Luggage storage near the London Eye

Officially opened on New Year’s Eve 1999, the London Eye is also known as the Millennium Wheel. Within a few years, the London Eye quickly became an iconic and much-loved symbol of London City and, with three million annual visitors, is now the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Indeed, originally the plan was to remove it after five years, but it proved far too popular and has remained. Hop on one of the 32 large “pods”, each representing one of London’s boroughs, on this 135m high Ferris wheel (the largest in the world at the time of its construction), and you’ll enjoy an amazing panoramic view of London’s skyline!

Funnily enough, the pods are numbered 1-33 - you won’t find a pod number 13, to avoid bad luck! Eight hundred people can fit on the London Eye at any time, but due to its popularity it is usually full up; buying tickets in advance is recommended. Easily accessible by public transport, the London Eye is situated in the heart of London on the bank of the Thames river, close to some of London’s major tourist attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. All these, and more, such as Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, can be seen in a unique way from above during the half-hour ride on the London Eye.

Due to its central location, many of London’s most iconic landmarks are within walking distance of the London Eye. The historic Houses of Parliament, and its celebrated clock tower, commonly known as Big Ben, are must-sees for any tourist visiting London. The ancient Westminster Abbey, dating back to the 11th century and the site of state coronations, royal weddings, and funerals, and the burial place of some of the most important Britons in the country’s history, is also something not to be missed. The grand, imposing Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s column in its centre, serve as a symbol of London’s power and prestige and also houses the National Gallery, which boasts one of the most impressive art collections in the world. Imposing, too, is the world-famous Buckingham Palace, home of the royal family and a symbol of everything British, located just over a mile walk away from the London Eye. Fans of theatre should not miss a chance to watch a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the original building where the famous playwright’s plays would be performed. From the live music to the lack of artificial lighting, everything there is how it would have been over four hundred years ago in Shakespeare’s time. Finally, the architectural masterpiece that is St. Paul’s Cathedral (mind-bogglingly large, which photos can not do justice to) is one of the finest examples of British architecture and has been an iconic symbol of London since its construction over 300 years ago.