock faces and chimes beside the Thames.

Big Ben

In pictures

  • Big Ben in Londres — landmark, view 1
  • Big Ben in Londres — landmark, view 2
  • Big Ben in Londres — landmark, view 3
  • Big Ben in Londres — landmark, view 4
  • Big Ben in Londres — landmark, view 5
  • Big Ben in Londres — landmark, view 6

About

Big Ben is one of London’s best-known landmarks. In everyday speech, the name often refers to the whole tower. Strictly speaking, it originally names the Great Bell inside the Palace of Westminster tower. The place matters for its symbolic weight as much as for its design. It stands for parliamentary London, the historic skyline, and a familiar image of Britain. The clock faces and the chimes give the monument its strong identity. For a smart visit, treat Big Ben as part of a wider Westminster walk. It works best from the outside, with clear views from Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square, or the South Bank. These angles help you see the full height of the tower. They also help you take balanced photos. Interior access is not always available under the same conditions. An exterior visit is the safest plan. Pair it with Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, or a walk along the Thames. The area is easy to cover on foot, though it becomes busy around commuting hours. In winter, late afternoon light can be very photogenic. If the bridge feels crowded, try the South Bank side for a calmer perspective.

The Concierge's Tip

Go early in the morning or later in the day for lighter crowds and cleaner views of the tower. Start near Westminster Bridge, then cross to the South Bank for a wider perspective. On overcast days, the stone and clock faces still photograph well. In colder months, late afternoon light is often softer. If the bridge is packed, continue along the river for a calmer angle.

Ask the Concierge

Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.

Ask the Concierge

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Big Ben?
Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the Great Bell inside the Parliament tower in London. In everyday use, many visitors call the whole tower Big Ben, including the clock. For practical sightseeing, the distinction is useful. It does not change the experience on site, which is mainly about exterior views and the Westminster setting.
Why is Big Ben so famous?
Big Ben is famous for its instantly recognizable profile, its clock faces, and its chimes, all closely tied to London’s image. It also stands beside the Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament. That mix of visual identity and political symbolism gives it lasting importance. Even from outside, it reads as one of central London’s defining landmarks.
What is the history of Big Ben?
Big Ben’s story is tied to the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster and the installation of a major clock in its tower. Over time, the bell’s name came to describe the whole structure in everyday language. For visitors, the key point is this link between parliamentary architecture, public timekeeping, and London’s historic identity.
Why is it called Big Ben?
The exact origin of the nickname is not always presented in one single, definitive way. What is clear is that the name became attached to the Great Bell and then entered popular use for the wider monument. For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: Big Ben refers to more than a clock. It names a symbol of Westminster as a whole.
Can you visit Big Ben inside?
Interior access is not always offered to the public under the same conditions, so it is wiser to plan around an exterior visit. That approach works very well here. The best views are usually around Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square, and the South Bank. If inside access matters to you, check official information before building your day around it.
Is there an entry fee for Big Ben?
There is no ticket needed to see Big Ben from public areas, which makes it easy to include in a London walk. Any interior access follows separate rules and may change over time. To keep your plans flexible, treat the exterior views as the main experience, then consider inside access only if current official conditions clearly allow it.
What is the connection between Queen Elizabeth and Big Ben?
The clearest connection is symbolic rather than personal. Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are deeply tied to British public life and often frame major national moments. For visitors, this adds institutional meaning to the site. What you feel on location is the closeness between monarchy, Parliament, and ceremony, rather than a private or museum-style narrative.