Big Ben

This affectionate nickname technically only applies to the largest bell inside the clock tower of Westminster, rather than the structure itself, as it is popularly used. Officially, even Big Ben - the big bell - is meant to be called the Great Bell.

Westminster tower, previously known simply as the - immensely boring - ‘Clock Tower’ was officially renamed in 2012 to - nearly as boring - ‘Elizabeth Tower’; in honor of the reigning queen. Standing 315 feet tall, it remains the world's largest chiming four-faced clock. If that isn’t exciting enough, consider the fact that each of the hour hands is nine feet long! Still not excited? Sorry, we tried.

Installed in 1859, Big Ben is the largest of the bells in Elizabeth Tower, with a nine-foot diameter and a height of seven and a half feet. Collectively the Westminster belfry includes the Great Bell and four smaller quarter bells. The Great Bell chimes only on the hour, and the smaller bells chime on each quarter hour as well as on the hour, each quarter in different specific patterns.

Curiously, the interior of the tower is not accessible to foreign tourists. Citizens of the United Kingdom, however, can gain entry, but the reservation period for these tours is lengthy. For those who do gain access, there are 334 limestone steps leading to the top.