Big Ben is the nickname of the 13.5-ton bell that rings inside the Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower attached to the Palace of Westminster—home to the British Parliament—on the banks of the River Thames in London. You’ll fly into Heathrow, Gatwick, or another London airport, then hop on the Tube to Westminster station in Zone 1. The best time to visit is spring or early fall, when the weather makes it easier to enjoy the gardens and outdoor queues, and a weekend is plenty of time to explore this area. But why did this particular bell become more famous than the tower itself, and can you actually go inside? That’s what you’ll find out below.
How to get there
“Can you fly direct from Brazil to London?” Yes, in some cases. São Paulo (GRU) has direct flights to London with airlines like British Airways and LATAM, taking about 11 hours. From other Brazilian cities, the most common route goes through GRU, Lisbon, or another European city before heading to London, usually landing at Heathrow (LHR), the city’s biggest airport, though connecting flights also arrive at Gatwick (LGW).
From Heathrow to the center, the fastest option is the Heathrow Express, a train that takes about 15 minutes to Paddington Station; from there, just hop on the Tube (the famous Underground) to Westminster, changing lines once. The more budget-friendly option is the Elizabeth Line, which connects Heathrow to the center for much less than the Heathrow Express, though the trip is a bit longer. From Gatwick, the Gatwick Express takes about 30 minutes to Victoria Station, where you can connect to the Tube.
To get to Big Ben itself, get off at Westminster station, served by the Circle, District, and Jubilee lines. When you exit the Tube, the tower is right in front of you—it’s literally the most cinematic exit in London’s transport system.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
“What’s the best month to go?” Between April and June or between September and early October, when temperatures are milder (around 54°F to 68°F) and days are longer, giving you better light for photos at Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. July and August have the warmest weather but also the biggest crowds, with longer lines at any nearby attraction.
Set aside half a day to explore the area around Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye without rushing. If you snag a ticket for the guided tour inside the Elizabeth Tower, add another 90 minutes to your itinerary—and plan your visit a few months in advance, since spots tend to sell out fast.
What to see at Big Ben and Parliament
“So, what’s actually inside Big Ben?” The Elizabeth Tower stands 96 meters (315 feet) tall and houses, besides the Big Ben bell, the UK’s most famous clock, with four dials each 6.9 meters (23 feet) in diameter. The name “Big Ben” officially refers only to the main bell, cast in 1858 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and named, according to the most accepted story, after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation at the time. More details on the tower’s construction and history are gathered on the Wikipedia page for Big Ben. Over time, the nickname has also been used for the tower and the clock as a whole, even if it’s not technically correct.
The tour inside the tower
“Can you go up Big Ben?” Yes, but only with the official guided tour, sold exclusively through the UK Parliament website (parliament.uk). The tour lasts about 90 minutes, climbs 334 steps up a spiral staircase, and lets you see the clock mechanism up close and hear the bell ring if the timing lines up. Photography isn’t allowed inside, and children must be at least 11 years old. Tickets usually go on sale online a few months in advance—check current prices and availability directly on the official UK Parliament website before planning your trip, as they change often.
Even if you can’t get a tour spot, you’ll still have a great time just admiring the tower from the outside: the view from Westminster Bridge, facing the clock with the River Thames in the background, is one of the most iconic postcard shots in the world, and it’s completely free.
Houses of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster, home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, sits on the same grounds and offers its own guided tours during certain times of the year, usually when Parliament is in recess. You can also attend public debates for free, just by queuing up and going through security—a totally different experience from your typical “tourist tour.”
Nearby: what to pair with your visit
“What else can you see near Big Ben without spending the whole day?” Plenty, because this is London’s most touristy area. Westminster Abbey is just a few steps away and holds the tombs of kings, queens, and figures like Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Across the river, the London Eye, a 135-meter (443-foot) Ferris wheel, offers panoramic views of the entire central area—the walk across Westminster Bridge to get there is already part of the experience.
