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How To Visit Big Ben in 2024: Tickets, Access, Tours, And More

Cecilia Rinaldi Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Big Ben is a landmark clock tower in the heart of Westminster, London. It’s an iconic attraction that’s difficult to tour if you’re not a native Brit. If you’re planning a visit, this quick guide on how to visit Big Ben will help you know what to expect.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting Big Ben

According to Britannica, the tower was originally known as St. Stephens Tower. It was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of the Queen’s 60th Jubilee. Technically, only the bell is nicknamed Big Ben, but if you say “Big Ben,” everyone will know you mean more than just the bell. It has been a pillar of timekeeping for decades.

Great news for travelers: Big Ben is back in action! After a six-year restoration, it reopened to the public in 2023. Now, you can step inside, immerse yourself in history, and experience the timeless charm of this iconic clock tower.  Let’s jump into the most important things you need to know about visiting Big Ben in London.

• Access and tickets
• How long to budget for your visit
• What to see at Big Ben
• Facts and history of Big Ben
• Places to eat nearby

Big Ben Access and Tickets

Big Ben underwent extensive restoration from 2017 to 2023. The Great Bell (nicknamed Big Ben) has just been repaired. And the clock tower (Elizabeth Tower) has recently had all the scaffolding removed and is ready to show off in all your pictures.

Previously, only UK residents had the privilege of touring Big Ben. However, there’s great news! Now, both UK-based and international visitors aged 11 and over are warmly welcomed to experience the magnificence of Big Ben. Here are some important things to know before your visit to Big Ben:

• Get ready for a climb! It’s 334 steps to the top!
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Be prepared for any weather conditions as you ascend to a height of 62 meters.
• Be aware of the high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells.
• Remember, no eating or drinking allowed in the Elizabeth Tower, so hydrate beforehand.

The closest metro stations to Big Ben are Westminster Station and Waterloo Station. Both stations are within walking distance of Big Ben.

• Tickets for tours in the first half of 2024 are sold out.
• Next tickets will be available on Wednesday, April 10th, for tours in July.
• Tickets are released every second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am local time.
• Tour tickets cost £30 for adults and £15 for children aged 11-17.
• UK residents can get a free tour by contacting a Member of the House of Commons or House of Lords.
• Tickets can only be purchased online through the UK Parliament website.
• Each person can book up to eight tickets, depending on availability.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Big Ben

In total, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for your visit to Big Ben, including the 90-minute tour duration. This extra time allows for any necessary preparations before the tour begins and ensures you have ample time to enjoy the experience.

Pro tip: Stand anywhere on Westminster Bridge for great views of Big Ben. Or even better, stand just in front of the statue of Queen Boadicea at the foot of Westminster Bridge, close to Westminster tube station. There you can enjoy unobstructed views as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are just across the road.

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What To See at Big Ben

• The Great Bell (Big Ben)
• Four Smaller Bells In The Clock Tower
• The Elizabeth Tower (The Clock Tower)

Facts and History of Big Ben 

Here are some interesting facts about Big Ben from the official Parliament website to help you understand how incredible this timekeeping monument is.

• It’s commonly known as Big Ben but that’s just the nickname for the bell (which isn’t visible from the street). Also, the bell’s real name is the Great Bell and the clock tower is called the Elizabeth Tower.
• It was built in 1848 during the Victorian period.
• Big Ben (the bell) weighs 13.76 tons, and the tower is 96 metres tall.
• The clock tower has 399 steps. Visitors are warned they need to be fit enough to manage the steps.
• Pennies carefully placed on the bell’s pendulum ensure the chiming is always accurate.
• There are four other smaller bells in the clock tower.
• Not even World War II could stop Big Ben’s chimes. It suffered a direct hit during the war but continued its hourly bongs.
• The government planned to use fake Big Ben bongs during World War II to confuse Nazi planes trying to find Westminster.
• There are no credible historical references as to why it is called Big Ben. Some say it honours a 19th-century heavyweight boxing champion called Benjamin Caunt whose nickname was Big Ben.
• It’s not quite the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but Big Ben does lean very slightly by 4 degrees.
• The renovations, which will be completed in 2022, are the most extensive in its history.

