Parliament Square London
The heart of British politics and history, featuring iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The heart of British politics and history, featuring iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
"A must-see London icon, offering stunning architecture and a deep dive into British history."
🚶 Walk Between Landmarks
Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey are close. Walking is the best way to see them all!
🎟️ Book Parliament Tours Early
Guided tours offer deep insights but sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Houses of Parliament
Westminster
Iconic Gothic architecture housing the UK's government. A symbol of London's history and power.

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)
Westminster
The world-famous clock tower, a beloved London landmark. Listen for its distinctive chime.

Parliament Square Statues
Parliament Square
Admire statues of influential figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

Westminster Abbey
Adjacent to Parliament Square
Historic coronation church and burial site of monarchs and notable figures.
Planning Your Visit
Book Parliament Tours in Advance
Best Views of Big Ben
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk Between Landmarks
Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey are close. Walking is the best way to see them all!
🎟️ Book Parliament Tours Early
Guided tours offer deep insights but sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
📸 Red Telephone Box Photos
Find iconic red phone boxes on the corner of Parliament Square for classic London shots.
📱 Contactless Payment for Transport
Use your contactless card or mobile pay for London transport; no Oyster card needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk Between Landmarks
Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey are close. Walking is the best way to see them all!
🎟️ Book Parliament Tours Early
Guided tours offer deep insights but sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
📸 Red Telephone Box Photos
Find iconic red phone boxes on the corner of Parliament Square for classic London shots.
📱 Contactless Payment for Transport
Use your contactless card or mobile pay for London transport; no Oyster card needed.
👀 Free Viewing Gallery
Can't get a tour? Watch debates from the public viewing gallery for free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the iconic status and historical significance of Parliament Square, highlighting the impressive architecture of the Houses of Parliament and the unmistakable presence of Big Ben. The accessibility of these landmarks and the surrounding area for photography and exploration is a major draw. However, some find the area can be overwhelmingly crowded, and tours, while informative, require advance booking and can be pricey.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Parliament Square is via the London Underground. Westminster Station (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines) is directly opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Many visitors also find it easy to walk from nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace through Green Park.Yes, numerous bus routes stop near Parliament Square, including routes 12, 148, 159, 24, 26, 3, 53, 77, 88, 11, 148, 211, 24, 26, 3, 53, 77, 88, 148, 159, 211, 24, 26, 3, 53, 77, 88, 148, 159, 211. Check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date route information.
Driving in central London is generally not recommended due to congestion charges, traffic, and limited parking. It's far more efficient to use public transport.
Limited public parking is available, but it is expensive and often full. It's best to avoid driving if possible.
Parliament Square is centrally located. Buckingham Palace is a pleasant walk through Green Park (approx. 15-20 minutes), and the London Eye is just across Westminster Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parliament Square itself is a public space and free to enter. However, if you wish to tour the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Abbey, separate tickets and booking are required.
Tours of the Houses of Parliament can be booked online through the official UK Parliament website. It's highly recommended to book in advance as tours are popular and slots fill up quickly.
While tours of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) are sometimes available and require booking, you can see the iconic clock tower from Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge.
Yes, Westminster Abbey has an admission fee for visitors. It's advisable to book tickets online in advance to save time.
Yes, you can watch debates from the public viewing gallery in the House of Commons or House of Lords for free, without prior booking. Check the parliamentary schedule for sitting times.
📸 📸 Photography
Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge offer classic viewpoints. For a unique angle, try the corner with the red telephone boxes on Parliament Square.
The Golden Jubilee Bridge also provides a nice panorama with the London Eye.Photography and videography are generally not permitted inside the Houses of Parliament during tours, except in designated areas. Always check the specific rules during your tour.
Photography is generally allowed in Parliament Square for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits.
Early mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light. Late afternoons provide a beautiful golden hour glow. Evenings are also stunning when the buildings are illuminated.
The exterior of Westminster Abbey is very photogenic. You can capture it from Parliament Square or the surrounding streets.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
To see the exterior of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, you can get a good overview in about 15-30 minutes.
If you plan to take a tour of Parliament or visit Westminster Abbey, allocate at least 1-2 hours for each.Beyond the iconic landmarks, you can explore the statues in Parliament Square, walk across Westminster Bridge for views of the London Eye, or visit the Churchill War Rooms nearby.
Yes, many companies offer guided walking tours of Westminster that cover Parliament Square, Big Ben, and other historical sites. These can provide great context and stories.
Parliament Square is a public space and is generally accessible at all times. However, specific attractions like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey have their own operating hours.
Parliament Square can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season and at popular times of the day. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a guided walking tour that is family-friendly, as these often include engaging stories and historical tidbits that can capture children's attention. While tours of Parliament might be less engaging for very young children, the exterior views and the surrounding open space of Parliament Square offer plenty to explore. Remember to use contactless payment for easy travel on public transport.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilize London's efficient public transport by using your contactless card or mobile pay for the cheapest fares. Walking between nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye is also a great way to save money and see more of the city.
🏛️ History Buffs
Consider visiting the nearby Churchill War Rooms for an immersive experience into World War II history. Understanding the historical significance of this area will greatly enhance your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Parliament Tours
It's crucial to book your tickets well in advance via the official UK Parliament website. Availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons or when Parliament is in session. If you're interested in politics or British history, these tours are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of this significant landmark.
For those on a tighter schedule or budget, consider visiting the public viewing gallery to watch a debate. This offers a unique experience without the need for a pre-booked tour and is free of charge.
Capturing Iconic London Views
For a more unique perspective, seek out the row of traditional red telephone boxes located on a corner of Parliament Square. These offer a quintessential London backdrop for your photos. If you're looking for a wider panorama that includes the London Eye, the Golden Jubilee Bridge provides an excellent viewpoint.
Consider the time of day for your photography. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide a warm, golden glow. Evenings are also spectacular as the buildings are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Navigating London Transport
A key tip for visitors is that you can use your contactless credit or debit card, or mobile payment (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) to tap in and out of the transport system. This eliminates the need to purchase an Oyster card, simplifying your travel experience and often proving more cost-effective.
Numerous bus routes also serve the Parliament Square area, providing an alternative way to travel and offering views of the city as you go. Check the Transport for London (TfL) website or app for the most current route information and journey planners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit