Tickets & tours: Big Ben & Westminster

Big Ben itself is not open to the general public, but the surrounding Westminster area, including the Palace of Westminster, is generally accessible during daylight hours. Typical visiting times vary by season, with shorter daylight in winter and longer in summer. The area is usually closed on major public holidays. Visitors should check the official UK Parliament or Westminster websites for the latest access information before planning their visit.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the evening on weekdays, as weekends and midday tend to be more crowded. Visiting during the off-peak seasons, such as late autumn or winter (excluding holidays), can also help avoid large crowds. Weather conditions and special events may affect visitor numbers, so checking local schedules beforehand is advisable.

A typical visit to the exterior and surrounding Westminster area can take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend exploring nearby landmarks like Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Guided tours of the Palace of Westminster, if available, usually last around 60 to 90 minutes. Visitors often combine this attraction with nearby sites for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

Access to Big Ben’s interior is generally restricted and not open to the public, but tours of the Palace of Westminster may require advance booking, especially during peak tourist seasons. Skip-the-line and guided tour options are often available through official or authorized providers. Tickets usually include entry to the Palace and informative commentary, but it’s recommended to verify details on official platforms before purchasing.

Big Ben & Westminster are centrally located and easily accessible by London’s public transport. The nearest Underground station is Westminster, served by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines. Numerous bus routes also stop nearby, and the area is within walking distance from other central London attractions. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport due to limited parking and heavy traffic in the area.

On Arovago you can compare 5 tickets and tours for this attraction from €35, with an average price of about €148. Offers come from 5 travel websites: the same ticket can cost different amounts on different sites, so it pays to compare before booking. Final prices are set by each partner.