Places To Eat Nearby

With Big Ben closed for refurbishments, there is no on-site café or restaurant. However, there are many options nearby, one of which has amazing views. 

Westminster Abbey Kiosk : ££ | Quick Snack —Although it’s not indoors, nonetheless, it’s handy for a quick bite to eat. Light snacks, sandwiches, hotdogs, pastries, and cakes as well as hot and cold drinks. You’ll find it near the Sanctuary at the Westminster Abbey west gates.  

Storey’s Gate Café : ££ | Coffee Shop —This building was once the home of King Charles II’s birdkeeper Edward Storey. It now sells healthy snacks and light lunches. Vegans and vegetarians will find it has an attractive selection. 

Riverside Café : ££ | Great Views —There’s an enjoyable walk through the scenic Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament to get to this café. It has the best views of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. Moreover, it serves a full English breakfast as well as pizza, paninis, pasta, and sandwiches. You can also buy beverages like tea, lattes, coffee, cappuccinos, mochas, and cold drinks.  

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Big Ben Tickets and Tours

Many people have a visit to Big Ben on their list of things to do when in London when visiting. Here I explain the ins and outs of doing so.

Included is how to take a free tour, where it is located, nearby sights and activities, and a short history.

As a local tour guide and resident of London, I love to share my knowledge of the city and this big old clock tower is one of my favorite sights!

Besides my own insights, I include tips from members of our popular London Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group has over 160k members and is made up of locals, frequent travelers to the UK, as well as first-time visitors to London.

You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

So, check out our group once you've finished reading this post!

• Introduction
• Big Ben Tours
• Nearby Attractions
• Tips from Locals and Travelers
• Westminster Abbey Tickets
• Things to Do in Westminster

INTRODUCTION

Big Ben in London is quite probably the most recognizable clock in the world.

Its iconic four-faced chiming clock is the largest in the world and has been ticking since 1859.

It dominates the skyline in the City of Westminster in London and is just a few minutes walk from such major historic sights, as Westminster Abbey .

Would it surprise you to know that Big Ben is not the real name of this clock tower?

Its original name was simply 'The Clock Tower’. Not exactly memorable, is it?

The clock tower was renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Tower in honor of the Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

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Here’s another shocker. Big Ben, the largest bell inside the Queen Elizabeth II Tower is officially named the “Great Bell”, but nobody calls it that!  

I suggest you stick with Big Ben.

You might get some strange looks if you ask someone, “How can I get to the Queen Elizabeth II Tower so I can hear the Great Bell?”

So we know where the ‘Big’ comes from just by looking at it! But who is Ben?

There are two theories as to where the moniker came from.

Some say it refers to Benjamin Hall, a Member of Parliament who oversaw the installation of the Great Bell and was a rather rotund figure!

Another theory is that it is named after Benjamin Caunt, an English heavyweight boxing champion known as Big Ben himself.

Though we will never know for sure, we do know that Big Ben is a sight to behold when in London.

Read more history and fun facts about Big Ben below .

CAN I GO INSIDE BIG BEN?

Yes! You can go inside Big Ben by taking a tour. Read just below to find out how.

TOURS OF BIG BEN

These 90-minute tours of Big Ben take you up the Elizabeth Tower, behind the clock faces, and into the belfry to see Big Ben itself.

Tickets are £25 for adults and £10 for children aged 11 - 17. Children under 11 are not permitted on a tour.

Tickets can be purchased only online via the official website . 

Visitors will be able to book a maximum of eight tickets per person, depending on availability.

Tickets are released in blocks and sell out quickly, so keep an eye on the Parliament website for the next ticket release date.

IMPORTANT : Before you book, read the website to see if the tour is suitable for you.

Just a few examples:

• You must be able to climb all 334 steps unaided without assistance.
• Visitors with heart-related illnesses or who are in the later stages of pregnancy will not be allowed.
• You must arrive with sensible footwear, or you may be declined their position on the tour.
• Read more considerations here .

