The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

The Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, is the seat of British democracy, a magnificent neo-Gothic palace stretching along the Thames after the medieval original burned in 1834. At its northern end rises the Elizabeth Tower and its famous clock, whose great bell, Big Ben, chimes the hours across London. A UNESCO site, its riverside silhouette is one of the most recognised in the world.

What you actually see

• Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower - the famous clock tower and its great bell.
• The riverside facade - the long neo-Gothic palace along the Thames.
• A tour of Parliament - the debating chambers and Westminster Hall.
• The view from the bridge - the classic view from Westminster Bridge.

When to go

Year-round; the exterior is free to admire any time, floodlit at night. Tours of the interior run on select days, especially Saturdays and when Parliament is in recess, so book ahead for those.

Honest expectations

Touring the building requires a paid guided tour on select days, though anyone can queue to watch debates free from the public galleries when Parliament sits, so most visitors simply admire and photograph the exterior from the bridge or the far bank. The area is always busy. The tower and clock underwent a long restoration, so check it is unveiled if that is your aim.

Nearby

Westminster Abbey is next door; the London Eye is across the river, Whitehall and Downing Street a walk away.