Houses of Parliament
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Palace of Westminster

4.6
·5k reviews·, United Kingdom

Iconic Neo-Gothic seat of UK government, offering historical tours and stunning architecture. A must-see London landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Houses of Parliament

Palace of Westminster

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Neo-Gothic seat of UK government, offering historical tours and stunning architecture. A must-see London landmark.

4.6
(5k reviews)

"A Neo-Gothic masterpiece and the heart of British democracy, offering unforgettable tours and views."

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TIP

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot for Palace of Westminster tours online. Dates can be limited, so book early!

🚶 Walk the Westminster Area

See Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey on foot. It's a compact and walkable area.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palace of Westminster Exterior

Palace of Westminster Exterior

Westminster, London

Admire the iconic Neo-Gothic architecture, home to the UK's government. A must-see landmark!

Westminster Hall

Westminster Hall

Inside the Palace of Westminster

Step into this historic hall, a stunning example of medieval architecture. Free to enter with security checks.

Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Palace of Westminster

Explore the Houses of Parliament with knowledgeable guides. Offers insights into British politics and history.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Palace Tours

Palace of Westminster tours are popular and require advance booking via their website. Dates can be limited, so plan your visit early, especially for specific dates like April. Consider a guided tour for a richer experience. TikTokReddit

Timing is Key for Crowds

To avoid peak crowds, try arriving slightly after your scheduled ticket time for tours. For general sightseeing around Westminster, visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can offer a more relaxed experience. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Saturdays & Summer
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇬🇧FREE London walking itinerary in UNDER 2 hours! save for your future trip to London! this is perfect for those short on time or just wanna know the best way to see the most iconic spots in Westmins...
@shelbyreickstravels
95.3K likes • 1M views

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot for Palace of Westminster tours online. Dates can be limited, so book early! TikTokReddit

🚶 Walk the Westminster Area

See Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey on foot. It's a compact and walkable area. Reddit

My top tips for traveling to London this summer #travel #traveltips #london #england #Lifestyle #tips #londontips
@claireliseg
19.8K likes • 581.2K views
Come and visit Speaker’s House…    This is the part of the Palace of Westminster where @commons_speaker conducts official business.    📚 Discover the history and traditions of the role of the Speaker  🎨 Learn about the artworks and heritage  🌍 Explore the variety of work undertaken by the Speaker   Link in our bio to book now👆
ukparliament
4.6K likes • 118.9K views

💰 2x1 Ticket Deals

Use train tickets from the airport to the city for 2x1 discounts on attractions like the London Eye. TikTok

💡 Free Viewing Gallery

Watch debates in Parliament for free from the public viewing gallery without booking. Reddit

Have you visited @ukparliament? #westminsterhall #lookuplondon #londonhistory #ukparliament #houseofparliament #palaceofwestminster #historiclondon #discoverlondon #visitparliament #londonguide #londontourguide #londonwalks #thingstodoinlondon #londonhistoricguide #londonexpert
look_uplondon
9.4K likes • 239.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot for Palace of Westminster tours online. Dates can be limited, so book early! TikTokReddit

🚶 Walk the Westminster Area

See Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey on foot. It's a compact and walkable area. Reddit

💰 2x1 Ticket Deals

Use train tickets from the airport to the city for 2x1 discounts on attractions like the London Eye. TikTok

💡 Free Viewing Gallery

Watch debates in Parliament for free from the public viewing gallery without booking. Reddit

🎒 Pack Light for Security

Minimize your belongings for quicker security checks when entering Westminster Hall. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Palace of Westminster's stunning architecture and historical significance. The guided tours are highly recommended for their insightful commentary on British politics. However, some find the booking process for tours can be restrictive, and the sheer volume of tourists can sometimes detract from the experience.

"Usually we had an outside perspective of the Houses of Parliament, but this time we went inside for a charity event. What a stunning structure. It's unfortunate that taking pictures is prohibited throughout, but there are plenty of sights to see and spots to sit and enjoy the show. The sculptures of former prime ministers were appealing to me. The rigorous entry security was well-planned. We had a great day and will definitely suggest it to others."

Babji Vundavilli

"Often viewed the Houses of Parliament from outside but this time we went inside. What a beautiful building. Pity it's not allowed to take photos throughout but lots to see and places to sit to take in the spectacle. I liked the statues of former prime ministers. The least impressive area was the House of Commons but glad to have seen it as it's so often on the news!
I was impressed by the cafe as the prices were fair, on a par if not less than a service station so for central London this was good.
The strict security for entry was well organised and as I walk with a stick I was offered fast track, so no waiting in the queue for 15 minutes. Very grateful for that.
Toilets adequate and clean.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will recommend to others."

Sylvia Wall

"Audio tour is great, especially if you listen to all the extra commentary. Pictures allowed in the Banqueting Hall and at the beginning/end of the tour. However, no pictures are allowed in any of the Parliament rooms or corridors."

