What is the London Eye?
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. Standing 135 metres tall, it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel when it opened in 2000 and offers views across the city.
The wheel was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield and built to celebrate the new millennium. It was originally meant to stay for only five years but became a permanent attraction.
It has 32 glass capsules, one for each of the London boroughs. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people.
The ride
A full rotation takes about 30 minutes. The wheel moves slowly enough that passengers can step on and off without it stopping.
On clear days, visitors can see up to 25 miles, including landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
The London Eye is one of the UK's most popular paid tourist attractions. It is lit up in different colors for special events and is the centerpiece of London's New Year's Eve fireworks display.