London's Houses of Parliament: A Tourist’s Guide to Westminster

Catching a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament in London never really gets old, no matter how many times you cross Westminster Bridge. The place isn’t just for fans of politics—it's one of London’s top things to do for first-timers and locals looking to rediscover their city. You know that classic Big Ben photo everyone’s got on their camera roll? It’s snapped right in this spot, and you'll see crowds on Parliament Square pulling out their phones at every hour when the bells chime.

If you’re thinking of heading there, don’t just settle for a selfie. Londoners know that tours run all year round except when Parliament is sitting, and they’re surprisingly good for anyone who likes history, architecture, or just a peek behind the scenes. You can even sit in the public gallery and watch a live debate (yes, it's actually possible to walk in and watch MPs at work—just be ready to queue, especially at PMQs on Wednesday afternoons).

• Westminster’s Star Attraction: Why Everyone Talks About It
• How to Get There (Without Losing Your Mind)
• Inside the Parliament: What You Can Actually See
• Practical Tips for Your Visit
• Nearby Eats and Hidden Gems

Westminster’s Star Attraction: Why Everyone Talks About It

If you ask anyone about London attractions, the Houses of Parliament tops the list. Locals call it “the heart of Westminster” and anyone hopping off at Westminster station can see why—it’s smack on the river, right opposite the London Eye, and surrounded by the city’s biggest buzz. Recognise the building straight away? Blame the iconic Big Ben tower. (Insider tip: the actual name is the Elizabeth Tower—Big Ben is just the bell inside!)

The site has been the centre of British politics for centuries. The first palace was built around 1016, but most of what you see now was rebuilt after a massive fire in 1834. Designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, the building is loaded with that gothic vibe that screams "British power and tradition." Fun fact: there are 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and over two miles of corridors crammed inside the place.

The influence of Westminster reaches far beyond stunning views—it’s where the UK’s most important decisions get made. General elections, royal events, and the country’s biggest protests all play out right here. Walk by during a heated debate and you’ll see news crews dotted along College Green or protestors waving signs on Parliament Square.

"No other building speaks to the identity of Britain quite like the Palace of Westminster. It’s part working government, part living museum." — Historic England

Big Ben isn’t just a clock, either. Its chimes get broadcast by BBC Radio every New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Day, so those bongs are baked into the soundtrack of British life. Want a quick landmark comparison?

Unlike Buckingham Palace, which only opens to the public for a few months, tours at the Houses of Parliament are available most Saturdays and in school holidays. So, it’s always in the mix for locals or anyone visiting from out of town who wants to tick off a proper London experience. Don’t miss snapping a photo—the place lights up at night and those gold details really pop, especially if you’re walking along the South Bank.

How to Get There (Without Losing Your Mind)

Getting to the Houses of Parliament in London is easy, but planning ahead saves headaches. Every Londoner knows the Westminster area can be packed, especially on weekends and during school holidays. The Underground is your best friend—hop on the Jubilee, District, or Circle line and get off at Westminster station. The moment you leave the station, you’re greeted by the towers of Parliament and the famous clock—no need for Google Maps, just follow the crowd.

Buses can get stuck in traffic, but if you’re coming from somewhere like Waterloo, you could walk across Westminster Bridge and soak up Thames views along the way. London’s Santander Cycles are a solid option too, with docking stations right around Parliament Square. If you’re bringing friends or family, South Bank is just across the river, so make a day of it.

• Underground: Westminster station is right beneath the action—they even designed the escalator to give you a dramatic first look.
• Buses: Try routes 148, 211, 24, and 88 for Westminster stops. Tap your Oyster or contactless card—no need to scramble for coins.
• Walking: From Trafalgar Square, it’s a straight shot down Whitehall—about 10 minutes if you’re not stopping for phone snaps every two seconds.
• Disabled access: Both Westminster tube station and the Palace are step-free, but lifts can be busy during rush hour, so plan for a little extra time.

Thinking of driving? Honestly, don’t. Congestion charges, parking bans, and traffic jams make it a nightmare. Taxis and Ubers are fine if you’re running late or in a big group, but public transport is almost always quicker and cheaper. For larger groups—tour coaches usually drop off on Millbank, but double-check the latest Transport for London updates. If you want zero stress, download Citymapper or TfL Go to check real-time delays and platform changes before you set off.

Weekdays before 10am and just after 3pm are peak times for commuters, so avoid those if you want elbow room. And if you love a view, approach Westminster from the South Bank—you’ll get the classic Parliament skyline before everyone else even sees the clock tower.

Inside the Parliament: What You Can Actually See

So, you've made it to London’s Houses of Parliament—now what? Loads of people think you can only see the outside, but public tours get you up close inside some of the most famous halls in Westminster. You can book a guided or self-guided tour almost every Saturday and during holidays when Parliament isn't in session. Don’t worry, you’re not just walking through empty corridors—there’s plenty to spot that’ll make you say, “Wow, that’s where the debates happen on TV!”

