The London Eye, South Bank

There are plenty of ways to see London, but few involve being slowly lifted 135 metres above the Thames inside a giant glass pod.

The London Eye has become as much a part of London's skyline as many landmarks considerably older than it. Sitting proudly on the South Bank opposite the Houses of Parliament, the enormous observation wheel gives you a constantly changing view of the capital as you make the roughly 30-minute journey around.

On a clear day, London seems to unfold beneath you. Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster sit almost directly across the river, while Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard and London's sprawling rooftops stretch into the distance. The slow rotation means there's plenty of time to work out what you're looking at — and considerably more time to fill your camera roll.

Yes, it's one of London's biggest tourist attractions, but sometimes the obvious choices are obvious for a reason. First-time visitors get an instant introduction to the scale of the city, while even London regulars can spot familiar streets and buildings from an entirely different perspective.

For the best experience, timing matters. A ride towards sunset transforms the view as daylight fades and London's landmarks begin to light up below.

City Lynx verdict: Tourist attraction? Absolutely. Worth doing at least once? Definitely. Come for the famous wheel, stay for one of the best bird's-eye views of London you'll get without needing a helicopter.

City Lynx Quick Guide

Best for: Iconic panoramic views across London
City Lynx pick: A sunset ride as London begins to light up
Location: South Bank, London
Attraction style: Giant observation wheel with enclosed glass viewing pods
Experience: Around 30 minutes of slowly changing views across the London skyline
Views: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard and beyond
Don't miss: The view across the Thames towards Big Ben and Westminster
Nearby: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Southbank Centre, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the River Thames
Best for couples: Excellent
Best for families: Excellent
Price level: £££
City Lynx tip: Book a slot around sunset for daylight views on the way up and London's illuminated skyline as the evening draws in.

Opening hours, ticket prices, experiences and availability may vary.