London Eye, London - Taken from Westminster Bridge, London, unusual angle of the London Eye
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London Eye

4.5
·191k reviews·, United Kingdom

Soar above London for breathtaking 360-degree views of iconic landmarks. A must-do for first-time visitors!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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London Eye, London - Taken from Westminster Bridge, London, unusual angle of the London Eye

London Eye

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Soar above London for breathtaking 360-degree views of iconic landmarks. A must-do for first-time visitors! TikTok

4.5
(191k reviews)

"The views are good, I know, but it's in a super crowded and touristy area and the tickets are from £30 per adult. TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Save time and money by purchasing your London Eye tickets online in advance.

🚶‍♀️ Avoid Peak Times

Visit on weekdays or early mornings to dodge the biggest crowds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the London Eye

Soar above London for breathtaking 360-degree views of iconic landmarks. A must-do for first-time visitors!

TikTok
Thames River Cruise Combo

Thames River Cruise Combo

River Thames

Combine your Eye experience with a scenic cruise for a unique perspective of London's riverside attractions.

Reddit
Nighttime Sparkle

Nighttime Sparkle

Top of the London Eye

Witness London transform into a glittering wonderland as the city lights up after dark. Magical!

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

The London Eye is a popular attraction, so booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues and potentially secure better prices. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Alternative Views for Less

While the London Eye offers iconic views, some travelers find it pricey and crowded. Consider free alternatives like the Sky Garden or paid options like The Shard for comparable, or even superior, city panoramas. TikTokInstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Evening (sunset)
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Late evening
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

london eye is beautiful this time of year
@rosiealpasss
1.1M likes • 16.3M views

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Save time and money by purchasing your London Eye tickets online in advance. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Avoid Peak Times

Visit on weekdays or early mornings to dodge the biggest crowds. Reddit

CONTROVERSIAL, we know 😎 If it’s your first time visiting London, grab our FREE London 101 Guide. It has everything you need to know before your first visit to London. Link in bio to get that for free...
@loveandlondon
115.6K likes • 1.9M views
Don’t spend £32 on the London eye ⤵️ 📌 Save this lost for later Which one of these amazing spots would you like to visit the most? 1. Horizon 22 Free tickets are required and can be booked online. ...
unknownndestinationn
18.2K likes • 1.4M views

💰 Consider Alternatives

Sky Garden (free) or The Shard offer great views for less. TikTokInstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos of London's skyline. TikTok

Just some advice to anyone thinking of coming to london for the first time. It is not a dream land you think it is 😂 jist be careful and wary when visiting. london is a crazy place now a days #london ...
@lukesdoingsomething
84.5K likes • 1.7M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Save time and money by purchasing your London Eye tickets online in advance. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Avoid Peak Times

Visit on weekdays or early mornings to dodge the biggest crowds. Reddit

💰 Consider Alternatives

Sky Garden (free) or The Shard offer great views for less. TikTokInstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos of London's skyline. TikTok

🤝 Be Wary of Scams

Be cautious of people approaching you for charity donations. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(191k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the London Eye for its spectacular panoramic views of London's iconic landmarks, especially during sunset and at night. However, many find it to be quite expensive and crowded, with some suggesting that alternative viewpoints offer better value for money. TikTokInstagramReddit

"We did the VIP tour, that got us the fast pass and we sprung for the champagne extra.

Our guide knew a lot, and was very nice, the champagne was good, although the cocktails we bought were pretty lame on the two for 20 old fashioned deal. It's like they poured 1 oz drinks like the cruise ship.

Cloudy weather, but great views, and I'm glad we did it just to say we got up there.

If it's worth the money for you to go up there at all, then it's worth paying for the fast pass and VIP treatment to get a lot more room in your cab."

Scott Hendison

"A Great Experience with Stunning Views!
Visited the London Eye today and had a really lovely time. The staff were friendly and helpful, making the experience smooth from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised that the queue was very short only about 10-15 minutes which made things even better. Once on board, the views were absolutely fantastic, offering a beautiful perspective of London. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the city!"

Jazz Kashif

"The London Eye, initially known as the Millennium Wheel, is located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. As the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel and the most popular paid tourist attraction, it stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering spectacular views of London.

This remarkable observation wheel provides unparalleled 360-degree vistas of landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

While I have some concerns about heights and health, I’m determined to conquer that challenge. For now, I’ll enjoy the impressive sight of this colossal wheel up close from its base.

Seeing the London Eye from a distance is striking. Even from afar, its giant structure commands attention against the skyline, hinting at the breathtaking views it offers at the top. It’s an unmissable landmark when you’re near the Thames, and it undoubtedly enhances the beauty of London’s skyline. Although I haven’t ridden it yet, just witnessing this iconic attraction was an exhilarating experience!"

