35+ Instagrammable Places in London | Photography Spots
London is one of Europe’s most photographed cities. It has a timeless beauty, but also a modern, youthful vibe.
It’s an Instagrammers dream. From charming cobbled streets to awe-inspiring architecture and stunning viewpoints that will take your breath away, it’s full of many different picture-perfect opportunities.
This guide gives you a rundown of the most Instagrammable places in London. It includes advice on the best time of day to visit for stunning photos as well as tips on the best angles to capture your images from.
From the most quirky London sites to the most historic, here are the best places to go snap happy.
Should You Do an Instagram Photo Tour of London?
If you really want to up your Instagram game, consider taking a London sightseeing and photography tour.
You’ll follow a guide around to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square. You’ll also visit some neat off-the-beaten-path locations too.
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Throughout the tour, you’ll receive valuable photography tips and learn how to take the perfect IG shots.
Can You Hire a Photographer to Take Your Photos?
You can definitely hire a professional travel photographer to take pictures of you (and even your friends).
It will make your trip to London all the more memorable, and you’ll receive high-resolution digital images to take home with you.
Pose in front of landmarks like Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Girl with a Dolphin Fountain, the famous red telephone boxes, and more. Fill up your IG feed with quality photos taken in some of the city’s most iconic locations.
Central London Photography Spots
Central London is chock-full of incredible IG worthy locations. This is the heart and soul of the city and there are quite a few places that will provide the perfect #loveLondon image for your IG. Here are the different spots you don’t want to miss.
Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge is a road-and-foot-traffic bridge that crosses over the River Thames. It’s an excellent spot to capture pictures of top UK landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
✅ Book this tour to see some of London’s most famous landmarks while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea spread on a River Thames Cruise.
For a unique IG picture, go to the Westminster Bridge underpass. The archway will frame your image and you’ll get a clear shot of Big Ben with a section of the bridge and the Houses of Parliament on either side. These are some of the top things to do in Westminster.
This location is very busy during the day so try and visit at sunrise or sunset for the least amount of tourists. It also kinda smells under there so you might have to hold your breath and definitely watch your stuff so it doesn’t get stolen.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular London photography spots. For the perfect shot, try and capture The Queen Victoria Memorial in the frame too. This is the large bronze top statue that sits in front of the palace.
If you can coincide your visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll be in for a real treat.
This takes place around 10:45 and lasts for about 45 minutes. Arrive early to secure a good spot, or book a Changing of the Guard tour and your guide will take you to the best places to capture IG photos.
✅ Witness the amazing ceremony and learn about the British history by booking this Changing of the Guard tour.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is a massive Anglican church. The key to photographing this big building is standing far enough back or use a wide-angle lens. There are multiple areas nearby that will produce the perfect shot.
The shopping center One New Change has a tunnel of shiny mirror-like windows you can stand between for an edgy photo.
The Golden Gallery portion of the Cathedral Dome will give you a great view of the church from very high up.
You can also capture the Cathedral from a top of One New Change viewing area, its free. You just need to take the lift up. You’ll also be able to capture views of the Shard to your left from the viewing area.
Daytime hours are the best times to photograph the church, as the sunlight will highlight all of the cathedrals’ intricate and amazing architectural features.
✅ See one of London most ionic landmarks up close and personal with this entrance to St Paul’s Cathedral ticket.
Tower Bridge
Crossing over the River Thames, the Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London. It was built between 1886 and 1894 in the Victorian gothic style. It sits in the heart of the city, near the Tower of London.
The high-level walkways offer a mesmerisingly beautiful view of the area. And it also features a glass floor, so you can gaze down at the road underneath your feet as you cross.
To avoid swarming crowds, visit the bridge close to sun-up or sundown. Wearing a flowy red dress works really well with the blue in the bridge. Visiting Tower Bridge is something you can do near London Bridge.
Tate Modern Observation Deck
Once you’ve finished a casual wander around the Tate Modern, take the elevator to the top of the Blavatnik Building.
The Tate Modern Viewing Platform sits on the 10th floor and offers unparalleled views of the city, and best of all – it’s free to access.
Some of the landmarks you’ll see include St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, and Canary Wharf. Anytime during normal museum hours is great for a visit, you just may have to wait your turn to get a good spot for taking pictures if it’s a busy day.
Waterloo Bridge
Waterloo Bridge is a great spot to take picture-postcard snaps of the city. You can capture a dramatic IG shot of the River Thames with the Houses of Parliament and The London Eye on either side.
During sunrise and sunset, this scene looks especially magical.
Harrods Department Store
Harrods is one of London’s most well-known luxury department stores. I also worked there when I was in University.
While the prices might be a little steep for the obvious, taking pictures is free. The interior is very glitz and glam, and the outside of the building is a great backdrop for selfies and lifestyle/street photoshoots.