Walking through St James’s Park, one of the city’s most beautiful royal parks, you’ll reach Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British royal family and the stage for the Changing of the Guard. It’s a perfectly walkable circuit in a morning or afternoon, with no extra transport needed.
Where to eat near Big Ben
“Can you eat well without spending a fortune nearby?” Yes, but you need to know where to look, because the immediate area around Parliament has a lot of touristy restaurants with inflated prices. Traditional pubs on the streets around Westminster and Victoria serve classics like fish and chips and pies at more reasonable prices than the trendy spots along the Thames. For a quick meal, the covered markets around Victoria Station offer sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes at better prices than the tourist-focused cafes.
If you want a fuller experience, walk to Covent Garden, about 20 minutes away on foot or a quick Tube ride, where the food scene is bigger and more varied, from street food to sit-down restaurants.
Where to stay
“Which neighborhood should I stay in to be near Big Ben?” It depends on your budget and travel style. For convenience and if you’re willing to pay more, staying in Westminster or Victoria puts you just minutes from the main attractions, but with higher nightly rates typical of the city’s most central and expensive area.
A middle-ground option is South Kensington or Pimlico, quiet residential neighborhoods well-connected by the Tube, with more affordable rates and still just a few stops from Westminster. For those prioritizing savings, neighborhoods like Earl’s Court or slightly more outlying zones are popular, but always check for a nearby Tube station before booking.
Practical tips
The Elizabeth Tower tour is worth booking if you’re really into history, mechanics, and want a less obvious experience—if you just want the classic photo, the outside view gives you the postcard shot for free. The most common mistake is showing up without a ticket hoping to buy one on the spot: the tour inside the tower doesn’t sell tickets at the door, only online and in advance.
As for currency, the UK uses the pound sterling (GBP), not the euro, so check the current exchange rate before you travel and bring an international card with no fees to avoid surprises on conversions. For connectivity, a local SIM or an international eSIM works well, since public Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable in the busiest tourist areas.
Brazilian travelers need an electronic travel authorization to enter the UK for tourism—always check the current rules on the official UK government website before you travel, as these requirements change often. As for safety, the Parliament area has a strong police presence and is considered one of the safest parts of London to walk around, even at night, but basic caution with your belongings applies at any crowded tourist spot.
Frequently asked questions
What is Big Ben in London?
Big Ben is the nickname of the large 13.5-ton bell installed in the Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. Through popular use, the name has also come to refer to the tower and the clock as a whole, even though technically it only refers to the bell.
What is inside Big Ben in London?
Inside the Elizabeth Tower, you’ll find the clock mechanism, the four giant clock dials, and the Big Ben bell itself, plus the 334-step spiral staircase that visitors on the official tour climb to see the structure from the inside.
What is the legend of Big Ben?
The most widely accepted story says the bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was in charge of public works at the time of its installation in 1858. Some also associate the name with Benjamin Caunt, a famous heavyweight boxer of the era, but that’s considered an alternative theory without definitive confirmation.
What are 3 fun facts about Big Ben?
The bell weighs about 13.5 tons and was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry; the tower is 96 meters (315 feet) tall with 334 steps to the top; and technically, “Big Ben” is the name of the bell, not the clock or the tower, even though popular usage has mixed all three up.
Why is it called Big Ben?
The name is a tribute to Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the bell’s installation as the head of public works at the time—though there’s also the alternative theory linking it to boxer Benjamin Caunt.
Does Big Ben still exist? Is it a church?
Yes, Big Ben still exists and can be visited today. It’s not a church: it’s the bell of a clock tower attached to the British Parliament, a government building, with no religious function.
What is the most touristy neighborhood in London?
Westminster, where Big Ben is located, is often called the most touristy neighborhood in the city, as it brings together Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace all within walking distance.
Conclusion
Big Ben sums up what makes London such an easy city to visit: concentrated history, efficient public transport, and attractions just a short walk from each other. You can see it all for free from the street, or go deeper with the guided tour inside the tower—either option is worth the trip to Westminster. Explore more destination guides here on Voyage Voyage.