London Eye: Everything you need to know BEFORE visiting

Along with Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is an iconic landmark on London's South Bank of the River Thames. Standing at 135 meters (443 feet), it is one of the world's largest observation wheels. Offering incredible panoramic views of London, a ride on the London Eye is on the bucket list for many who visit London and does feel like a unique, must-do experience.

The wheel consists of 32 state-of-the-art glass capsules, each accommodating 25 passengers. Since its opening in 2000 to commemorate the new millennium. Like Las Vegas's strip, the London Eye has become a city skyline symbol. This unmissable, iconic structure attracts millions of visitors from around the globe every year.

This is a short little guide on the London Eye, explaining some practical information, things to check out nearby, and other good-to-know things to remember before your visit. Enjoy!

Practical Info

If you plan to visit the London Eye, here are some practical details you should remember. First things first, let's talk about the opening hours. The London Eye is typically open from 11 am - to 6 pm every day of the week, but it's always a good idea to double-check their official website or call them beforehand to confirm the timings. Now, getting there is relatively easy.

The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames, near Westminster Bridge, walking from many of the city’s most notable sites.

If you're using public transportation, you can take the tube and get off at Waterloo station, a railway station just around a seven-minute walk away, and on the Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines.

As for ticket prices, they vary depending on the type of experience you want. A standard adult ticket usually costs around £30 when you book in advance online, but they also offer fast-track tickets and combo packages with other attractions. Also, remember that the ride lasts about half an hour, so you have plenty of time to plan other activities before or after your experience!

We recommend booking tickets online to avoid long queues and secure your preferred time slot. Oh, and one more thing, don't forget to bring your camera along because the views from the top are stunning! Enjoy your visit to the London Eye!

Top 5 things to do nearby

The London Eye is ideally located at the heart of London, where many tourist attractions are nearby. The London Eye only takes half an hour for a full rotation, so if you spend the day around here, you have time to do many other things. Here are some ideas for activities nearby:

a UNESCO World Heritage site and the coronation church of British monarchs. Explore its stunning Gothic architecture, royal tombs, and intricate stained glass windows, immersing yourself in centuries of history.

Marvel at the grandeur of Westminster Abbey

Take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster. Discover the iconic Big Ben clock tower, learn about the inner workings of British democracy, and admire the ornate Gothic Revival style of the historic building.

Check out the South Bank

Enjoy a walk along the South Bank promenade, soaking in the panoramic views of the River Thames and iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Stop by street performers, browse local art stalls, and savor delicious street food. There’s often a youthful, lively buzz here, and it’s a great place to hang out and take it all in.

Thames River Cruise

Embark on a fascinating river cruise along the Thames, departing from the London Eye Pier. Sail past renowned landmarks, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, while a knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories about the city's rich history. We advise doing this on a nice, sunny day!

Visit Churchill’s War Rooms

Immerse yourself in history at the Churchill War Rooms, just a short walk away. Step into the underground bunker that served as Winston Churchill's command center during World War II and learn about the pivotal moments that shaped British history. A must for any history buff!

Where to Store Bags near the London Eye

Another bit of important information- luggage storage! At the ticket office of the London Eye, there is a service available for storing bags, as it is not allowed to bring large bags and suitcases onto the Ferris Wheel. The cost for using this service is £5 per item, but you have to retrieve the stored items before 7 pm.

If the items are not collected by then, an overnight storage fee of £25 will be charged. Items such as baby buggies, tripods, motorcycle helmets, skateboards, roller skates, luggage, and large bags cannot be taken with you.

However, baby buggies can be left at the ticket office free of charge. If the left luggage service at the London Eye doesn't meet your needs, don't worry! Sometimes, you need to store bags overnight, or the London Eye ticket office space may not be big enough for your belongings. However, plenty of other luggage storage services are available throughout London, including Nannybag, Bounce, Stasher, and LuggageHero.

These all essentially work the same way. They have partner locations all around London, like shops and restaurants, where travelers can book to store luggage. Simply open their app or website, enter your location (in this case, the London Eye), and you will be presented with a list of nearby storage spots. Choose one, select a drop-off time, and store your bags!

However, we highly recommend Nannybag luggage storage in London for a budget-friendly and secure option. They offer a flat rate of €6 per item per day with no hidden expenses, as with other services. Nannybag allows you to store your luggage at a nearby partner location and provides up to €1000 in financial protection. The reservation process is simple: all partner locations are verified and safe, and Nannybag has received fantastic feedback from happy travelers.

Good to know: lesser-known facts about the London Eye

While the London Eye is one of London's most visited and iconic attractions, many are unaware of some good things to know while visiting. Firstly, on a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the top of the London Eye, offering breathtaking panoramic views that stretch as far as Windsor Castle. So, don’t just look for stuff nearby; if you bring your binoculars, you can see some far-off stuff.

Also, even if you’re scared of heights, you don’t need to worry about adverse weather! To ensure a smooth and stable experience, the London Eye's design incorporates a hydraulic system that continuously adjusts the position of the capsules as the wheel rotates, compensating for wind and temperature changes.

You should also know that you can bring a big group! The London Eye has 32 capsules, representing the 32 boroughs of London. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people (so 800 people can be on board at any time) and is equipped with air conditioning, benches, and interactive screens providing information about the landmarks. You’ll be comfortable on board while having the opportunity to learn loads!