Technically, Big Ben refers to the enormous bell inside the clock tower rather than the tower itself — officially named the Elizabeth Tower since 2012 — but the name has long since become shorthand for the whole structure looming over the Houses of Parliament. Its four illuminated clock faces and unmistakable silhouette have made it the single most recognizable symbol of London, and the sound of its chimes marking the hour is as familiar to Londoners as the sight of it.

What to See and Do

View It From Westminster Bridge

The classic photo angle, looking back at the tower from the bridge with the Thames in the foreground, is free and always busy, but it’s still the single best vantage point to take in the full height and detail of the clock faces.

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Tour Inside the Tower

Limited guided tours occasionally allow visitors up the 334 spiraling stone steps to see the clock mechanism and the Ariel Richmond bell chamber up close — a rare, physically demanding experience only available through official access, not casual walk-in visits.

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Cross to the London Eye Side

The South Bank, opposite Parliament, offers a wider, less crowded view of the tower against the skyline, and it’s an easy spot to combine with a ride on the London Eye or a walk along the river.

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Watch the Clock at Night

Illuminated after dark, the clock faces glow against the night sky in a way that photographs beautifully and draws a different, often more relaxed crowd than the daytime rush.

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Best Time to Visit

Early morning or evening offer the calmest views and best light for photos, since the bridge and surrounding pavements fill with visitors through the middle of the day. Winter’s shorter days mean the tower is lit up earlier in the evening, which some photographers actually prefer.

How to Get There

Westminster underground station sits almost directly beneath the tower, making it one of the easiest London landmarks to reach, with Waterloo and the South Bank a short walk away across the river.

Good to Know

Interior tower tours are limited, physically demanding, and typically require advance booking well ahead of your travel dates, so they’re not something to plan on the spot. For most visitors, the experience is really about the exterior view and the surrounding Parliament Square area, which pairs naturally with Westminster Abbey just across the road.

Final Thoughts

Big Ben doesn’t require much of a plan to enjoy — a walk across Westminster Bridge and a look up is often enough. But for those who book ahead, the climb inside offers a rare, hands-on encounter with one of the world’s most famous clocks.