I didn't see the big deal but most people like it. I'll probably get dragged on it again later this month since my niece has never been but if she's not interested at all, we'll skip it.

We both enjoyed the London Eye. When we went, the line was fairly long, but it moved quite quickly. With all the people in line, I expected they would really pack each pod with people and there would be a lot jostling to get a good vantage point, BUT THAT WASN'T SO.
The ride itself takes only a 1/2 hour; you're moving so slowly you barely aware of it and you have plenty of opportunity to move around and see all the views. Great views of Parliament and Buckingham Palace and St. James Park from a point of view you wouldn't get otherwise. The key is, of course, clear weather. We went during the day, but I'd like to go again in the evening.

oops, HERE'S the link:
http://tinyurl.com/hp3nk

Yes, don't miss it! Was on it last week. Stayed at County Hall next to it and watched the lines during our stay trip. My advice, go right when it opens (10am) or late in the day.

The lines started to got really, really, long from from:

Oops, hit wrong button...last line should read:

The lines started to got really, really, long from 10:45ish on, I'd say there's an 11am rush.

noe, really wonderful slide show. Thanks.

thereyet

Wow, Thereyet is right - those are some really great pictures Noe! After looking at them I feel like I hardly saw London at all last time I was there!

I was thinking of riding the eye around 8pm or just after - I guess by that point dusk will just be starting to fall. I was worried this would not make for good views but after seeing Noe's pics I can see that they would still be pretty good (I will be in London this Saturday evening).

Is the area around the Eye safe at night? I am a young female and will be alone. My parents are concerned for my safety but I kinda think that at 24 I should be able to take care of myself...unless its a bad area... Thanks!

Erin,

The Eye is on the south bank of the Thames and always has lots of people around it, mostly tourists. You will be perfectly safe at that time of the evening.

Post Midnight I would be wary (but not enough to avoid the place)so - enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the kind words about the pictures. (For those who can't get enough, the pictures from my second London trip are at: http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34870457!)

Erin464, if you have access to a computer, you can buy your tickets online and bypass the line. We waited until the day before and checked the weather forecast, and then bought the tickets. It turned out to be the only clear night of the 6 that we were there.

erin464: Even IF the County Hall was unsafe at night (which it isn't) - 8 p.m. isn't "night". It will still be bright daylight since the sun doesn't set until about 9:15, and it will be light for quite a bit longer than that.

Sheesh, having trouble with links! Here are my other London pictures:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...d=8DZsmzZuzao4
(Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, South Bank, Camden)

Erin464, do you know where you want to shop? My girls and I always dedicate some time to shopping in London (and other parts of the UK) and we have some favorites. Old and New Bond Streets and Regent Street have the designer and upscale shops. Oxford Street has the high street shops (Zara, H&M, TopShop, etc.) and can be mobbed with people. We love to stop in Liberty, and really enjoy the shopping along Kings Road (starting at Sloane Square). LK Bennett and Jigsaw have some great clothes.

My husband and I went on it at sunset more or less and the sights were breathtaking. We were there the 3rd week of May, and were only in London for a day so we crammed as much as we could into the day. This was definitely worth it, especially if you enjoy photography!

The only place in the world to get this shot: http://www.jimtardio.com/london/london-london-eye.html

Great photo, Jim.

OK Jim, that photo confirms it. London is HUGE!

thereyet

GRReat picure! It was overcast the day we went up. We could still see quite a lot, but the pictures were pretty lame.

I thought it was fun, and we had time, but it wasn't on my "must see" list, and it still isn't.

BTW there's a great place to get fish&chips just across from the Eye. Just follow the locals.

Ah, yes...the fish & chips. I believe I found that place (along with many others).

Erin, since the shops are closed at 8 pm it's really not a hard decision; you can do both.

I like the Notting Hill area, around Westbourne Grove, Kensington Park Road, for shopping. Also the King's Road (Duke of York's Square, and there's a few nice shops the other side of Peter Jones there, such as General Trading Company).

Hi everyone, I'm back from my trip and just to let you all know, I did indeed take a ride on the Eye (and still managed to get some shopping in!). It was really beautiful up there - thank you for all of your recommendations and help!

Sounds like you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Woody