Is London Eye the Biggest Ferris Wheel?

By Alice Nichols

Is London Eye the Biggest Ferris Wheel?

Ferris wheels are iconic structures that have been around for more than a century. These towering rides offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area and have become a popular attraction in cities around the world. One of the most famous of these is the London Eye, located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, England.

The London Eye

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, was built to mark the turn of the millennium and opened to the public in March 2000. It stands at a height of 135 meters (443 feet) and has a diameter of 120 meters (394 feet). It was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield and is made up of 32 capsules that can hold up to 25 people each.

The ride takes approximately 30 minutes to complete one full rotation and offers panoramic views of central London. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, with over 3.75 million people riding it annually.

Other Ferris Wheels

While the London Eye is certainly an impressive feat of engineering, it is not actually the biggest ferris wheel in the world. In fact, it doesn’t even make it into the top ten.

The current record for the largest ferris wheel goes to The High Roller in Las Vegas, Nevada. This giant structure stands at a height of 167.6 meters (550 feet) and has a diameter of 160 meters (525 feet). It opened to the public in March 2014 as part of The LINQ resort and offers stunning views of Las Vegas Boulevard and beyond.

Other notable examples include:

  • Star of Nanchang – China – 160 meters (525 feet)
  • Singapore Flyer – Singapore – 165 meters (541 feet)
  • Tianjin Eye – China – 120 meters (394 feet)

These giant structures are not just tourist attractions, but also engineering marvels that push the boundaries of what is possible. Each one is unique in its design and offers a different perspective on the world around us.

In Conclusion

While the London Eye may be one of the most famous ferris wheels in the world, it is not actually the biggest. However, its iconic design and location make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London. With so many impressive ferris wheels around the world, there is always something new to see and experience.