Bernie

What People Like

Stunning city views
Iconic London experience
Magical nighttime sparkle

What People Dislike

Expensive ticket prices
Long queues
Very touristy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The London Eye is easily accessible via the London Underground. The nearest stations are Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines) and Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines). Several bus routes also stop nearby. TikTok

On-site parking is very limited. It's best to use public transport. The nearest car parks are typically a short walk away, but can be expensive. TikTok

While you can use Oyster or contactless for public transport to reach the London Eye, tickets for the attraction itself need to be purchased separately, ideally online. Reddit

Yes, the London Eye is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. They have dedicated spaces within the capsules. It's advisable to book in advance and inform them of your needs. Reddit

From Heathrow, take the Piccadilly Line on the Underground to Green Park, then change to the Jubilee Line to Waterloo. This is generally the most efficient public transport option. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard adult tickets typically start around £30-£35 when booked online. Prices can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and any special packages. Booking in advance is crucial for the best rates. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Booking your London Eye tickets online in advance is highly recommended. It saves you time queuing and often secures a better price compared to buying on the day. Reddit

Yes, the Sky Garden offers spectacular free views of London. You need to book free tickets online in advance as slots fill up quickly. TikTokInstagram

Opening hours vary seasonally and can change daily. It's essential to check the official London Eye website for the most up-to-date times for your specific visit date. Reddit

Generally, tickets are non-refundable, even if the weather is poor. However, the London Eye operates in most weather conditions. Check their specific terms and conditions for any exceptions. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

A standard rotation on the London Eye takes approximately 30 minutes. This allows ample time to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Reddit

From the top, you can see iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the River Thames. On a clear day, views can extend for miles. TikTok

For most people, the London Eye is not scary. It moves slowly and steadily. If you have a severe fear of heights, it might be unsettling, but the enclosed capsules offer a sense of security. Reddit

Fast Track tickets allow you to bypass the standard queue for boarding, saving you significant waiting time, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Food and drinks are generally not allowed inside the capsules, except for water. There are plenty of food and drink options available at the South Bank area before or after your ride. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset offers beautiful golden hour light for stunning photos. Nighttime provides a magical view of the illuminated city. Weekday mornings can offer clearer shots with fewer people in the background. TikTok

Yes, you can bring professional cameras. However, large tripods or professional lighting equipment may not be permitted. Always check the latest guidelines on their website. TikTok

Yes, the South Bank area offers excellent vantage points for photos of the London Eye itself, especially from across the river or from the Jubilee Gardens. TikTok

Try capturing it from the side with the Houses of Parliament in the background, or from below looking up for a dramatic perspective. The reflection in the Thames can also be striking. TikTok

It can be a bit challenging due to reflections on the glass and the movement of the capsule. Try to position yourself directly in front of the glass and avoid reflections from your phone or camera. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The London Eye is generally a hit with families. The slow rotation and enclosed capsules make it a comfortable experience for children. Consider booking a 'Fast Track' ticket to minimize waiting times, which can be crucial with younger kids. Reddit The 30-minute ride offers plenty of time for little ones to spot famous landmarks. Pack some snacks and drinks, though be mindful of the no-food policy inside the capsules. Reddit

Look out for special family packages or combo tickets that might include other attractions like the Thames River cruise, which can add extra value and fun to your day. Reddit The surrounding South Bank area also offers plenty of space for kids to run around before or after your ride.

💰 Budget Travelers

While the London Eye itself can be a splurge, budget travelers can still enjoy fantastic city views. The Sky Garden offers breathtaking panoramas for free, but requires advance booking. TikTokInstagram Alternatively, consider purchasing a London Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it might offer a discount on the Eye or include access to other viewpoints. Reddit

Look for promotional offers or discounts that might be available through specific retailers or loyalty programs. Traveling during off-peak hours or weekdays can also sometimes result in slightly lower ticket prices. Reddit

couples

For a romantic experience, consider booking a sunset or evening slot on the London Eye. Witnessing the city lights twinkle below can be incredibly magical. TikTok You can enhance the experience by opting for a 'Fast Track' ticket to maximize your time together without long waits. Reddit

Combine your ride with a leisurely stroll along the South Bank, perhaps enjoying a drink at one of the riverside bars, or consider a private capsule experience for an extra special occasion, though this comes at a premium price. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the London Eye Experience

The London Eye is a prominent cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It's one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, offering unparalleled views across the capital. Visitors often book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, a tip frequently shared by travelers. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the time of day. While daytime offers clear visibility of landmarks, sunset and nighttime provide a magical, illuminated cityscape. Some visitors recommend combining the London Eye with a Thames River cruise for a comprehensive sightseeing experience. Reddit

It's worth noting that while the views are spectacular, some travelers suggest exploring free alternatives like the Sky Garden or other paid viewpoints like The Shard, which can offer similar or even more expansive vistas at a different price point. TikTokInstagramReddit

Maximizing Your Views: Beyond the Eye

For those seeking breathtaking London views, the London Eye is a classic choice, but it's not the only option. Many travelers recommend The Shard for its impressive height and the added bonus of bars and restaurants at the top, though it comes with a significant price tag. Reddit

A more budget-friendly alternative is the Sky Garden, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city completely free of charge. However, booking tickets well in advance is essential as they are in high demand. TikTokInstagram

Beyond these iconic spots, consider exploring viewpoints from Primrose Hill for a more relaxed, park-like setting with great city vistas, or the Greenwich Observatory for historical context and views across the Thames towards the financial district. Reddit

Traveler Tips & Common Pitfalls

When visiting popular London attractions like the London Eye, be prepared for crowds. Booking tickets online is almost universally advised to save time and potentially money. Reddit Many TikTok creators highlight the importance of being wary of scams, particularly those involving charity collectors who may approach you aggressively. TikTok

Some travelers find the London Eye to be a bit of a tourist trap due to its cost and location in a busy area. They suggest that while it's a fun experience to do once, there are other viewpoints that might offer better value or a less crowded experience. Reddit This sentiment is echoed by those who prefer alternatives like The Shard or Sky Garden. TikTokInstagramReddit

Remember to check the official website for the most current opening hours, ticket prices, and any special offers. Flexibility with your visit time can also lead to a more enjoyable experience with fewer people. Reddit

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