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

4.5
·193k 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
(193k 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
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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
(193k 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

"The London Eye is one of those attractions that truly lives up to its reputation and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The moment you step onto the giant wheel, you’re treated to spectacular panoramic views of London, stretching out as far as the eye can see. From the top, the historic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Windsor Castle on a clear day come into perfect view. Watching the River Thames wind its way through the heart of London adds even more magic to the experience.

One thing families and visitors should prepare for, however, are the long lines. The London Eye is extremely popular, and during weekends or holidays, the wait can feel quite lengthy. For those short on time or traveling with children, the Express Entry tickets are definitely worth considering. They cost a bit more but save you from the longer queues, letting you enjoy the ride without the wait.

The capsule itself is spacious and moves slowly, making it comfortable for families, children, and even those slightly nervous about heights. The pace allows you to really take in the scenic 360° views and capture plenty of photos without feeling rushed.

Overall, the London Eye is an experience that beautifully combines fun, relaxation, and sightseeing. Despite the queues, it’s absolutely worth the visit for the incredible views of London’s skyline and its historic buildings. It’s one of those attractions that reminds you why London is such a timeless city."

Zeeshan Qamar

"A great experience for families, friends and specially couples. This is the world’s tallest observation wheel. At 135 meters high, you get a 360 view of London, based at the banks of River Thames.
It is recommended to buy tickets in advance as this attraction in London is quite popular and gets filled up easily at all times. They have offers if you chose to opt two experiences together.
Parking available at Waterloo car park at 2mins walking distance, however be mindful of the London congestion zone and timings.
Overall a great experience!"

Nikhil Chavan

"I am not a fan of city ferris wheels. To me they're a tourist trap, they want too much money, and how can you take a nice pic through a dirty or scuffed piece of plastic or glass? But, we're in London for crying out loud! A world-class city, full of things to see and do. What the heck, why not.

This thing is humongous, especially when you're used to seeing the pop-up variety at your local carnival. The pods are cool and spacious, I think about 20 people can comfortably sit and walk about. The pods have clear viewing windows with pretty much a 360 degree vantage. Of course the views of the city were impressive being so high up. Pictures became a second priority as we enjoyed just gazing out and seeing famous landmarks. It took about 30 minutes to go around.

OVERALL:
It's an easy way to see the landscape of London without having to walk up flights of stairs like at most places throughout the world."

Maui World Travelers

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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