London Eye at sunset | Unmissable evening views

As the sun begins its descent over the skyline of London, one of the most enchanting experiences you can choose is a ride on the London Eye. Soaring above the River Thames, the London Eye offers a breathtaking vantage point to catch a glimpse of the sunset. Explore the natural elements that enhance the sunset experience, from the shimmering reflections on the water below to the hues painting the sky.

Why visit the London Eye at sunset

River cruise boat on the Thames with views of Westminster and London Eye, connecting to Greenwich.
London double-decker bus near Tower of London with view of Coca-Cola London Eye in background.
London Eye overlooking the Thames River at sunset in London, England.
London Eye with panoramic view of Thames River and The Monument in London.
Tower of London with Crown Jewels and London Eye view, showcasing iconic London attractions.
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Panoramic views

As the sun dips, the London skyline transforms. Witness the city bathed in a warm, golden glow, with landmarks illuminated by the soft light. The 360-degree views become even more spectacular as day transitions to night.

"Golden hour" for photography

Photographers flock to the London Eye at sunset for a reason. The "golden hour" provides incredible natural lighting, creating dramatic shadows and vibrant colors. As darkness falls, the city lights offer a different but equally captivating photo opportunity.

Romantic atmosphere

The setting sun creates a naturally romantic ambiance. The slow pace of the Eye's rotation, combined with the light, makes for a perfect moment to share with a loved one. Many even opt for the Champagne Experience to enhance the romantic mood.

Transition from day to night

Experience the shift from daylight to twilight and then to the illuminated cityscape. See London in three distinct ways within a single 30-min rotation.

Less crowded

While sunset is a popular time, early evening slots after the initial rush of the day can be slightly less crowded than midday. Booking in advance, especially fast-track tickets, is highly recommended to minimize wait times.

Book London Eye sunset tickets

London Eye Admission Tickets

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
30 min.

London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
30 min.

Combo (Save 15%): London Eye Tickets + Thames River Cruise

Free cancellation
Flexible duration
Audio guide


Combo (Save 5%): London Eye + IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets

Free cancellation
20 min. - 30 min.

Things to do at the London Eye at sunset

Witness the city's transformation

As the sun dips lower, the entire city is bathed in a warm, golden light. This "golden hour" creates a magical glow on landmarks. As twilight deepens, watch as London slowly illuminates. The city begins to light up and glow, and the top of the London Eye is a great opportunity to see the transition from day to night.

Capture photos

The setting sun creates dramatic silhouettes of the London skyline. Capture photos of the Shard, the Gherkin, and other modern skyscrapers against a backdrop of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and deep purples. The Thames acts as a mirror, reflecting the sky and the city lights, providing stunning photo compositions.

Enjoy an enhanced ambiance

The natural beauty of a sunset combined with the gentle rotation of the London Eye creates a very romantic atmosphere. For an extra touch of luxury, consider booking the Champagne Experience for fast-track entry and a glass of chilled Moët (or a non-alcoholic alternative) served by a host.

Identify landmarks

As you ascend and descend, identify the numerous landmarks visible from the London Eye, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. At sunset, the familiar shapes of buildings take on new characteristics, making the identification even more engaging.

London Eye sunset timings

Here are the approximate sunset timings for the London Eye by month:

Winter (GMT)

  • January: 4pm–4:45pm
  • February: 4:30pm–5:40pm
  • December: 3:45pm–4:15pm - This is when sunsets are at their earliest.

Spring (GMT, then BST from late March)

  • March: 5:30pm–6:15pm (GMT), 6:45pm–7:15pm (BST) after clocks change
  • April: 7:45pm–8:15pm (BST)
  • May: 8:30pm–8:50pm (BST)

Summer (BST)

  • June: 8:45pm–9:20pm - This is when sunsets are at their latest.
  • July: 8:40pm–9:15pm 
  • August: 7:45pm–8:30pm

Autumn (BST, then GMT from late October)

  • September: 6:45pm to 7:15pm
  • October: 6:20pm–6:50pm (BST), 4:40pm to 5:20pm (GMT) after clocks change 
  • November: 4:10pm–4:30pm

Visitor tips

  • Check sunset times: London's sunset times vary throughout the year. In June, sunset is very late (around 9:20pm), while in December it's as early as 3:53pm. Plan to book your ticket for a slot that starts about 30-60 mins before the official sunset time. This will allow you to experience both the daylight views, the golden hour, and the city lights coming on as you ascend and descend.
  • Consider the "golden hour": The hour before sunset is known as the "golden hour" for photographers, offering soft, warm light. Aim for your rotation to hit this period.
  • Book in advance online: Sunset slots are highly popular and often sell out. Book your tickets online well in advance to secure your preferred time and avoid long queues.
  • Consider fast-track tickets: If you're on a tight schedule or want to maximize your time, a fast-track ticket is highly recommended. This allows you to skip the standard queue and reduce waiting times.
  • Expect it to be busy: Sunset is a peak time for the London Eye, so be prepared for crowds, especially during summer and school holidays.
  • Arrive early: Even with pre-booked tickets, arriving a bit early (15-30 mins before your scheduled slot) is a good idea to navigate security and find your capsule entrance.
  • Minimize glare: To avoid glare in your photos, get as close to the capsule glass as possible.
  • Adjust for low light: As the light fades, your camera might struggle. If your camera has manual settings, increase the ISO slightly or use a night mode.
  • Capture the transition: Don't just focus on the moment the sun dips below the horizon. The changing colours of the sky before and after are just as beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the London Eye at sunset

You'll want to book your ticket for a time slot that starts about 30-60 mins before the official sunset time on your chosen date. This allows you to experience the transition from daylight to the "golden hour" and then to the illuminated cityscape as you complete your 30-min rotation. Keep in mind that sunset times vary significantly throughout the year in London.