Find a hotel close to London Eye, London

It’s one of London’s most iconic landmarks and the South Bank’s crowning jewel. Whether you plan to take a spin or want to spend time in its shadow, find out everything you need to know before visiting the London Eye.

Before you visit the London Eye, why not learn a little about the landmark observation wheel and its surrounding area?,The London Eye, formerly called the Millennium Wheel, is a slowly revolving observation wheel. Visitors can step inside spacious, sealed pods and take a 360 degree journey up to 135 metres above London. A ride around the London Eye takes 30 minutes, and tickets start at £32.50. You'll pay more if you buy when you get there, so advanced booking is recommended.

Find the London Eye towering from the South Bank – one of London's most vibrant areas famous for its arts and culture, street food markets and host of attractions. When visiting the South Bank, you can also visit the National Theatre, Tate Modern, the Royal Festival Hall and the SEA LIFE Centre. To get there, head to [Waterloo station](https://all.accor.com/gb/place/hotels waterloo ci280 v2352.shtml)on the tube or train. The underground station is on the Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines.

The London Eye is the tallest observation wheel in Europe, a title held since its construction in 1999. Architects David Marks and Julia Barfield submitted a design for their Millenium Wheel to a 1993 competition sponsored by the Sunday Times for a new landmark to mark the turn of the Millennium. No winner was chosen, but Marks and Barfield undertook the build themselves, finding the spot on the South Bank and securing funding from British Airways. The Millenium Wheel was built on its side, over the River Thames, then pulled into an upright position. It was ceremoniously opened on New Year's Eve 1999, the turn of the Millennium, as planned.

The central position of the London Eye means visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Central and Greater London. Even on cloudy days, spot nearby landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, [Big Ben](https://all.accor.com/gb/place/hotels big ben ci770 v2352.shtml), Westminster Abbey, [Buckingham Palace](https://all.accor.com/gb/place/hotels buckingham palace ci771 v2352.shtml),St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard and Tower Bridge. The River Thames stretches out below the Eye, so look for boats and spot bridges as you rotate.

There's plenty to do near the London Eye, from visiting other landmarks and attractions to shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying award winning entertainment. The area's vibrancy makes hotels near the London Eye an excellent choice for tourists and first timers in London.

Sightseeing day? Or are you just looking for another fun activity after visiting the London Eye? There are many more landmarks and attractions in this part of London.

The London Dungeon is one of the city's spookiest attractions, where gory stories are recreated with humorous touches. Wander through historical scenes where live actors and wax figures, special effects and rides transport you back in time. The London Dungeon is a family attraction, but adults should consider whether it might be too scary for sensitive little ones.

Discover the underwater world when visiting the SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium. This award winning aquarium has ocean, rainforest and coral zones, home to unique creatures that all ages will love meeting. Highlights include sharks, penguins, octopuses and sting rays!,The Royal National Theatre is a cultural gem on the South Bank, one of London's most prominent public performing arts spaces. The ever changing programme showcases world class theatre productions for all audiences. Check out the listings to see what's on when you're in London.

Film fan? Don't miss your chance to visit the British Film Institution (BFI) on London's Southbank. The BFI is a leading cinema specialising in classic and cult showings, independent and non British language films you're unlikely to see anywhere else.