Is the London Eye Worth It In 2023? (from a London travel blogger)

Are you wondering ‘Is the London Eye worth it?’. Don’t worry, I’ve been there. Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic tourist attraction and if it’s worth your money and time — from a London travel blogger.

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If you’ve thought about visiting London (or even if you live here) there’s one tourist attraction that probably crossed your mind…The London Eye.

The London Eye is a famous Ferris wheel in London and is one of the city’s most ‘iconic’ things to do on a trip to London. But is it really worth your time and money?

After six years of living in London, I finally took a ride on the infamous Eye, and as a London travel blogger…I have some opinions.

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about the London Eye to help you decide if it’s worth it for you. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Is the London Eye Worth It?

What is the London Eye?

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the banks of the River Thames in London, standing 135 metres (443 ft) tall.

After its launch in 2000, it quickly became one of London’s most popular tourist attractions with more than 3 million visitors per year.

Its claim to fame is the stunning views it offers across the city, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and beyond.

With 32 sealed passenger capsules each capable of carrying up to 25 people, visitors can experience breathtaking panoramic views while enjoying a 30-minute unforgettable ride in London.

London Eye FAQ

How Much is the London Eye?

What you pay for the London Eye will depend on a few factors.

A Standard Ticket for the London Eye starts from £32.50 and children under 2 can visit for free. The Fast-Track Ticket offering instant access to the Eye is from £46.

Tickets can get more expensive according to peak and off-peak times and are always cheaper if you book online and in advance. Check London Eye prices and availability.

There are also discounts available if you plan to visit other attractions in the area, so if you’re looking to catch a few London tourist attractions in one go be sure to have a look at the tours below:

Best Way to Get to The London Eye

The best way to get to the London Eye is by public transport. The nearest tube station is Waterloo, which is a short walk away – just 5 minutes!

You can also take a bus, with various routes running along the river right up to County Hall, right next to the London Eye.

To find the best route for you, be sure to download Citymapper before your London trip.

P.S – If you want to see Big Ben/Houses of Parliament before your London Eye ride I suggest going to Westminster station instead of Waterloo! It’s about a 10-minute walk away.

Read More: How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide

Best Time to Go to The London Eye

In my opinion, the best time to go to the London Eye (whether you have a Fast-Track ticket or not) is 20-30 minutes before opening time on a weekday.

This will allow you to avoid *most* of the long queues that come with this famous London attraction and be the first to take in the London Eye views.

Plus, if you’re exploring London for the day it’s always best to get the most touristy things out the way first during your trip.

The only exception to this would be if you want to see sunset on the London Eye. In which case make you use Sunset Times UK to time it right!

Should I Get a Fast-Track Ticket for The London Eye?

To save even more time I suggest skipping the Standard Ticket and going for the London Eye’s Fast-Track Ticket.

Now when it comes to ‘Is the London Eye Fast-Track Ticket worth it?’ the answer is inevitably yes.

The Fast-Track ticket allows visitors to skip the regular queue and enjoy priority boarding to their London Eye trip.

This means that you can get onto the Eye much quicker than those waiting in line — ideal if you are short on time, want to experience a less crowded cabin, or simply don’t want to spend your incredible time in London waiting in a queue.

My Experience on The London Eye

Now of course, I couldn’t tell you if the London Eye was worth it without trying it myself.

I booked Fast-Track tickets to the Eye last year and honestly had a great experience.

I went on a weekday morning and my capsule wasn’t too crowded which allowed me to get some good photo ops.

I also felt like unlike many Ferris wheel rides — the experience wasn’t rushed.

30 minutes was a great amount of time to take in the views, get a great photo, and really take in London from above.

P.S – Famous Landmarks You’ll See On The London Eye (when the weather is good):

Houses of Parliament/Big Ben

Westminster Abbey

The Shard

River Thames

Buckingham Palace

The Tower of London

Tower Bridge

Other Ways to See The London Eye

If you’re afraid of heights or simply not looking to pay for tickets to the observation wheel, there’s still plenty of ways to take in the London Eye’s impressive views:

Wander along South Bank – One of the best ways to experience the London Eye is to wander leisurely along South Bank near Waterloo Bridge. From this location, you can get an uninterrupted view of the Eye as well as other amazing sights such as St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard.

Read More: South Bank Walk

Take a river cruise – Enjoy incredible views of London from aboard one of many river cruises that offer fantastic perspectives on some of London’s top attractions. While the boat is cruising along the Thames, you’ll be able to get amazing views of not only the London Eye, but also towers such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge.

Head to Primrose Hill – If you’re up for a bit of a hike, take an afternoon walk to Primrose Hill and enjoy stunning views of the London skyline with the Eye in clear view.

Hop on a bus – For an easy way to observe some of London’s most famous sights, there’s plenty of sightseeing and free buses that pass the London Eye and more iconic attractions.

Read More: The Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing in London (for £1.65!)

Visit St James’s Park – Just a stone’s throw from the London Eye you’ll find St James’s Park, offering unrivaled views of the attraction on the Blue Bridge (P.S – It’s also a great place for a picnic!)

Which is Better? The London Eye or The Shard?

If you’re thinking about going on the London Eye, you may also be wondering if you should visit The Shard…and which is worth your time and money.

The London Eye and The Shard are two of London’s most iconic attractions. Both offering incredible views of the city skyline.

So, which one should you choose? Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference — both attractions offer unique experiences and have something special to offer visitors.

While the London Eye is perfect for those who want to take in the great sights of the city, The Shard is ideal for those who prefer a modern experience with unparalleled views. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience!

The Final Verdict: Is the London Eye Worth It?

So, the final verdict. IS the London Eye worth it? And the answer is…

Yes, the London Eye is worth it.

Although it’s not an experience I think you need to do more than once, it is an incredible way to see London from a new perspective and tick something special off your bucket list.

See you on the Eye!

Book Your London Eye Ticket