The London Eye is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of London, attracting millions of visitors every year. It’s a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames, and it offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.
But is it really the biggest Ferris wheel in the world? Let’s find out.
What is a Ferris wheel?
Before we dive into whether or not the London Eye is the biggest Ferris wheel in the world, let’s first define what a Ferris wheel is. A Ferris wheel is an amusement ride that features a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to its rim. The passengers are seated in these cars, which rotate around the wheel as it turns.
The London Eye
The London Eye was built to celebrate 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). The wheel has 32 passenger capsules, each capable of holding up to 25 people.
Is it really the biggest Ferris wheel in the world?
No, it’s not. While the London Eye may be one of the tallest Ferris wheels in Europe, it pales in comparison to some of its counterparts around the world.
The High Roller
The High Roller is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and stands at a height of 167.6 meters (550 feet), making it currently the tallest Ferris wheel in operation.
Ain Dubai
However, there is another contender for this title that is set to open soon. Ain Dubai, located on Bluewaters Island off Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline, stands at an impressive height of 250 meters (820 feet) and is set to open in 2021.
Conclusion
While the London Eye may be one of the most famous Ferris wheels in the world, it’s not the biggest. The title of the world’s tallest Ferris wheel currently belongs to The High Roller in Las Vegas, and soon Ain Dubai will take over that title with a height of 250 meters (820 feet). Nevertheless, the London Eye remains a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting London, offering unparalleled views of this beautiful city.