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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Palace of Westminster
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Neo-Gothic seat of UK government, offering historical tours and stunning architecture. A must-see London landmark.
"A Neo-Gothic masterpiece and the heart of British democracy, offering unforgettable tours and views."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Palace of Westminster
Explore the Houses of Parliament with knowledgeable guides. Offers insights into British politics and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Palace Tours
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
💰 2x1 Ticket Deals
Use train tickets from the airport to the city for 2x1 discounts on attractions like the London Eye.
💡 Free Viewing Gallery
Watch debates in Parliament for free from the public viewing gallery without booking.
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!
🚶 Walk the Westminster Area
See Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey on foot. It's a compact and walkable area.
💰 2x1 Ticket Deals
Use train tickets from the airport to the city for 2x1 discounts on attractions like the London Eye.
💡 Free Viewing Gallery
Watch debates in Parliament for free from the public viewing gallery without booking.
🎒 Pack Light for Security
Minimize your belongings for quicker security checks when entering Westminster Hall.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
UK citizens can potentially get free tickets by applying through their local MP. This process requires submitting your details for security clearance.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
While exterior photography is generally unrestricted, interior photography rules can vary, especially during tours. Always check for signage or ask staff for clarification.
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.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in central London, especially around sensitive government buildings like the Palace of Westminster, due to security regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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. 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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Palace of Westminster
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.
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.
Navigating Westminster and Big Ben
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. 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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit