If you've ever heard London's famous clock chime on the hour, you were hearing Big Ben—or at least, the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower. But did you know that Big Ben isn't the tower's name at all?
Or that you can actually visit the interior—yes, even climb the 334 steps to the top? Most tourists walk past it, take a photo, and move on. But if you know how to plan your visit right, there's much more to experience than you'd expect.
First off: Big Ben is not the tower
Let's clear up a common mistake: Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower, not the tower itself. The tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Inside this iconic landmark, there's a complex system of gears, hammers, weights, and history that most people never get to see.
Can you go inside Big Ben?
Yes—but only if you're a UK resident. Tours of Big Ben are run by the UK Parliament and are only open to British citizens (for now). However, anyone can take a guided tour of the adjacent Houses of Parliament, which includes parts of Westminster Palace and gives you a close view of the base of Elizabeth Tower.
If you're a UK resident, you'll need to book well in advance through your local Member of Parliament (MP). The visit is free, but spaces fill up quickly. The climb includes 334 spiral stairs—there's no elevator—so you'll want to be reasonably fit.
For international travelers, here's the workaround:
You can still take a guided audio tour of Westminster, which brings you within close range of the tower and lets you explore the heart of the UK. Prices start from $31 USD per adult.
Best times to visit for fewer crowds
1. Avoid peak summer months: June to August are packed with tourists. If possible, go in late spring (May) or early fall (September–October).
2. Weekdays are better: Weekends are more crowded, especially midday. Visiting between 10 AM and noon on a weekday gives you a quieter experience and better photo ops.
3. Visit in the morning for the best light: The east-facing clock face lights up beautifully when the morning sun hits it.
Getting there
Big Ben is located in Westminster, central London, and is incredibly easy to reach.
• By tube: Take the Jubilee, District, or Circle lines to Westminster Station. When you exit, Big Ben will be right in front of you.
• By bus: Routes 11, 24, 87, and 148 all stop nearby.
• Walking: It's a scenic 15-minute walk from Trafalgar Square, with plenty of photo spots along the way.
Tips for getting the best photo
1. Westminster Bridge Viewpoint: Stand about halfway across the bridge for a classic full-tower photo. You'll also get the River Thames and the London Eye in the background.
2. Parliament Square: If you want to frame Big Ben with red double-decker buses, this is the spot.
3. Golden Hour: Arrive just before sunset to catch the tower glowing under warm light.
Did you know? Fun facts that most people miss
1. The clock faces are 23 feet wide, and each minute hand is 14 feet long.
2. The bell chimes in the key of E, and the sound can be heard from up to 5 miles away on a clear day.
3. The tower leans slightly to the northwest—by about 9 inches, due to ground conditions and underground tunnels.
4. During special era, the clock tower survived bombing, though the Commons Chamber behind it was destroyed.
5. The tower's mechanism is still largely mechanical and hand-wound—maintained weekly by a dedicated team of clockmakers.
For families and first-time visitors
If you're visiting with kids, keep in mind there are no interactive displays or theme-park-like exhibits directly at the tower itself. Instead, consider pairing your visit with nearby attractions like the Churchill Rooms, London Eye, or a Thames river cruise, all within walking distance.
Final thoughts
So, have you only admired Big Ben from the outside—or are you ready to experience it from the inside out? Whether you're snapping photos from Westminster Bridge or dreaming of climbing those 334 stairs, knowing the story and the hidden access points makes this experience richer.
Have you ever heard Big Ben strike 12 in person? Or do you plan to? Let me know what kind of London adventure you'd want next—there's so much more behind these iconic facades.