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Only UK residents can request a free tour by contacting a Member of the House of Commons or House of Lords directly.

These free tours tend to be sold out for up to 6 months in advance so be prepared to wait a while!

The same suitability requirements above are for free tour guests as well.

More information can be found on the  official website .

TIP: Looking for more London attractions and activities that won't cost you a thing, see our post on  free things to do in London .

HOW TO GET HERE

Big Ben is located in the City of Westminster in the heart of London.

The nearest Underground Station is Westminster (Circle, District, and Jubilee lines).  

You can also access Big Ben from Waterloo Station (Bakerloo, Northern, Waterloo, City, and Jubilee lines).

Use this Google map for directions to Big Ben from anywhere in London .

Click on the image to enlarge

If you are new to traveling on London's public transport, see our post on  using the London Underground .

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS

Big Ben is within walking distance of several major historical sights.

• Buckingham Palace
• St. James’s Palace  and the  Changing of the Guard
• Westminster Abbey
• 10 Downing St.
• Churchill War Rooms

Right next to Big Ben is Westminster Pier where you can catch several  Thames boat rides and cruises .

You can also simply walk across Westminster Bridge and go to the  London Eye  and the  London Dungeon .

TIP : Many of the attractions above are included with London tourist passes which can save money on tickets and tours.

TOURS THAT STOP AT BIG BEN

If you want to learn about both Big Ben and nearby sights, consider taking a tour of the area that includes a stop outside Big Ben.

Both our pay-what-you-wish Westminster Walking Tour and 6-hour pay-what-you-wish All-in-One London Tour stop outside of Big Ben.

If you can't join us for either tour, you might enjoy our GPS-led audio tour  of Westminster or our self-guided Westminster Tour .

Alternatively, you may also want to consider one of the many paid London walking tours which include stops at Big Ben.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

Here are some thoughts about touring Big Ben from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.

No one said the experience was not worth it, though some people said that you can get just as good views if not better elsewhere.

Even if you are concerned about being physically fit enough, it is still recommended as there are stops along the way to catch your breath.

However, there is another consideration you might not have thought of -- fear of heights. Here is what one member had to say about that.

And lastly, here's a great tip!

You can find more advice on Big Ben and all things London on our Facebook group, so be sure to take a look.

You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and advice!

Why not even post a question yourself?

HISTORY OF BIG BEN AND THE ELIZABETH TOWER 

The Queen Elizabeth II Tower stands in Westminster, connected to the Palace of Westminster.

After the old Palace of Westminster was lost in a terrible fire in 1834, a new building was designed to sit in its place.

The design of the new Palace was commissioned to architect Charles Barry.

He wanted a clock tower as part of the new palace, but he did not design it himself.

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Instead, he asked noted architect August Welby Northmore Pugin for his help in designing the tower and clock.

Pugin designed the tower in his signature Gothic Revival style.

Before he died, Pugin is quoted as saying that his designing and building of the tower was the "hardest [he'd] ever worked in [his] life."

Big Ben and the Other Bells

The Great Bell (Big Ben) was cast in April 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry (also responsible for The Liberty Bell in the United States).

It weighs 13.76 tons and was the largest bell in the British Isles until 'Great Paul' inside St. Paul's Cathedral was cast in 1881.

Big Ben is the most famous bell in the tower, but there 4 other bells.

The four smaller bells ring every 15 minutes, while Big Ben is only rung at the top of every hour.

A mechanical process triggered by the clock dials raises a hammer which is then dropped onto Ben to make the chimes.

For those wishing to set their clocks, note it is the FIRST chime of Big Ben that marks the exact time.

Times When the Bells Were Not Rung

Although Big Ben has been praised throughout its history for accurately keeping time, including during the Blitz in WWII, the chimes have been silenced on occasion.

