When you think of London, one image always comes up—the Westminster clock tower, the iconic bell tower housing the Great Bell known as Big Ben, standing at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster. Also known as Big Ben, it’s not just a timepiece—it’s the heartbeat of British democracy and one of the most photographed structures in the world. People often mix up the names: Big Ben is the bell, the tower is the Elizabeth Tower, but everyone still calls it the Westminster clock tower. And that’s okay—because this isn’t just architecture. It’s history, sound, and identity rolled into one.
The Houses of Parliament, the seat of the UK government, where laws are debated and passed. Also known as Palace of Westminster, it’s the political soul of the country sits right beneath it. The tower doesn’t just tell time—it marks the rhythm of national life. When Parliament is in session, the lights above the tower glow. When a major vote happens, the chimes echo across the Thames. It’s been there through wars, royal events, and protests. It survived bombing in World War II. It’s been silent for years during repairs, and when it rang again, the city held its breath. That’s how much this tower means.
And it’s not just tourists who care. Locals check the time by its chimes. Commuters time their walks to the next train by its rhythm. Musicians sample its bell tones. Artists paint it from every angle. It’s tied to the London landmarks, the defining structures that shape how people experience the city. Also known as London attractions, these are the places that make London recognizable everywhere—like St. Paul’s, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. But the Westminster clock tower? It’s the only one that chimes on the hour, every hour, without asking for tickets.
What you’ll find in these posts isn’t just a list of sights. It’s the real stories behind the places Londoners live with every day. From the quiet moments at sunrise near the tower to the late-night buzz of nearby pubs after Parliament closes, this collection shows how a single structure can shape nightlife, culture, and even romance. You’ll read about the best spots to see it, the hidden history no guidebook mentions, and why, even after 170 years, it still stops people in their tracks.
Explore London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, and discover its history, cultural significance, and the best ways to experience it-from free viewpoints to the sound of its chimes echoing through the city.