When you visit London Eye, you're stepping onto what was once called the Millennium Wheel, a towering observation wheel that's become one of London's most recognizable landmarks. Standing 135 metres tall on the South Bank of the Thames, it holds the distinction of being the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel – essentially meaning the entire structure is supported by an A-frame on just one side.

The wheel opened in March 2000 after costing £70 million to build. Architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, along with their team, created something that manages to feel both futuristic and timeless. The 32 air-conditioned capsules can each hold about 25 people, and the rotation is so slow – just 26 centimeters per second – that boarding doesn't require stopping the wheel. You simply walk on as it creeps along.

What strikes you most is the pace. A full rotation takes 30 minutes, which initially seems leisurely until you realize how much there is to absorb. The capsules are spacious enough to walk around in, though there are benches if you prefer to sit and watch London unfold below. The views stretch in every direction: Big Ben and Parliament to the northeast, the sprawling cityscape extending toward Canary Wharf, and the Thames snaking through it all.

The location between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge puts you right in the heart of things. Before your ride, you're already seeing iconic sights just getting there. The wheel sits where the Dome of Discovery once stood during the 1951 Festival of Britain, adding another layer to this spot's connection with London's moments of celebration and renewal.

More than three million people ride it annually, making it the UK's most popular paid tourist attraction. That popularity means booking ahead is wise, especially since it closes periodically for maintenance. The standard experience gives you those 360-degree views, but they also offer champagne experiences and afternoon tea options for those wanting something more elaborate.

Discover all the secrets of the London Eye with our complete London audio guide to understand the engineering marvel and historical context behind this modern icon.

Whether you catch it during daylight to see the city sprawl clearly, or in the evening when London's lights begin to twinkle, the London Eye offers a perspective on this ancient city that simply didn't exist before the year 2000.