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• During WWI the clock was silenced for two years, and the clock dials were darkened, to prevent detection by German zeppelin craft.
• On New Year’s Eve 1962, the cold weather froze the hands of the clock, causing the pendulum mechanism to fault meaning the New Year was rung in 10 minutes late!
• In 1967 the clock experienced its first - and so far only - breakdown when the airspeed regulator broke. Over 9 months the chimes were silenced for around 26 days for repairs. 
• As a mark of respect, the chimes were silenced during the funeral of Winston Churchill. The same protocol was taken during the funeral of Baroness Margaret Thatcher in 2013.

Facts and Figures

• The entire Queen Elizabeth II Tower is 315ft (96m) tall.
• Each clock face stands exactly 180ft (54.9m) off the ground.
• Each dial is nearly 23ft (7m) in diameter.
• Each dial holds over 300 individual pieces of frosted glass.
• The minute hands are each just over 13ft (4.2m) long.
• Despite appearing straight, the Tower is tilting 9.1in (230mm) to the north-west.
• Out of 650 MPs, 331 voted to approve the name change of the Clock Tower to the Queen Elizabeth Tower because the tower on the other side of Parliament was renamed the Victoria Tower in the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

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• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

Picture London and you’ll probably picture the famous clocktower known as Big Ben. In this brief but thorough guide, we’ll explain everything you never knew you didn’t know about Big Ben. Then we’ll share some practical information for visiting Big Ben during your trip to London.

Before I go too far in this post, I want to clarify that Big Ben technically refers to only the large bell inside the clocktower.  By extension, many people use the nickname Big Ben for the entire tower. In this post, I too will use the term Big Ben to refer to the whole clocktower.

Let’s get started!

What is Big Ben?

Big Ben is the nickname given to an iconic gothic clocktower in Central London. The clocktower is one of the three main towers at the Palace of Westminster.

The chiming clocktower has four clock faces and houses five bells. The largest bell (known as Big Ben) chimes every hour, while the smaller bells chime every 15 minutes. It is currently the third tallest clocktower in the UK.

The clock itself is renowned for being one of the most accurate clocks in the world, especially notable at the time it was built. In fact, an entirely new mechanism was invented and built for the clock inside Big Ben. This new technology quickly became the gold standard for future clocktowers around the world.

Big Ben is one of the most iconic film locations in UK and is often seen in establishing scenes of films and tv shows set in London.

So what is Elizabeth Tower?

The official name of Big Ben is actually Elizabeth Tower. The clocktower itself was previously named “Clock Tower” or “St. Stephen’s tower.” It was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. It was a fitting honor given that the largest tower is already called Victoria Tower after Queen Victoria.

Why is it called Big Ben?

The nickname Big Ben originally referred to just the largest bell, the Great Bell, which is housed inside clocktower. The bell weighs over 13 tons and was the largest bell in the UK when it was built.

That explains the “Big” but the “Ben” part is open to interpretation. The two most likely Bens for which the bell earned its nickname are Sir Benjamin Hall (an engineer who oversaw the installation of the clocktower) or Benjamin Caunt (a famous boxer at the time).

No one can say for sure how it got its nickname, but the words Big Ben are now known worldwide and associated with this specific, iconic clocktower in London.

When was Big Ben built?

The construction of Big Ben was completed in 1859. The clock first chimed on May 31, 1859.

What is Big Ben used for?

Big Ben was designed for both looks and function. The tower was immaculately designed as an important symbol of the country and democracy itself. But it was also built at time when not everyone was carrying an iPhone, so it served a practical purpose of telling the time as well.

In addition to just displaying the time, Big Ben also indicates when Parliament is in session. In 1873, a light (originally a lantern) was added and it shines when the House of Commons is in session after dark. It could be seen by the Queen in Buckingham palace so she could know when they were at work.

The clock face itself used to also only be lit when Parliament was sitting, but has been illuminated all night since 1876.

What is inside Big Ben?

The inside of Big Ben is primarily utilitarian and just used for clock and chime functions. There is a spiral staircase leading up to the belfry, where the bells and the clock’s mechanical workings can be accessed.

There is one room inside of Big Ben called the Prison Room. It was last used for a prisoner in 1880, and is now used by the Petitions Committee.