If you’re visiting London during wintertime, make sure to swing by for a holiday photo. The outside is covered in bright lights and there are big festive Christmas window displays.
The inside is also very magical, with giant Christmas trees on every floor and bright lights hanging from the ceiling.
Photography Location in London’s Notting Hill Borough
Beautiful Notting Hill is full of colourful houses, postcard-perfect streets, and quaint independent shops.
It’s easily one of the most Instagrammable places in London. Here are the best places to bring your camera to.
Alice’s Portobello Shop
Alice’s Portobello Shop is a cute and kitschy antique store in Notting Hill. It’s a longstanding institution that sells a fun assortment of old-timey furnishings, porcelain, trinkets, toys, and more.
Taking a picture of the iconic red storefront is a must, and the mismatched bric-a-brac is very Instagramable as well.
The shop is open Tuesday – Saturday, with Fridays and Saturdays being the busiest days. Arrive before 11:00 if you want to avoid bustling crowds.
St Luke Mews
St Luke Mews is one of the cutest photography spots in London. This quaint cobblestone street is lined with uniquely designed homes, each one different than the next.
Some are fitted with oversized barn doors, some have flowerpots hanging from windows, and green vines growing on the facade.
It’s one of London’s prettiest Mews and was even featured in the film “Love, Actually”. The street resides in a quiet area of Notting Hill, giving it a more low-key presence. It’s the perfect place for a classic London photoshoot.
Lancaster Road
Lancaster Road is another one of the most photogenic places in London’s Notting Hill borough.
A small section of the street features vibrantly coloured houses in tones like royal blue, magenta, and lime green. It’s quite funky and definitely a Notting Hill must-see.
Just note that this isn’t a quiet residential street. It sees its fair share of traffic so try and visit in the early morning for fewer cars in your shot.
Soho London Photography Spots
Soho is a small borough with big energy. It has an eclectic vibe, as you’ll see in these highly Instagrammable London locations.
Chinatown London
The Chinatown district is a colourful and vibrant area of London. The streets are filled with hanging lanterns, a myriad of restaurants and shops, and the occasional costumed Pikachu.
The Chinatown Gate is one of the more unique Instagram spots in London. It’s very ornate and decorative, and if you stand far enough back you can capture some of the Asian-themed buildings in the background.
Seeing as Chinatown is a large public space, it’s one of the more popular photoshoot locations in London. And practically every angle will show a different view of the district.
Early morning is the best time to photograph this location. Just after sunrise, the area has a calm and peaceful ambience. It gets busier and more crowded as the day goes on.
Liberty London
Liberty London is a high-end department store that sits inside a gorgeous Tudor-revival building.
It’s been around since 1875 and has a timeless beauty that captures well in photographs.
The inside is just as classic and elegant as the outside. The many levels of the building are connected with wood carved beams and brilliant wood staircases and railings. And the glass ceiling lets in plenty of natural light.
The store is open from 11:00 – 19:00 Monday – Saturday, and 12:00 – 18:00 on Sundays.
Instagrammable London Cafes
The high energy of London may be partly fuelled by its incredible cafe scene. The city does not disappoint when it comes to creative drinks and cafe aesthetics. Here are the best Instagram places in London for coffee snobs and food photographers.
Peggy Porschen
Peggy Porschen is arguably London’s most photogenic cafe. Characterised by an all-pink shop front and hanging flowers, it’s not hard to see why.
When you’re done snapping photos of the charming exterior, head inside to get some #Londonfoodie shots.
The menu includes beautifully frosted cupcakes, elaborately decorated cakes, and picture-perfect latte art.
As you can imagine, the cafe is most busy during the morning hours. To avoid the huge crowds of coffee addicts, try and visit closer to closing time, which is between 17:00 and 18:00.
Biscuiteers Boutique
Biscuiteers Boutique is a quirky icing cafe that specialises in beautifully decorated biscuits. Their bakers are highly-skilled and each sweet is created with much thought and detail.
They offer a wide range of biscuits and pastries, including lots of themed options for the main holidays.
Make sure to snap a picture of the building’s facade when you visit too. It has a black and white design that gives it a cartoon-like appearance.
The cafe is open every day from 10:00 – 18:00 (11:00 – 17:00 on Sundays). Pop in during the weekday to beat the weekend cafe crowds.
Sketch London
Sketch London houses an imaginative cafe, bar, and restaurant under one roof. There are four different rooms, each with their own unique theme.
The Glade Room is the most photogenic. Think Alice in Wonderland and an enchanted forest. The bar features carved oak shelves, the floor has a carpet forest scape, and there are eclectic pops of neon colour throughout.
The Gallery Room is styled with an all-pink interior. The walls are pink, the ceiling is pink, and the bar stools and booths are pink. The Parlour Room has a sleek and quirky vibe, with bright pops of colours and chairs wearing ballet slippers.
