Westminster
Big Ben
London's clock tower, front and centre
Photo by Marcin Nowak on Unsplash
- Nearest Station
- WestminsterAbout 2 min walk
- Best Time
- Sunrise / Blue Hour / NightThe bridge area is packed during the day, so aim for early morning or the blue hour just after the lights come on.
Best Shot
Great for vertical · 9:16Suggested composition at Big Ben
- Where to stand
- The pavement on the south side of Westminster Bridge (South Bank end), or the pavement on the Parliament Square side
- Composition
- Place your subject in the lower third and the clock tower diagonally behind them. Catch a red bus passing through and the shot instantly feels like London.
Tips
- A slow shutter blurs passing buses for a cinematic look
- After rain, use the reflections on the wet road
- The pavement is narrow — shoot from a spot that doesn't block pedestrians
Overview
Big Ben is the clock tower everyone pictures when they think of London — an essential shot for a travel vlog opener or that “just arrived in London” moment. Frame it with the Houses of Parliament and a single image tells viewers exactly where you are.
- Gothic clock tower and the Houses of Parliament
- Easy to frame with red double-decker buses
- Takes on a completely different mood when lit up at night
Creator Information
- Area
- Westminster
- Nearest Station
- WestminsterJubilee · District · Circle
- Walking Time
- About 2 min walk
- Best For
- Instagram / YouTube / Travel / Cinematic
- Best Time
- Sunrise / Blue Hour / NightThe bridge area is packed during the day, so aim for early morning or the blue hour just after the lights come on.
- Indoor / Outdoor
- Outdoor
- Free / Paid
- FreeExterior photography is free. Interior tours are paid and must be booked
- Rain Friendly
- Partly covered
- Filming Permission
- Check before shootingThe area borders managed spaces such as Parliament Square, so tripods and commercial filming may require permission. Security staff may also ask you to stop filming.Read the filming permission guide
Nearest stations, prices, opening hours and filming rules may change. This information is currently being verified. Please check official sources before you go.
Within walking distance
Nearby Creator Spots
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South Bank
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About 7 min walk from here
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Westminster
St James's Park
About 11 min walk from here
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