How tall is Big Ben?

The clocktower known as Big Ben is 316 feet high. There are 334 steps from the ground to the belfry. It is #22 on the list of tallest clocktowers in the world and the third tallest in the UK.

How long did it take to build Big Ben?

It took about 16 years to build Big Ben. Construction on the clocktower began in 1843 and was not completed until 1859. If you account for the years of planning and design, it was almost 25 years in the making.

How much did it cost to build Big Ben?

Construction of the original Big Ben clocktower was surprisingly cheap, costing only about £22,000 in 1859. If you adjust that for inflation, that is roughly the equivalent of £259,600 today. That’s nothing considering the recent renovation cost a cool £69 million, double the city’s original estimate.

Is Big Ben a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Big Ben is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was added in 1987.

Is there a Little Ben?

Sure is! There is a miniature version of Big Ben near Victoria Station called Little Ben. It’s not worth going out of our way for, but if you find yourself near Victoria Station, you should definitely pop over and take a peek.

Visiting Big Ben in London

Ready to see Big Ben for yourself? Here are a few things to know to plan a perfect visit to Big Ben.

Where is Big Ben in London?

Big Ben is located in the Westminster area of Central London. The clocktower is part of the Palace of Westminster, which is the meeting place for both houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It’s right across the Thames from the famous London Eye and just east of Westminster Abbey and St. James’s Park.

The official address of Big Ben is London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom .

How to get to Big Ben

Big Ben is located in Central London near many of the city’s most famous tourist attractions. For that reason, it’s incredibly easy to get to on public transportation.

Big Ben is closest to Westminster station which serves the Circle, District and Jubilee lines of the London Underground train. It’s also walkable from Waterloo and Embankment stations. Several bus lines also converge and stop near Big Ben.

Lastly, the Westminster Pier is nearby and serves the river bus, which stops at several piers along the Thames.

Can you go inside Big Ben?

If you are not a UK resident, you can not go inside Big Ben. There are no tours of Big Ben, no matter how much you’re willing to pay, available to anyone who is not a UK resident.

If you are a UK resident, free tours are usually available but require some work and some waiting. You must first request a tour from a member of Parliament or the House of Lords, and then book your tour for a specific date and time. Tours are usually booked at least six months in advance.

That said, as of this update in April 2023, tours are not currently running at all. Tours were halted in 2017 for the renovation project and have not yet resumed.

How much does it cost to go inside Big Ben?

Tours of Big Ben are technically free, but only available to UK residents. Tours have not yet resumed after construction.

Can you see Big Ben from the street?

The good news is that you don’t need to go inside Big Ben or even inside the Palace of Westminster to have a great view of Big Ben. You can see the exterior of Big Ben for free from the ground. There are great views of Big Ben from the streets, sidewalks and parks around the clocktower.

Best views of Big Ben

• Westminster Bridge
• Parliament Square Garden
• Red telephone booths on George Street
• Queen’s Walk between Westminster Bridge and the London Eye

Big Ben as seen from the London Eye

Best time to visit Big Ben

Big Ben is beautiful anytime of day. However, the clocktower is best viewed just before dusk during golden hour. At that time, you can see tower light up but will have enough daylight to see the gold sparkle.

Is Big Ben still under construction?

No. The renovation project on Big Ben that began in August 2017 was completed in April 2022. All of the scaffolding surrounding the exterior of the clocktower has since been removed. She’s a beauty.

How long to spend at Big Ben?

You only need to budget about 15 minutes to see Big Ben. The tower is beautiful, but you don’t need that much time to appreciate it. We suggest gazing at Big Ben after a spin around the London Eye as you walk to St. James’s Park.

Things to do near Big Ben

• Visit Westminster Abbey
• Get a cask ale at St Stephen’s Tavern
• See the guards in front of Buckingham Palace
• Watch the birds on the Serpentine at Hyde Park
• Stroll through St. James’s Park
• Take a spin on the London Eye
• Walk down the Queen’s Walk on the south bank of the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Waterloo Bridge
• Board the River Bus from Westminster Pier and ride to Greenwich

Closing Thoughts

Big Ben is something you have to see once while you’re in London. Fortunately, based on its convenient and prominent location in London, it is kind of hard to miss even if you tried.

