London, England - 2012; The iconic London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is an elegant modern Ferris Wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe's tallest observation wheel, and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with over 3 million visitors annually. It has made many appearances in popular culture. Opened in 1999, it was originally intended as a temporary structure to celebrate the Millennium. However, it proved so popular with both locals and tourists that it was decided that it would become permanent.