Things to do in London

Complete guide to The London Eye| Highlights, timings & more

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London stands as one of the globe's top tourist destinations, drawing approximately 20 million visitors to its vibrant streets annually. Famed for its harmonious fusion of tradition and contemporary allure, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Big Ben, long emblematic of its essence in tourist imagery. Yet, with the dawn of the new millennium emerged another architectural marvel, the London Eye, a captivating cantilevered observation wheel. Since its inception, this modern marvel has steadily ascended in popularity, becoming a must-see attraction for visitors exploring the English capital.

Presently, around 4 million tourists are treated to a breathtaking view of London from this 443 feet high observation wheel. It offers the second highest observation point in London, superseded only by The Shard. Its position on the banks of Thames makes for an awe-inspiring vantage point. The London Eye has been earmarked as London’s equivalent of Eiffel Tower, giving common people a chance to observe the vast city from a unique perspective.

London Eye - In a Nutshell


Handy information

⏰ Suggested Duration:30 minutes
🚇 Closest Tube:Waterloo
☀️ Best Time to Visit:Morning 11 AM
🎟️ London Eye Entry Ticket: £32.50
🎫 London Eye Fast Track Tickets:£51

Views from the London Eye

Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Buckingham Palace
St Paul's Cathedral

Things to know

Number of visitors per year: 3 million
Construction Started: 1998
Opened: Dec 31, 1999
Architects: David Marks, Julia Barfield, Nic Bailey, Steve Chilton, Malcolm Cook, Frank Anatole, Mark Sparrowhawk
Height: 135 m

Opening Hours And Address

11 AM - 6 PM

Address : Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.
Click here for directions

London Eye Tickets


Why book London Eye tickets online?

  • Opting for online ticket booking eliminates the need to endure long queues twice just to experience a single ride on the London Eye.
  • Fast track tickets can be conveniently reserved online, offering swift access to the London Eye and additional attractions.
  • Enjoy up to a 50% discount off the standard booth price when booking online.
  • Booking tickets for large groups of friends or family members also unlocks enticing discounts.
  • Your online ticket includes a pre-assigned time slot, guaranteeing entry at a specified time.

Top Things to do at London Eye


1Chill in the Passenger Capsules

The London Eye features a bicycle wheel-like structure adorned with 32 capsules, each representing a distinct borough of London. These ovoidal capsules are fully sealed and equipped with climate control. Despite seating being provided, each capsule can accommodate up to 25 individuals who are free to move around within it.

The rotation speed of the wheel is deliberately slow, allowing passengers ample time for boarding and disembarking. Halts occur solely for differently-abled individuals and senior citizens. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the wheel to complete a full rotation. An upgrade initiative for the capsules commenced in 2009. Furthermore, in 2013, one of the capsules was designated the "Coronation Capsule" in honor of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

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2Admire the Views!

On a clear day, the London Eye offers view extending as far as Windsor Castle. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, the London Eye affords a splendid panorama of the river as it meanders through the cityscape. The Shard, the tallest structure in the city, can be seen to the northeast of the London Eye.

Directly across the river, to the southwest of the London Eye, lie Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, while Buckingham Palace sits to its west. St. Paul’s Cathedral is visible to the north, and Kennington Oval lies to the south. From the London Eye, visitors can also enjoy vistas of several of London’s parks, as well as the wider Greater London area.

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3Click as many pictures as you'd like

Visitors to the London Eye are welcome to take photographs during their ride. Cameras are allowed on board, but please note that tripods and booms are not permitted. Familiarize yourself with the layout of London's landmarks to capture the perfect shots at the right time. While there are official photographers available at the boarding ramp and ticket hall, they are not on the London Eye itself. Additionally, you have the option to buy a discounted photo souvenir package online, which includes a photo book, two souvenir photos, a keychain, and a fridge magnet.

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Plan Your Visit to the London Eye


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Don't miss out on one of London's favorite attractions, the London Eye

Reaching The London Eye

  • By Train/Tube: The tube stations that can take you to the London Eye, going from closest to farthest, are Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster. The nearest rail station from the London Eye is Waterloo.
  • By Bus: Bus number 211, 77, and 381 takes you to the London Eye.
  • By Car: If you arrive by car, make prior inquiries about parking spots in the vicinity.

Best Time To Visit London Eye

The London Eye has the city’s second highest observation point, which is capable of providing views as far as 25 miles from the site. However, you need to be a little tactical in order to take full advantage of its vantage point. Use the weather forecasts to pick a clear, haze-free day. Make your booking in advance, so you can save some time. Target a timeslot between 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM from November to March, or between 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM from April to October. The sun is at its highest around this time and therefore is least likely to interfere with your view.

History of the London Eye


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Take a ride on the successor of the Great Wheel- the London Wheel

A predecessor of the London Eye was a similar structure known as the Great Wheel. This was built for the Empire of India exhibition and opened in 1895. The Great Wheel was 308 feet tall. Over the next 12 years, the Great Wheel carried around 2.5 million passengers, before being demolished in 1907. The London Eye as we know now was designed by Julia Barfield and David Marks. Separate parts were built and transported to the site, where they were assembled.

The London Eye commenced operations for paying passengers on March 9, 2000, with an initial intention to maintain the structure for five years. Nevertheless, in July 2002, an application for granting the structure permanent status was successfully approved. Subsequently, despite several changes in ownership, the London Eye has consistently operated without interruption.

Fun Facts about the London Eye


  • Although it looks like one, the London Eye is not a Ferris Wheel. It is only supported on one side, and can only be called a cantilevered observation wheel.
  • The London Eye has more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza.
  • On a clear day, you can see as far as 40 kilometres (or 25 miles) from the London Eye.
  • There is no capsule number 13 on the London Eye as the number is considered to be ominous.
  • British supermodel, Kate Moss, currently holds the record for the most number of times a UK-based celebrity has been on the London Eye. She has been on it over 25 times.
Observation Wheels Comparison

London Eye vs Ain Dubai vs High Roller

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Insider Tips for Visiting the London Eye


  • Book fast track tickets to gain entry from a dedicated entrance and skip a majority of the queue. This ticket also gives you access to the Champagne bar and 4D Cinema Experience.
  • Photograph the sights from the London Eye at least 1 foot away from the glass walls to avoid glare from the curved surface.
  • Contact the London Eye office to know how you can park your car at a discounted rate at the Q-Park Westminster.
  • Experience the London Eye after nightfall to see the city adorn itself in twinkling lights.
  • Use the touchscreen tablets to know more about the London landmarks that are visible from the London Eye.

Restaurants Near The London Eye


London Eye Promo Codes


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London Eye: FAQs


Is the London Eye open now?

Who can enter the London Eye for free?

How long does the London Eye ride last?

What are the London Eye opening hours?

Where is the London Eye located?

Does the London Eye Capsule provide space to passengers to sit?

Are there any parking spaces offered for the London Eye?

Which is the nearest tube station to the London Eye?

What is the last time slot to board the London Eye?

London Eye Guide