Save to your city mapBig Ben is the affectionate nickname for the great bell in the tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The name Big Ben is often used synonymously, for both the clock and the clock tower. The tower was originally named St. Stephen's Tower and later the Elizabeth Tower. It is also the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. Big Ben has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Great Britain since its completion in 1858. Even though it is one of the world's most famous tourist attractions, the interior is not open to overseas visitors; yet residents of the United Kingdom can arrange tours through their Member of Parliament. The tower does not have a lift, so any visitors have to climb the 344 limestone steps to the top.Due to changes in ground conditions since construction, the tower leans slightly to the north-west, by roughly 230 millimeters (9.1 in).

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