My London adventures have led me to check out the charming red phone booths and strike the iconic pose at Abbey Road crossing. Yet, neither gave me pretty panoramic views, so I headed to one of the highest points in the city—the London Eye. The famous ferris wheel is not just a tourist magnet, but also a symbol of the city itself.
But this sky-high marvel holds more secrets than stunning views – let’s dive into its fascinating history, surprising facts, and all the essential info you need to plan your own bucket list adventure.
What is the London Eye?
Built to celebrate the turn of the millennium (flashback to Y2K!), the London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, was initially planned for just a 5-year stint. However, its allure proved irresistible. This engineering marvel became an instant sensation, towering over the River Thames and providing unmatched views of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more.
Once the tallest in its category, this giant offered panoramic city views from its 135-meter (443 feet) elevation. While taller counterparts from around the world have emerged, the London Eye still reigns as Europe’s Ferris wheel king, and let’s be honest, that’s still pretty darn impressive.

How many people can fit inside the Ferris Wheel Capsule
Each of the London Eye’s 32 capsules, comfy little pods with floor-to-ceiling windows, can hold up to 25 people. That means you can gather your squad, family, or even that pigeon-loving tourist next to you and share the panoramic magic.
Fun Fact: Numbered 1 to 33 (minus the number 13), the 12-ton capsules each symbolize a London Borough.

How long does it take the London Eye to Rotate?
Time flies when you’re having fun, and the London Eye’s rotation is no exception. Brace yourself for a leisurely ride—each full rotation takes about 30 minutes. That’s half an hour of soaking in the city’s splendor, capturing that perfect Instagrammable sunset or the dazzling city lights from the impressive London Eye height.

How to Book London Eye Tickets
Booking your London Eye adventure is a breeze; navigate the user-friendly online system or visit the ticket office inside the County Hall building next to the Gift Shop.
Choose from standard capsules, perfect for families and friends, or splurge on a private champagne ride for an extra touch of luxury. VIP experiences are also available, offering priority access and exclusive perks.
P.S. Tickets for this sky-high adventure sell out fast (not to mention the long wait times), so we strongly recommend securing your spot in advance.

Where is the London Eye Located
You can find it smack dab on the South Bank of the Thames, near Westminster Bridge. Given how tall the London Eye is, it’s impossible to miss (and trust me, you won’t want to!) This prime location also grants you easy access to other London gems, such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
How to get there
Buses following the 211, 77, 381, and RV1 routes can drop you off near the London Eye (either at the Waterloo Bus Stop or at County Hall.)
You can also take The Tube and exit at Waterloo Station. Just a five-minute walk from the station’s South Bank exit, you’ll be greeted by the Eye’s majestic silhouette.

So, whether you’re a history buff yearning for a glimpse into London’s past or a thrill-seeker chasing panoramic perfection, the London Eye is waiting for you. Get ready to reach new heights, both literally and figuratively, as you discover why this ferris wheel continues to spin its magic on travelers from all corners of the globe—myself included.. See you at the top!
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
Save this Post to Pinterest

More Tips and Things to Do in London
- A Guide to Changing of the Guard at London’s Buckingham Palace
- London Tube Tips: 12 Ways to Navigate the City’s Underground
- How to Get the Beatles Abbey Road Shot in London
- Locations of the Iconic Red Phone Booths in London
- Attend a Proper British Afternoon Tea in London
- London’s Hyde Park: The Perfect Place to Walk
- Gordon’s: The Oldest Wine Bar in London
I've been on the Eye twice and it was a pretty cool experience. Expensive, though!
It is definitely one of the higher priced tourist attractions!
I lived in London for one month short of a year – and I finally went on the Eye on my very last day! The tickets were actually a gift (and if I'm honest, I think I probably would have been a bit turned off by the price if I had to pay myself) but the view was a great way to say a tearful goodbye to London (literally, I started crying. Haha). Hope you enjoyed London!
That does sound like a perfect way to say goodbye to London :)
I did truly enjoy my stay there and look forward to returning!
I have not been to the UK and this is one of my must try thing to do in London when I set my foot on UK soil. I love your post!
Cheers from the Philippines!
I absolutely loved my visit to London and look forward to going back to see all the stuff I missed!