Rise to 135 meters above the Thames for a panoramic view of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. This immersive platform transforms your visit into a historical exploration of the capital.
Prices and conditions
From 33,74 €.
Soar above the rooftops of London on the iconic Lastminute.com London Eye.
From 74,47 €.
Ride an observation wheel and see lifelike celebrity figures and marine life.
From 57,02 €.
Ride in a capsule and see lifelike figures of renowned names.
From 57,02 €.
Boost your London Eye experience with some bubbly.
From 74,47 €.
Ride an observation wheel and visit an aquarium.
From 98,91 €.
Sip tea and see city landmarks.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We booked the sunset slot and it was magical. The golden light on Big Ben and the view of Buckingham Palace were unforgettable. The private capsule gave us a moment of tranquility. We also used the quick access to avoid the crowds. The ride is smooth and the 360° view over the Thames is simply spectacular."
"The experience is very beautiful, especially for the views of St Paul's Cathedral. However, the price surprised me a bit. I used my Fast Track which worked well since it was busy. The 30-minute rotation moves very slowly, which is a plus. I highly recommend it for photos, but make sure to arrive early."
"I booked the Afternoon Tea in a private capsule weeks in advance and it was worth it. The tea and pastries were delicious. The view of the Lambeth Bridge and the Thames is superb. It's a subtle luxury very well done. We were able to go up and down without the wheel stopping, which is very convenient."
"On my own, I loved gazing at Windsor on the horizon on a clear day. The 40 km view is real; you can see all of London. The silence in the capsule is soothing. I took the advice to bring a black cloth for the windows and got crisp photos. An absolute moment of respite in the heart of the city."
"The queue upon arrival was a bit long, but the Fast Track saved us. The view of the Parliament is spectacular. The entry fee of 29.88 EUR is reasonable for the duration. We saw the wheel light up as we were leaving, which is lovely. A bit crowded, but the experience remains very smooth and pleasant for a family."
"The Champagne Experience with a sommelier was a true moment of grace. The service is impeccable and the view of Buckingham Palace is sumptuous. It's a gentle way to indulge. The capsule of 25 people wasn't too full. Ideal for a birthday or a marriage proposal. I will come back."
"As a senior, I appreciated that the wheel never stops. It's a boon for mobility. The view of Big Ben is very clear. I avoided the crowds by coming on a weekday. The tip to arrive via the South Bank is useful because the access is a bit confusing. A beautiful aerial stroll without effort, highly recommended for the less active."
"The view is magnificent, especially of St Paul's. I just regret the wait time a little, about 20 minutes. The standard entry ticket is more than sufficient. I took the evening slot to see the lights come on below. It's a must-see in London. Remember to check the weather, as mist can be disappointing for the distant view."
"We chose the ticket with fast track access so we wouldn't waste time. The line at the entrance is short and efficient. The view of the Millennium Dome and the Thames is superb. The wheel's design is impressive. The staff are welcoming. Excellent value for money if you avoid weekends. We loved every minute of this ride."
"The sunset experience is simply perfect. You watch Buckingham Palace light up before your eyes. The private capsule for Afternoon Tea is a luxurious little extra, very well thought out. The staff are attentive. It's a memory very dear to the kids. The view of the neighboring park is also very green and restful."
"I was impressed by the fact that the wheel was assembled flat on the Thames. It's a true feat of engineering. The view of Windsor was sharp and clear. I took some superb photos. The 29.88 EUR ticket is the price for a basic entry. It's a must-see for anyone visiting London. The sensation of floating above the city is unique."
"The view is superb; you can clearly see Big Ben and the Parliament. I would have liked a bit fewer people, but the Fast Track helped. Access from the South Bank is easy. I give it 4 stars because the price is a bit high for a 30-minute duration, but the experience remains very pleasant. The evening light is perfect for photos. I recommend it."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Full access to capsules for wheelchairs, with boarding assistance.
Family
Free tickets for children under 2 (ticket required), discounted rates for ages 4-15.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Key figures of this monumental attraction
Total height
Spherical capsules
Visitors in 2002
Rotation duration
Inaugurated for the millennium, the London Eye has become Europe's most visited paid attraction. Designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, this 135-meter colossus offers a 360° view of the capital. Its horizontal construction followed by vertical lifting remains a major technical feat in modern history.
Initially planned as a temporary structure for the 2000 millennium celebrations, the London Eye quickly won over Londoners. Architects David Marks and Julia Barfield won a Thea Award for their innovative design. The wheel was first assembled flat on the Thames before being lifted vertically, a complex process that took several days and initially failed with cable breakage during the first attempt.
Success was immediate: 8.5 million visitors had already passed through the gates by July 2002, convincing the Lambeth Council to make the attraction permanent. Owned by Merlin Entertainments since 2007, it has changed names several times according to its sponsors (British Airways, EDF, Coca-Cola), which sometimes causes confusion on websites before reverting to its original name in 2020.
Since January 1st, 2005, the London Eye has been the heart of New Year's celebrations in London. It serves as the backdrop for the official 10-minute countdown and the fireworks that illuminate the capital. This annual event reinforces its symbolic status, transforming the Ferris wheel into a privileged witness to the city's contemporary history and attracting millions of spectators every year.
At an altitude of 135 meters, the view from the London Eye extends to the surrounding countryside on clear days. You can clearly distinguish Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey just across the river. The Thames winds beneath your feet, visually connecting the major monuments of the north and south banks. This unique perspective offers a complete spatial understanding of the British capital.
