The London Eye in London: Opening Hours, Tickets, and How to Get There

Since 2000, the skyline of London has been marked by a gigantic wheel standing 135 meters high on the southern bank of the Thames. This is the London Eye, the great eye that dominates the city skyline while allowing you to see the entire city from above. The structure, a unique piece of engineering and design, was built between 1991 and 1998 to celebrate the new millennium - hence the name Millennium Wheel; its shape, resembling a giant bicycle wheel (424 m in circumference), represents the turn of the century.

According to the plans, the London Eye was supposed to be a temporary attraction, but its success was so great that it quickly became not only one of the most popular sites in the city but also a landmark, one of its most recognizable symbols. The London Eye is particularly breathtaking at night when the lights illuminating it reflect on the Thames, providing a magnificent view. Its fame also arises from being the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe and the third tallest in the world. In 2007, it earned the title of the best European tourist attraction. Moreover, since 2005, the London Eye has become one of the main venues for New Year's celebrations: thousands of people wait for midnight to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display provided by the wheel, painting the London sky with a thousand colors for 10 minutes.

Every year, 3.5 million people board the 32 capsules (the same number as London's boroughs) attached to the outer circumference of the wheel to take a "flight" and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, which on clear days extends 40 km in every direction.

The wheel completes its rotation in 30 minutes, allowing passengers in the glass pods ample time to admire the landscape below: the river, the Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, and much more.

The London Eye is always in motion, but its rotation is so slow that passengers can board and disembark without problems. Naturally, for the safe boarding and disembarking of less mobile individuals, the wheel is slowed down or stopped. A ride on the wheel is certainly a nice way to visit the city, but to avoid long lines (the London Eye has become the most popular paid attraction in the UK in just ten years) and take advantage of a 15% discount, it is advisable to book tickets online (check the website www.londoneye.com).

A ride on the London Eye can truly become a unique experience. Besides the "standard flights," it's possible to enjoy special flights. You can, for instance, book a capsule and, together with your loved one, admire London from above while sipping champagne or enjoy a selection of excellent quality wines paired with canapés and finger foods, or participate in a chocolate tasting lesson. For those who spare no expense, it's even possible to use the oval capsules as quirky venues for birthdays, corporate events, anniversaries, and to celebrate weddings with an officiant, guests, and flowers.

Address: on the south bank of the Thames, right across from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. How to get there:

Subway - Waterloo (Waterloo & City line, Bakerloo Line, Jubilee Line, Northern Line), Embankment (Northern Line, District Line, Circle Line, Bakerloo Line), Charing Cross (Northern Line and Bakerloo Line), Westminster (Circle Line, District Line, and Bakerloo Line). Bus - 211, 77, and 381. Opening hours: every day from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Closed: December 25; from January 11 to 22 for annual maintenance. Full ticket: it is recommended to buy the ticket online to save 15%. Standard ticket: Adults $19.97; Children (ages 4 to 15) $14.87; Children (ages 0 to 4) free; Family (2 adults + 2 children) $69.70; Seniors $17.85.