It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re visiting London with kids . It was surprisingly my toddler’s favorite thing in London and they made us go back three times.

Have you been to Big Ben? What’s your favorite thing to do before or after a viewing of Big Ben? Let me know if the comments.

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ELIZABETH TOWER

Originally known as the Great Clock Tower of Westminster, not, as most people believe, St. Stephen's Tower. Elizabeth Tower was   officially renamed to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.  With so many interesting features it is recognised the world over by millions of people and is probably the most prominent symbol of the United Kingdom.  A Grade 1 listed building and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and of course, it holds Big Ben, the Quarter Bells, the Ayrton Light, the Great Clock and has lots of interesting history.

ElizabethTower.uk is here to inform you, and other visitors who wish to know more, about one of the worlds foremost buildings, Elizabeth Tower.  A true British icon which is situated in Westminster and adjoins the Houses of Parliament, another of the worlds best known buildings.  Within less than a square mile you have the best of London and all it has to offer.  Whether it's your first visit to London or one of many visits, London is always exciting.  From here you will find links to all of the favourite landmarks and places you must see while here in London, starting off at Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben and the Great Clock of Westminster.

Here is a quick rundown of the Elizabeth Tower taken from the Parliament site.

During 1834 the Palace of Westminster is almost completely destroyed by fire.   

1840: construction of the new palace of westminster begins. architect charles barry wins the commission to design the new palace and includes a clock tower in his final designs. he hires augustus welby pugin to help bring the palace’s gothic revival style to life..

1843: Construction begins on the Clock Tower. Foundation stone laid.

1846: A competition is held to decide who should build the clock. The Astronomer Royal, Sir George Airy is named referee. Stipulations for the clock’s accuracy meant it took seven years before the designs were finalised.

1852: John Dent is appointed to build the clock to the designs of Edmund Beckett Denison. This is the same year that the New Palace of Westminster was opened by Queen Victoria at the State Opening.

1854: The clock mechanism is completed.

1856: The first 'Big Ben' bell is cast at Warners of Norton near Stockton-on-Tees. The bell was originally to be called 'Royal Victoria'.

1857: The first 'Big Ben' develops a 1.2m crack during testing. Warners, the bell's manufacturer, and Edmund Beckett Denison, designer of the Great Clock, clash over who is responsible for the damage.

1858: In April, the second 'Big Ben' is cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London. It is transported to New Palace Yard on a carriage drawn by 16 white horses and raised to the belfry.

1859: The Great Clock starts ticking on 31 May and the Great Bell's strikes are heard for the first time on 11 July. Later that year, Big Ben is found to be fractured again. Big Ben remains silent with the largest quarter bell striking the hourly chime.

1863: At the suggestion of Sir George Airy, the Astronomer Royal, Big Ben is turned 90 degrees and the hammer size reduced, allowing Big Ben to strike the hours once more.

1923: BBC Radio first broadcasts Big Ben's chimes to the United Kingdom on New Year's Eve.

1932: Big Ben's strikes are broadcast internationally for the first time by the Empire Service (later the World Service) as part of King George V's Christmas broadcast.

1939: From this date until April 1945, the clock dials remain in darkness to comply with blackout regulations during the Second World War.

1945: The clock dials are re-illuminated when wartime blackout regulations were lifted.

1976: In the middle of the night on the 5th of August, a mechanical failure causes serious damage to the Great Clock. The pendulum weights spiral out of control down the weight shaft and the clock mechanism explodes. Big Ben is silent for nearly nine months. The repairs are completed in time for the bells to ring out to mark the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee visit to Westminster Hall in May 1977.

2007: Big Ben and the quarter bells are silenced from 11 August to 1 October while the Great Clock undergoes essential maintenance work.