To the south, the gaze falls on St Paul's Cathedral and, further away, on the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. To the west, Buckingham Palace and St James's Park are perfectly visible. This unique perspective allows you to understand London's geography and the layout of its historic districts in a single 30-minute rotation.
The visual experience is optimal at sunset, when golden light bathes the buildings and the city lights gradually turn on. The capsule windows are transparent, allowing for panoramic photos, although reflections sometimes need to be managed. The doors remain closed for safety reasons, but the visual immersion is total from a height of 135 meters, with a continuous rotation of 24 minutes. Each capsule represents a London borough, offering an unobstructed view of the Palace of Westminster.
Beyond the standard ticket, the London Eye offers premium experiences such as Afternoon Tea or Champagne. These distinct packages allow you to savor British specialties and exceptional drinks while admiring the landscape. Afternoon Tea, in particular, is a highly sought-after experience that requires booking several weeks in advance due to limited seats on board the capsules. These exclusive packages transform the ride into an unforgettable moment of luxury.
For hurried visitors, the London Eye Fast Track option allows you to skip the main queue. Although this does not exempt you from security checks, it significantly reduces waiting time before boarding. It is crucial to respect the time slot indicated on the ticket, as access is only permitted at the reserved time, with minimal tolerance.
The attraction is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, with capsules designed to accommodate wheelchairs. It is recommended to book a specific ticket or present yourself at reception to facilitate boarding. Children under 2 years old are free but require a named ticket, while rates for ages 4-15 are reduced.
A unique panoramic experience at 135 meters
Insider tips
The golden light offers the best photos and allows you to see the city light up, but it is also the most expensive and in-demand slot. Book several weeks in advance to guarantee your place during this magical moment on the Thames.
To avoid reflections in photos, some visitors bring a small black cloth or a hat to cover the glass in front of the lens. This simple trick guarantees sharp images of Big Ben and the Parliament without annoying light distortions.
If you cannot strictly adhere to your time slot, Fast Track sometimes offers more flexibility in the queue. Check the policy for the day, as this could save you from a long wait if you are late for your initial schedule. However, stay close to the meeting point.
This experience is very popular and places are limited; early booking is crucial for special occasions. The Afternoon Tea and Champagne are premium offers distinct from standard tickets, offering a luxurious and private setting at 135 meters high.
Access is from the south bank, near Lambeth Bridge; allow time for security checks which can be long. The strict time slot system (Time Slot) requires strict punctuality to avoid frustration upon arrival.
In foggy or very rainy weather, visibility is reduced; having a Plan B (such as the adjacent SEA LIFE Aquarium) is wise. London weather is unpredictable, so check local forecasts on the morning of your visit to optimize your panoramic experience. Bring a waterproof jacket.
Even if free, children under 2 years require a registered ticket; do not forget to add them to the online booking. Rates for 4-15 year olds are reduced, but all minors must be accompanied by an adult to comply with safety regulations.
The two attractions are adjacent; a combined ticket or a Merlin pass helps optimize time and budget. Merlin Entertainments operates both sites, offering exclusive benefits for visitors wishing to explore marine biodiversity after the panoramic view.
Choose your tickets online and check their conditions before booking.
Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
The wheel was assembled horizontally on the Thames then hoisted vertically, a complex technical feat. Engineers underestimated the force required, causing cables to break during the first attempt in 2000. It took several days and additional cranes to complete the operation.
Since January 1, 2005, the wheel has served as the support for the official countdown and the capital's fireworks. This 10-minute tradition illuminates the Thames and attracts millions of spectators, making the London Eye the beating heart of modern London celebrations.
8.5 million people had already visited the attraction by July 2002, proving its immediate success. This remarkable figure convinced the Lambeth Council to make the wheel permanent, despite a difficult economic climate at the time of its inauguration as the Millennium Wheel.
The wheel changed names several times according to its sponsors (British Airways, EDF, Coca-Cola) before simply becoming the London Eye again. This potential confusion on websites is explained by these successive partnerships between 2011 and 2020.
Designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield, it won a Thea Award for its innovative design. Their vision transformed a temporary structure into a permanent icon, distinguished by the Themed Entertainment Association for its major cultural and architectural impact.
Although the London Eye has exactly 32 cabins, each representing a London borough, the capsule numbering does not follow a standard sequential logic. In fact, the cabins are numbered from 1 to 33, but the number 13 was deliberately omitted to respect the superstition associated with bad luck. This architectural decision means that there is no cabin bearing this number, a peculiarity often ignored by visitors boarding this giant wheel weighing 1,870 tonnes.
Three itineraries based on available time
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More must-see experiences in London
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
2 min walk
Cross the Lambeth Bridge to see Parliament and the iconic clock up close, just opposite the wheel.
1 min walk
Located in the same County Hall complex, this aquarium houses sharks and rays, perfect for combining visits.
5 min walk
Major cultural complex housing the Royal Festival Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, often the venue for free festivals.
10 min walk
London's oldest food market, ideal for a gourmet lunch after visiting the South Bank.
1 min walk
Peaceful green space just behind the London Eye, offering the best photo of the wheel with Parliament in the background.
0 min walk
Former town hall transformed into a luxury hotel and shopping center, integrated directly into the London Eye structure.
Find a hotel near London Eye
Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
See what to expect during your visit
Quick comparison with other major sites
| London Eye | Paris Roue | Chicago Ferris Wheel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year created | 2000 | 2014 | 2009 |
| Height | 135 meters | 60 meters | 82 meters |
| Adult rate | Approx. €33.52 | Approx. €12 | Approx. $20 |
| Visit duration | 30 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Feature | 360° view of Westminster | Located on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim | Air-conditioned and private capsules |
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