Shawn D

What People Like

Impressive Neo-Gothic architecture
Insightful guided tours
Historic Westminster Hall

What People Dislike

Limited tour dates
Crowded during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Palace of Westminster is easily accessible via the London Underground. The nearest station is Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines). Several bus routes also stop nearby. Walking is a great option if you're exploring other Westminster landmarks like Buckingham Palace. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Westminster area is very walkable. You can see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey within a short distance of each other. Many visitors enjoy walking between these iconic sites. Reddit

While public transport itself isn't free, you can leverage train tickets from the airport to central London to get 2x1 discounts on major attractions, including those near Westminster. TikTok

For a comprehensive experience, consider a guided walking tour that covers Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Alternatively, walking between them allows you to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. TikTokReddit

Yes, hop-on-hop-off buses do service the Westminster area, but for experiencing the landmarks up close, walking is often recommended by travelers for a more immersive visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for tours of the Palace of Westminster must be booked in advance through their official website: parliament.uk/visiting. Dates can be limited, so it's advisable to book as early as possible. TikTokReddit

Yes, Westminster Hall is generally free to enter as part of the public areas of Parliament. Be prepared for security checks, and it's recommended to bring minimal items to speed up the process. Reddit

UK citizens can potentially get free tickets by applying through their local MP. This process requires submitting your details for security clearance. Reddit

Tour availability can vary, with guided tours often offered on Saturdays and during the summer months. It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and booking information. TikTok

If you have an interest in government, politics, or British history, a tour is highly recommended, especially when Parliament is sitting. Alternatively, you can visit the public viewing gallery for free to watch debates. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you can explore Westminster Hall, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords. Guided tours offer in-depth insights into the workings of the UK Parliament and its rich history. TikTokReddit

To see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey from the outside, you can allocate about 15 minutes. A guided tour of the Palace of Westminster will take longer, typically around 1-1.5 hours. Reddit

Yes, there is a Big Ben tour, but it requires a good level of fitness due to the many stairs involved. Check the official website for availability and booking details. Reddit

Arriving slightly after your scheduled ticket time for tours can help reduce immediate crowds. For general sightseeing, visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is advisable. TikTok

Photography rules can vary, especially during tours. It's best to check the specific guidelines provided by your tour operator or on the official Parliament website. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic photo spots include Westminster Bridge for a classic view of Parliament and Big Ben, Parliament Square, and the South Bank of the River Thames. TikTok

Yes, Big Ben (officially the Elizabeth Tower) is a popular subject for photos. You can capture it from various angles around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. TikTok

While exterior photography is generally unrestricted, interior photography rules can vary, especially during tours. Always check for signage or ask staff for clarification. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the Palace of Westminster. Evening shots with the buildings illuminated are also stunning. Instagram

Drone usage is generally prohibited in central London, especially around sensitive government buildings like the Palace of Westminster, due to security regulations. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Palace of Westminster can make it an engaging experience by focusing on the visual spectacle and historical stories. While a full tour might be long for very young children, exploring the exterior and Westminster Hall can be captivating. The sheer size of the buildings and the iconic Big Ben often capture children's imaginations. TikTok

Consider a shorter, more focused visit or opt for the free viewing gallery to watch Parliament in session, which can be more interactive for kids. Many families find that combining a visit to Parliament with a ride on the nearby London Eye offers a great mix of history and fun. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Palace of Westminster offers several cost-effective ways to experience its grandeur. Admiring the stunning Neo-Gothic architecture from the outside, from Parliament Square or Westminster Bridge, is completely free and offers fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok Westminster Hall is also free to enter, though you'll need to pass through security. Reddit

Furthermore, you can visit the public viewing gallery in the Houses of Parliament for free to observe debates, providing a unique insight into British politics without the cost of a guided tour. Reddit Keep an eye out for 2x1 ticket offers on attractions near Westminster, often available with train tickets, which can save money on other paid experiences in the area. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a breathtaking example of Neo-Gothic architecture and the heart of the UK's government. Visitors can explore its historic halls, including the magnificent Westminster Hall, which dates back to 1097 and has witnessed centuries of British history. Guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, providing context on parliamentary procedures and the building's rich past. TikTok+1

Booking tours in advance is crucial, as dates can be limited. The official website, parliament.uk/visiting, is the primary source for scheduling and ticket information. For those interested in the iconic clock tower, a Big Ben tour is available, though it requires good physical fitness due to the numerous stairs. Reddit

Beyond the tours, simply admiring the exterior from Parliament Square or Westminster Bridge is a rewarding experience. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the architecture are impressive, making it a prime spot for photography, especially during the golden hours or when illuminated at night. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Westminster and Big Ben

The Westminster area, encompassing the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), is a hub of iconic London landmarks. Many visitors find that these key sites are conveniently located close to each other, making them ideal for exploring on foot. A popular route involves starting at Buckingham Palace, walking through Green Park, and then heading towards Westminster. Reddit

From Westminster Bridge, you get a classic view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, perfect for photos. Travelers often recommend arriving slightly after your scheduled tour time to avoid the initial rush of crowds. TikTok For those on a tighter schedule, seeing the exterior of the Abbey and Parliament can be done in about 15 minutes, allowing time for other attractions. Reddit

Consider leveraging the 2x1 ticket deals often available with train tickets from the airport to central London. These discounts can significantly reduce the cost of visiting nearby attractions like the London Eye, making your exploration of Westminster more budget-friendly. TikTok

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