2012: The Clock Tower is renamed the Elizabeth Tower to honour HM Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

2017: The largest and most extensive conservation of the Elizabeth Tower begins to preserve the clock tower for future generations.

2022: Big Ben is brought back into regular service, with the conservation fully completed.

What a great New Year's Eve Fireworks Display - in London - as Big Ben was struck and we welcomed in another year, 2024.

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament – Clock tower tour

Good for kids? ★ ★ ★ Value for money? n/a Worth a visit? ★ ★ ★

“For having lived in Westminster—how many years now? over twenty—one feels even in the midst of the traffic a particular hush, or solemnity; an indescribable pause; a suspense before Big Ben strikes. There! Out it boomed. First a warning, musical; then the hour, irrevocable.” Virginia Woolf, writer (1925)

Craig ’s review… Apparently Big Ben has started leaning two feet to the west because of all the tube trains rumbling under his feet, so I always picture him as a cantankerous old grandad stooping on his arthritic knees, bellowing at the tourists whilst they’re standing there staring at him. If I were him I’d start whizzing my hands around at 100 mph just for the sheer hell of it, just to break the monotony and let everybody know that I was still there. I’d hammer my ten-tonne bells until the MPs came charging out of Parliament demanding that I shut up.

Guided tour of Big Ben

It’s not as easy to get into Big Ben as it is to get into Parliament itself, which is a bit weird. You can’t just turn up and ask for a tour. You have to write a letter to your local MP first and ask for an invite. I did that way back in May and was given a tour date four months later – so that shows you how far in advance you have to plan it (or maybe I just have a lousy MP).

When you finally get the acceptance letter they make it sound a lot scarier than it actually is. First of all they make you fill in a spreadsheet with all your personal details so the security people can check you’re not a terrorist, and then they insist that you bring along two forms of ID (like a passport, driving license or utility bill) and if you turn up one minute late you won’t be allowed in (no exceptions!).

On the next page they start talking about the stairs: no one with a heart complaint, no one with breathing problems or vertigo can go, and pregnant women shouldn’t even think about it. It’s 334 spiral steps to the top which is twenty more than The Monument , and I remember having problems climbing those with my dodgy knees, so you can imagine how much I was looking forward to Big Ben after reading that letter. I was seriously starting to have second thoughts.

MPs’ offices in Portcullis House

The meeting point for the tour is across the road in Portcullis House where most of the MPs have their day-to-day offices. It’s quite an interesting place to begin because it lets you have a quick nose around a normally inaccessible building – and you can see those notorious trees in the atrium. (So that’s where all of our taxes are going – the MPs are planting trees indoors!) After that you get led through an underground tunnel that takes you below the road towards Big Ben.

The tour doesn’t include any part of Parliament other than the clock tower itself, so it’s strictly about Big Ben. And the first part is by far the hardest – 115 steps to the first room. So rest assured that you don’t have to climb all 334 steps in one go, which was certainly a big relief to me. So when you get that scary letter warning you to write your will beforehand, just ignore it – if you’ve ever managed to climb to the top of The Monument or St. Paul’s Cathedral then you will find this easy-peasy.

The clock mechanism

The first part of the talk was all about the history of the bell: who designed it, who built it, and who installed it. Our guide was pretty good and he went into plenty of detail, but there wasn’t a lot to actually see in this first room, just a big poster on the wall and some seats were we could rest and catch our breath. After that he took us up another flight of stairs to the clock mechanism. This room looked more like a mini-factory with pulleys, pendulums, cogs and whirring wheels all over the place. Just before it struck half-past nine he warned us of a coming cacophony of noise and he wasn’t joking. When the whole thing whirred into action it scared the living daylights out of us. Imagine the sound of a factory gone wrong: long levers banging up and down, cogs clanking round and round, and heavy hammers bashing the bells tens of meters above your head.

