Amanda Olynik

Is the London Eye worth the price?

The Solo Scale:

You’ll be part of a group in your pod if you go at a busy time, or on your own if you’re there during off-peak! You’ll have a blast, on your own or with a travel partner and it’s a quick addition to your London sightseeing that’s a rite of passage at this point.

Before every city had their own version, the London Eye was one of the very first experiences that took the wheel concept and elevated it to give you a bird’s eye view of the city. Nowadays, it’s rare to go to a tourist-heavy location and not find something similar. Admittedly, it’s not a cheap experience. However, it’s still worth doing at least once.

The London Eye with Big Ben behind it and a tube train in the foreground

Despite losing some if its unique status, the London Eye is still a fantastic way to get views of London. The London Eye is the UK’s most popular paid attraction. The combination of the novelty, the view, and the location draws tourists from all over the world.

View of the wheel structure of the London Eye

The location of the Eye itself is perfect for central exploring. It’s close to Waterloo station, Parliament, Big Ben, and right on the Thames. There are docks nearby if you’re taking a river cruise and want convenient access. You can pre-pay for tickets online or buy them at the Eye itself. Once you get through the line (and take the obligatory photo with the green screen backdrop, which I heartily recommend that you don’t buy), you’ll be boarding your pod and beginning your ascent.

View of one the Thames and several bridges from a midpoint on the London Eye

Fair warning. If you have a fear of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. At the highest peak, you’re 443 feet above the ground. When you’re in the pod, there’s limited seating. If you’re there on a day that’s not popular, you might get the pod to yourself. Otherwise, if it’s busy, you may need to share and be ready to stand. Once you’re in motion, the full loop takes about thirty minutes of movement, then loading and unloading. That means you get plenty of time at the height to take pictures and see the Thames, Parliament, Big Ben, and the rest of London from above.

Personally, this is a bit of a pricier way to see London, but there’s nothing else in the immediate area that gives you equivalent views. As a result, I do recommend that you try the London Eye at least once, if only to see London from above and get a view that can’t be done anywhere else.

Big Ben view from the top of the London Eye

Ready for a trip above London? Get details on hours, visit information, and tickets on the official website.

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