Clock Towers: Discover Iconic Timepieces and Hidden Stories

If you love a good old chime or just enjoy snapping photos of striking silhouettes, clock towers are the perfect blend of history, architecture, and sound. They sit on city skylines, call you to work or worship, and often hold secret stories you won’t hear in a travel guide. Below you’ll get the basics on the most famous towers and simple tricks to make a visit smooth and memorable.

Famous Clock Towers Around the World

First up, London’s Elizabeth Tower—commonly called Big Ben. The massive bell rings every fifteen minutes and the tower’s face shines across the Thames. The best time to see it is early morning when crowds are thin and the light hits the stone just right.

Next, head to Bern, Switzerland, for the Zytglogge. This medieval clock isn’t just a time‑keeper; it features moving figurines that perform a little show every hour. Grab a spot in the nearby plaza and watch the tiny knights march—no ticket required.

In Italy, the clock on the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence ticks over the Piazza della Signoria. The clock’s design is simple but the tower offers a panoramic view of the Arno River if you climb the stairs. Bring a water bottle; the climb is steep.

Amsterdam also has its share of clock towers. The Westertoren, attached to the Westerkerk, has a classic Dutch design and a bell that rings for city events. It’s right next to the famous canal district, so you can combine a stroll along the water with a quick tower peek.

Closer to home, the clock tower at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor blends Art Deco style with modern LED faces. It’s a great example of how a clock tower can stay relevant in a tech‑savvy world.

How to Make the Most of Your Clock Tower Visit

Plan ahead. Many towers have limited opening hours, especially for interior tours. Check the official website or local tourism board the night before you go.

Dress for stairs. Even if the tower has an elevator, the final steps are often narrow and uneven. Comfortable shoes make a big difference.

Bring a small snack and water. Waiting for the hourly show can be longer than you think, especially at popular spots like Zytglogge.

Use a phone app to set a reminder a few minutes before the hour strike. That way you’ll be in place to hear the chime in full, rather than missing it while you’re snapping selfies.

If you love photography, aim for the golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset. The light softens the stone and makes the clock face pop against the sky.

Finally, respect the locals. In many cities the bell signals work breaks or prayer times. Keep noise down when you’re inside the tower and stay on marked paths.

Clock towers are more than just timepieces; they’re cultural markers that link past and present. Whether you’re in London, Bern, or Amsterdam, a quick visit can add a unique flavor to your trip. So next time you hear a distant chime, ask yourself: which tower is calling? Then go find it and enjoy the moment.