You kick things off in Westminster Hall. Built in 1097, it’s the oldest part of the building, and it’s seen coronation banquets, royal trials, and politicians’ final farewells. If it feels familiar, that’s because it pops up on every national news broadcast. From there, tours wind through the Central Lobby—it’s the crossroads of the whole building and where TV crews wait to grab MPs for a quick interview.

The real star of any visit though? The House of Commons chamber. This is where Prime Ministers and MPs argue in real time—you can see the iconic green benches, the Speaker’s Chair, and the Dispatch Boxes right in front of you. Across the hall, the House of Lords glows in red, even flashier with its golden throne where the King sits for the State Opening. Both chambers are surprisingly compact. You get a totally different vibe than watching on BBC Parliament—way more intimate and, dare I say, tense when a big vote’s expected.

If you’re into the hidden details, keep an eye out for:

• The statues of historical figures like Winston Churchill (his shoe's always shiny from people touching it for luck).
• The suffragette graffiti inside a telephone booth—carved in the early 1900s, and they still leave it there as a reminder.
• A mosaic and stained glass everywhere: Don’t just look up, check the floor too. Lots of secret symbols if you’re into a bit of history sleuthing.

Londoners under 18 can also book a free tour if they’re learning about Parliament at school or with a youth group. And if debates are your thing, you can queue for the public gallery and actually watch the action live, though for PMQs queues start way early (some say up to two hours before).

Phones and cameras aren’t allowed inside the main chambers, but you can snap away in Westminster Hall and the entrance. If you want that perfect mix of old-school political drama and jaw-dropping architecture, this is as close as it gets in Westminster.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

If you’re planning to check out the Houses of Parliament in London, don’t show up without a plan. Here’s what Londoners actually do to make the most of a day in Westminster.

Book your ticket before you even think about getting on the Jubilee line. Tours—especially those covering Big Ben—sell out on weekends and during the school holidays. Go through the Parliament’s official website; skip those third-party ticket sellers charging a tenner more for no reason.

• Bring a valid photo ID. Security is tight—think airport-style bag checks. No liquids over 100ml. If you’re local or living in the UK, bring proof of address for those rare resident-only tours.
• If you want to watch a debate: get there by 11am to join the queue. They don’t take bookings for the public gallery, and Wednesdays get packed fast, especially if you fancy seeing PMQs (Prime Minister’s Questions).
• Photography is allowed in Westminster Hall but banned almost everywhere else inside. Get your exterior shots outside; no sneaky selfies in the Commons.
• Public tours take about 90 minutes. Wear comfy shoes—there’s more walking than you’d think, and the stone floors aren’t exactly gentle.

For the Big Ben tours, be aware you’re looking at climbing over 300 steps (no lift). Not a day for flip-flops or prams.

Check House of Parliament’s closing dates—it shuts fully on big state events or if Parliament is recalled for an emergency. Don’t get caught out if you’re popping by during major London happenings like the London Marathon or New Year’s Day Parade. Here’s a handy look at common opening times and closures:

If you’re after a classic shot of Big Ben, parliament lights up at dusk and looks killer from across the river by the London Eye. Don’t just grab a coffee from chains—try a flat white from Notes Coffee in Trafalgar Square nearby before or after your visit. It’s only a 10-minute walk and much better than the stuff at the usual tourist haunts.

Nearby Eats and Hidden Gems

Stepping out of the Houses of Parliament in London leaves you spoilt for choice when it comes to food and places to take a breather—especially if you want to dodge the tourist traps on Whitehall.

For classic British grub that’s actually done well, stroll over to The Red Lion on Parliament Street. MPs have been known to duck in for a pint here, and their fish & chips come out crispy every time. If you want a posher touch, walk just past Westminster Abbey to the Cellarium Café—a secret spot tucked inside the Abbey itself. Their afternoon tea is proper, and you don’t need to buy a ticket to the Abbey to get in.

If you’ve got veggies or vegans in your group, head to MOTHER on St Thomas Street, only five minutes’ walk across Westminster Bridge. Think oat lattes and homemade cakes—plus river views from their outdoor tables. For something fast but reliable, Pret and Itsu line the roads near Westminster tube, but expect lunchtime crowds that move at Londoner speed.

Not just about food, Westminster has a few secret spots for when you need some air. Victoria Tower Gardens is right behind Parliament; it’s never as packed as St James’s Park and has a pretty riverside spot for people-watching. If you’re after a little culture, the Jewel Tower is a tiny, underrated bit of royal history just around the corner—usually skipped by the Big Ben crowd.

If you’re planning your day, this quick table gives a snapshot of handy places near the Houses of Parliament:

London's harshest critics—locals—go for these hidden gems over the chains every time. If you want that picture of Big Ben with zero crowd, try the side paths around Victoria Tower Gardens just before sunset. Trust me, you won’t regret it.