The clock tower belfry and Big Ben bell

After that bit of excitement we headed up to the belfry to see Big Ben himself. Incredibly, the guide even let us stand inside the bell room whilst it chimed ten. This was such a deep and visceral thrill that words can never do it justice. One minute the big bell was sleeping peacefully and then it was as if he’d suddenly become rage and thunder. There really was no escape from his anger. The guide had given us some earplugs beforehand which we were obliged to wedge into our lugs, but it was still astonishingly loud – loud enough to make my bones vibrate. It made my vision shake. I think a few of my teeth crumbled into dust as well. And it wasn’t just Big Ben chiming because there were several bells all around us (one for each note of the tune), all pounding out the sound into our vibrating skulls.

When we had recovered from that experience he took us back down the stairs and stopped off behind the huge clock faces, where we could see the shadow of the gigantic hands pass in front of the glass.

And that was it, sadly. All that remained was for us to walk back down, still shaking our heads and banging our ears with our palms, trying to make our hearing came back.

We also recommend… If you enjoy this then try Downing Street (you can walk it in 6 mins) and Houses of Parliament (you can walk it in less than 2 mins) . How about watching the politicians inside the House of Commons and House of Lords? If you send a letter to your local MP then you might be able to get a ticket to PMQs as well. Read my complete guide to political events in London for lots more ideas

Big Ben is ★ 1 in the Top 10 London landmarks and ★ 1 in the Top 10 places to take a photo . Big Ben also appears in our London one day itinerary , two day itinerary , three day itinerary , four day itinerary , five day itinerary , six day itinerary and one week itinerary

Your comments and questions

Hap Do you have to pay to get into Big Ben

Craig You don't have to pay, but you do need to write a letter to your local MP to get an invite ticket, which will probably take a couple of months at least.

Hap What should you write in your letter?

Craig Just tell them you'd like an invite to the 'Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower Tour'. Give them a range of dates that you can do, at least three or four months in the future. Don't just give them one date, because it books up ages in advance. Give them your full name, age and address (because they have to check you're a constituent). My MP then sent me over some security questions which I had to email back. It was only after I did that that I received the ticket.

Hap Thank you ever so much for your reply, it's very helpful. I shall send a link to our WI ladies. Thanks again.

Jenny Hello Craig. We are thinking of either climbing Big Ben or doing a tour of The Houses of Parliament. Which do you think is best?

Craig Hi, Parliament is easily the best. With Big Ben you get to see the bell and stand behind the clock faces, but with Parliament you get to go inside the House of Commons, the House of Lords, Westminster Hall, plus all of the other beautiful rooms like the Royal Gallery and Robing Room. Big Ben is definitely worth doing, but if you only have time for one then Parliament will be more impressive.

Richard I love the Big Ben Clock, but I can't figure out why the clockmaker used the symbol F in stead of the Roman Numeral X usually used for clock dial. A theory of mine is that the Romans invaded Britain one time and that the British Royalty did not want to use the Roman numeral because of that. I would really want to know what the answer is to this question. Please help if you can. Thank you.

Craig Hi Richard. I can see what you mean about it looking like an F, but it's just a stylised X with a line through the middle

Sue When does the bell chime?

Craig Hi Sue. The main Big Ben bell goes off every hour. The smaller quarter bells go off at 15, 30 and 45 past the hour

Kai H We were disappointed that tourists are not allowed to go on a tour of Big Ben. Why is that? We would have loved to seen inside but only UK people are allowed to visit. That doesn't seem very fair

Craig Hi Kai. You're right, because you need to request an invite from your local MP, which a foreign visitor won't be able to do. I don't know the reason, but perhaps it's because they need to do a security check on everyone first, which will be harder if you're from overseas. But tourists can go inside the House of Parliament though, which is even better than Big Ben - city-guide.london/​attractions/​houses-of-parliament.php

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Andrew Percy MP

Member of Parliament for Brigg & Goole and the Isle of Axholme

Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower Tours

Andrew explains, "I am informed that, following the completion of its conservation, the Elizabeth Tower will officially reopen to the public this summer.  As such, MPs have been provided with a certain number of free tickets for their constituents to tour the Tower and see the Big Ben bell. 

Posted in Articles on Jun 07, 2023

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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