Parliament Square, London - Caption reads, "[Big Ben, London, in background. Recovering U.S. Soldiers taken to see sights around London]." Original glass plate by the American Red Cross. Taken c.1918, London, United Kingdom (@libraryofcongress). Remastered by Jordan J. Lloyd (@unseenhistories). Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://www.loc.gov/item/2017666952/ – See a colorized version of this photograph on Unseen Histories at https://www.unseenhistories.com/parliament-square-1918
1 / 10

Parliament Square London

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Parliament Square, London - Caption reads, "[Big Ben, London, in background. Recovering U.S. Soldiers taken to see sights around London]." Original glass plate by the American Red Cross. Taken c.1918, London, United Kingdom (@libraryofcongress). Remastered by Jordan J. Lloyd (@unseenhistories). Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://www.loc.gov/item/2017666952/ – See a colorized version of this photograph on Unseen Histories at https://www.unseenhistories.com/parliament-square-1918

Parliament Square London

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A must-see London icon, offering stunning architecture and a deep dive into British history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

Westminster

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

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

Westminster

The world-famous clock tower, a beloved London landmark. Listen for its distinctive chime.

Parliament Square Statues

Parliament Square Statues

Parliament Square

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

Westminster Abbey

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

Parliament tours are highly recommended but fill up fast. Book your spot online well in advance, especially for specific dates. Check the official UK Parliament website for availability and booking details. Reddit

Best Views of Big Ben

While you can't always tour Big Ben, iconic photos are plentiful. Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge offer classic perspectives. For a unique shot, try the corner with red telephone boxes. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Illuminated landmarks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Hungarian Parliament is simply a must do activity! ⏳Duration: 45 minute guided tour ℹ️ Tips: Strongly recommend booking in advance as many of the slots fill up quickly. If you can, book directly t...
@zarahoneysuckleandjoe
96.4K likes • 847.2K views

🚶 Walk Between Landmarks

Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey are close. Walking is the best way to see them all! Reddit

🎟️ Book Parliament Tours Early

Guided tours offer deep insights but sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

a great way to show someone around London too! Link in bio for the full map + travel shop x #londontourist #londonwalk #londonwalks #southbank #southbanklondon #thingstodoinsummer #londonitinerary #l...
@candaceabroad
54.3K likes • 777.8K views
A good day to climb Parliament Hill and disappear into Hampstead Heath for some shade. #hampsteadheath #london #parliamenthill #nikon
alexandermilas
42 likes • 0 views

📸 Red Telephone Box Photos

Find iconic red phone boxes on the corner of Parliament Square for classic London shots. Reddit

📱 Contactless Payment for Transport

Use your contactless card or mobile pay for London transport; no Oyster card needed. TikTok

note to self: if you’re ever lost, just climb the hill and look the city in the eye.
mshihhan
42 likes • 1.1K views

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! Reddit

🎟️ Book Parliament Tours Early

Guided tours offer deep insights but sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

📸 Red Telephone Box Photos

Find iconic red phone boxes on the corner of Parliament Square for classic London shots. Reddit

📱 Contactless Payment for Transport

Use your contactless card or mobile pay for London transport; no Oyster card needed. TikTok

👀 Free Viewing Gallery

Can't get a tour? Watch debates from the public viewing gallery for free. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Iconic landmarks
Impressive architecture
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Crowded
Tour booking hassle

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. TikTok Many visitors also find it easy to walk from nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace through Green Park. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Limited public parking is available, but it is expensive and often full. It's best to avoid driving if possible. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Westminster Abbey has an admission fee for visitors. It's advisable to book tickets online in advance to save time. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge offer classic viewpoints. For a unique angle, try the corner with the red telephone boxes on Parliament Square. Reddit The Golden Jubilee Bridge also provides a nice panorama with the London Eye. Reddit

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. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in Parliament Square for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Reddit

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. TikTok

The exterior of Westminster Abbey is very photogenic. You can capture it from Parliament Square or the surrounding streets. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. Reddit If you plan to take a tour of Parliament or visit Westminster Abbey, allocate at least 1-2 hours for each. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit+1

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parliament Square offers a visually engaging experience for families. The sheer scale of the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben are impressive for all ages. TikTok Walking across Westminster Bridge provides great views and a chance to see the London Eye. Reddit

Consider a guided walking tour that is family-friendly, as these often include engaging stories and historical tidbits that can capture children's attention. TikTok 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. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

Parliament Square is a fantastic destination for budget travelers as many of its key attractions are free to view from the outside. You can admire the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey from Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge without spending a penny. Reddit Watching a parliamentary debate from the public viewing gallery is also a free and insightful experience. Reddit

Utilize London's efficient public transport by using your contactless card or mobile pay for the cheapest fares. TikTok 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. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Parliament Square is a treasure trove. Take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament to delve into centuries of British political history. Reddit Explore the statues of influential figures in Parliament Square, each with a story to tell. Reddit Don't miss Westminster Abbey, the site of coronations and royal weddings, steeped in history. Reddit

Consider visiting the nearby Churchill War Rooms for an immersive experience into World War II history. Reddit Understanding the historical significance of this area will greatly enhance your visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Parliament Tours

Visiting the Houses of Parliament offers a fascinating glimpse into the UK's political heart. Tours are typically guided and provide historical context and insights into the workings of the government. Reddit You can choose between different types of tours, including general tours and sometimes specialized tours focusing on specific aspects of the building's history or architecture. Reddit

It's crucial to book your tickets well in advance via the official UK Parliament website. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Capturing Iconic London Views

Parliament Square is a photographer's dream, offering several iconic vantage points. The most classic shots of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are from Parliament Square itself and across Westminster Bridge. Reddit These locations provide unobstructed views of the magnificent architecture.

For a more unique perspective, seek out the row of traditional red telephone boxes located on a corner of Parliament Square. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Navigating London Transport

Getting around London to Parliament Square is straightforward thanks to its excellent public transport network. The London Underground is the most efficient method. Westminster Station is directly adjacent to Parliament Square, serving the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. TikTok

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. TikTok This eliminates the need to purchase an Oyster card, simplifying your travel experience and often proving more cost-effective. TikTok

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. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2