
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.

🚶 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.

Quick Facts
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit