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The London Eye

Distant view of the wheel during the daytime on a sunny day

Credit: Photos BrianScantlebury / Shutterstock.com

Last updated: 09 March, 2024

One of the world’s highest observation wheels, the Eye gives you a gentle, rotating ride 450ft above the London skyline. On a clear day, the glass capsules have views stretching 25 miles across the capital, with iconic London architecture – from Big Ben to the Tower of London – laid out directly underneath.

This iconic bit of engineering and its dazzling views has charmed even hard-to-please Londoners. There’s no better way to get acquainted with the lie of the land.

Logistics

Price from: £31
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 30 minutes

Getting there & doing it

The Eye is open all year round, seven days a week, with later opening hours in July and August. Dusk is a magical time to board, for sunsets and sparkling city lights. School holidays, particularly July to August, bring big queues (peaking around 11am-3pm).

When to do it

The nearest Underground stop is Waterloo (Northern, Jubilee, and Bakerloo lines).

It’s possible to buy tickets on the day, but booking online is strongly recommended. Several ticket types allow you to jump the queues, which can be formidable. Book a ‘guided tour’ to get commentary on the landmarks and priority boarding. ‘Flexi’ tickets are pricier but mean a shorter wait time, and they don’t tie you to timed boarding.

Private capsule hire comes with Champagne and canapés, wine tastings and other optional goodies, including a full three-course meal. Each ‘flight’ time lasts about 30 minutes.

Who to go with: organised tours

4

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

London Eye Fast-Track Ticket

  • London

London Eye Fast-Track Ticket

Viator

London Eye Fast-Track Ticket
Fast Track for a perfect London Eye experience! With fast track entry for your flight in a shared capsule, you get to skip the majority of the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation! The London Eye offers spectacular views of the capital of England from high above the River Thames. The famous landmarks to be seen include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Visit includes entry to the London Eye 4D Experience, an inspiring journey of discovery that brings London to life through multi-sensory special effects.

Price £48

Min age 0

Rating 4.37 / 5 [2914 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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London Eye Standard Ticket

  • London

London Eye Standard Ticket

Viator

London Eye Standard Ticket
Be part of London’s skyline! The London Eye offers spectacular views of the capital of England from high above the River Thames. The famous landmarks to be seen include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. But it is more than just the view. t’s about unforgettable memories and every year The London Eye  play host to millions of them. Visit includes an entry to the London Eye 4D Experience, an inspiring journey of discovery that brings London to life through multi-sensory special effects.

Price £32

Min age 0

Rating 4.09 / 5 [2630 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade

  • London

Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade

Viator

Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade
See the best that England’s capital has to offer on a full-day city tour of London! Explore St Paul’s Cathedral with a guide, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the must-see Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and have some free time for lunch around the UNESCO-listed Tower of London. Finish up with a sightseeing cruise down the River Thames. If you want to see even more, upgrade to one of two activities: a cream tea at Harrods restaurant or a London Eye flight.

Price £123

Min age 0

Rating 4.22 / 5 [2073 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

London Eye River Cruise

  • London

London Eye River Cruise

Viator

London Eye River Cruise
Cruise down the River Thames and learn about London's top landmarks with the London Eye River Cruise expert guides. Discover London’s main riverside attractions by boat with a 40-minute circular Thames River cruise. Tickets are non-amendable/ non-refundable

Price £14

Min age 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [814 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Website >

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  • Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

view of houses of parliament at night

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