Cleopatra's Needle London
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Victoria Embankment, a 3,000-year-old monument with a remarkable journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Cleopatra's Needle London
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Victoria Embankment, a 3,000-year-old monument with a remarkable journey.
"A piece of ancient history standing tall by the Thames, a true marvel of engineering and time."
🎯 Avoid Palawan Confusion
Reviews mention confusion with 'Elephant Cave' in Palawan. This is about the London obelisk!
📸 Thames Cruise Views
A river cruise offers unique angles and photo ops of the Needle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Egyptian Obelisk
A towering granite monument from 1450 BC, brought to London in 1877. A true piece of history.
Victoria Embankment Setting
Enjoy the obelisk against the backdrop of the River Thames and London's iconic skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding the 'Needle'
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Palawan Confusion
Reviews mention confusion with 'Elephant Cave' in Palawan. This is about the London obelisk!
📸 Thames Cruise Views
A river cruise offers unique angles and photo ops of the Needle.
🚶♀️ Embankment Stroll
Walk along Victoria Embankment for great ground-level views and context.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Palawan Confusion
Reviews mention confusion with 'Elephant Cave' in Palawan. This is about the London obelisk!
📸 Thames Cruise Views
A river cruise offers unique angles and photo ops of the Needle.
🚶♀️ Embankment Stroll
Walk along Victoria Embankment for great ground-level views and context.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews indicate confusion between London's Cleopatra's Needle and a cave in Palawan, Philippines. Visitors appreciate the historical significance of the obelisk and its Thames-side location, though some note it's primarily for viewing from a distance.
"Beautiful view. Not sure what the Needle part is though. Seems way off from the picture point and cannot edit."
Jim T
"Hmmm... nice view. Cleopatra Needle. I wanted to go inside that cave but not safe. the endpoint of the needle cave is the underground river that is not yet open to public. Urban legend says until today most of the areas are unexplored. I saw a Japanese or American marker inside the underground river. what is that mean?"
Roman Victor Santos
"The name of the place and the photo description didn't match. Actually, the photo showing the Cleopatra Needle is Elephant Cave,"
Lim Bryan Kutat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cleopatra's Needle is located on the Victoria Embankment, near Waterloo Bridge. The nearest Tube stations are Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Northern lines) and Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines). Many bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, it's very accessible. Embankment and Waterloo Tube stations are within walking distance, and numerous bus routes stop nearby. It's also a popular stop for river bus services.
Driving is possible, but parking in central London can be difficult and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport to reach the Victoria Embankment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cleopatra's Needle is an outdoor monument on public land. You can view it freely from the Victoria Embankment at any time.
As it's an outdoor monument, there are no official opening hours. It can be viewed 24/7, though it is best appreciated during daylight hours or when illuminated at night.
No, you cannot go inside Cleopatra's Needle. It is a solid granite obelisk and not designed for entry.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. Daytime provides clear views, while evenings offer a chance to capture it illuminated against the night sky.
The Victoria Embankment provides excellent vantage points. For a different perspective, consider a Thames River cruise or the South Bank of the Thames.
No, general photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit with a Thames River cruise, which is often a hit with kids. The open space along the Embankment also makes it a good spot for a picnic lunch if the weather permits. Keep the visit brief and focus on the 'wow' factor of its age and journey.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Pair your visit with a trip to the British Museum, which houses a vast collection of Egyptian antiquities, offering a deeper dive into the civilization from which the obelisk originated. Understanding the context of ancient Egypt enhances the appreciation of this artifact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Cleopatra's Needle
Arriving in London in 1877, it was erected on the Victoria Embankment. The obelisk is inscribed with hieroglyphs detailing the achievements of Thutmose III. It's a significant historical artifact, offering a tangible link to ancient Egypt and a testament to Victorian ambition and ingenuity in transporting such a colossal monument across continents. Many visitors are fascinated by its age and the stories etched into its surface.
Navigating the Victoria Embankment
When visiting Cleopatra's Needle, consider incorporating a stroll along the Embankment. It's easily accessible from major transport hubs like Embankment and Waterloo stations. The area is generally well-maintained and offers benches for resting and enjoying the river views. It's a great place to soak in the atmosphere of London.
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