The Lecture Room is a fine-dining restaurant with three Michelin stars. If you’re into food photography, you can expect each dish to be presented to you as a work of art.
Even the loos are Instagrammable. Instead of boring stalls, you’ll find egg-shaped cubicles sitting underneath a rainbow cluster of lights.
Sketch is open every day from 9:00 – 22:00. Keep in mind that mornings and early afternoons are better for coffee, brunch, and afternoon-tea photography.
The evening hours are better for cocktail and lunch/dinner picture-taking.
Best Photo Spots in London: Museums & Galleries
The museums and galleries in London are world-class. Everything from the architecture to the artefacts is designed with much thought and detail. Here are the top spots you’ll want to post straight to your IG feed.
Victoria & Albert Museum
One of my favourite museum in London, the Victoria & Albert Museum is filled with an extensive collection of items relating to decorative arts and design.
From beautiful sculpture galleries to elaborate costumes, Islamic art pieces, and temporary exhibits, every corner is filled with delights.
It’s all very stimulating and you’ll leave with countless photos. The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday from 11:00 – 19:00.
British Museum
Inside the British Museum, you’ll find Europe’s largest covered public square. Named The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, it encompasses two-acres and is enclosed by a magnificent glass roof.
It looks just as cool swarming with tourists as it does without, so anytime is ideal for snapping shots.
The museum also houses a treasure trove of IG worthy history gems, like the famous Rosetta Stone, ancient Egyptian artefacts, mummies, and more.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain focuses primarily on historic and contemporary British art. The pieces on display are always changing, but you can expect to see famous masterpieces from artists like J.M.W. Turner and William Hogarth.
The gallery’s Rotunda staircase is one of the most impressive sights inside the building. Unfortunately, it can only be accessed through the members-only lounge. But if you’re a member or local Londoner thinking about joining, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Painted Gallery
The Painted Gallery, also called the Painted Hall, is located in the Old Royal Navy College. It’s filled with beautiful murals of royal monarchs, historical scenes, and mythological creatures.
Each is elaborately painted in remarkable colour and is featured across the walls and ceiling.
This jaw-dropping venue was designed in the Baroque style and is often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the UK’ due to its sheer elegance and grandeur. Visit during the day to make use of the natural lighting that flows in through the large windows.
Pro tip: You’ll need a lens with a capture of f1.2 or f1.4 to get enough light in the Painted Hall.
Queen’s House
Queen’s House is a former 17th-century royal residence turned museum. This beautiful estate has been very well taken care of over the years. The decoration and architecture are both stunning.
There are many rooms to explore, although the Tulip Staircase will probably be the highlight of your visit.
This sweeping set of stairs is one of the original features. Take a photo at the very bottom of the staircase with a wide-angle lens and you’ll capture a beautiful blue and white swirl.
The museum is one of the best photo spots in London for architecture fans – and it’s free to visit.
Secret Photography Spots in London
If you’re looking for some creative photography ideas in London, these spots are a little less well-known. They’ll definitely add some uniqueness to your IG feed.
Shoreditch Street Art
Shoreditch is a borough in East London with a quirky and youthful vibe. The area is full of creative graffiti and large colourful murals. It’s one of the most unique places to photograph in London.
The sights are constantly changing as new artists emerge and craft their own masterpieces.
You never know what you’re going to see. You’ll find some great shots of London’s street art scene on Brick Lane, Chance Street, and Redchurch Street.
Westminster Cathedral
Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is a massive red-and-white-striped church. It was designed in the neo-Byzantine style and constructed between 1895–1903.
The interior is adorned with gold accents, colourful mosaics and intricate marble statues.
The outside is imposing, with ornate detailing on the lower half, and a large tower on one side. Visit when the sun is high in the sky, it will cast an illuminating glow on the building that’s perfect for IG photos.
Embankment Station
Embankment is one of the city’s many underground stations. What makes this particular one so photogenic are the tunnels that feature tiled patterns. Try and avoid visiting during rush hour so you can get a clear shot without hordes of people passing by.
Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard is a small colourful courtyard in Covent Garden. It’s full of brightly-toned shop fronts and lush plants. The whole area has a very eclectic aesthetic vibe, with every angle yielding a completely different shot. It will be a treat for your eyes and your IG followers.
Most of the shops open between 10:00 and 11:00. The courtyard only gets busier as the day goes on, so arrive a bit early to avoid large groups of people.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is one of London’s luxury hotels that’s rich in history and in detail. The massive red brick building was constructed in the Venetian Gothic style. The sheer size of it is impressive all on its own.
Inside you’ll find one of the most photogenic staircases you’ve ever seen (these are the stairs in the Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’, music video!).
It’s framed by massive windows, ornate ceiling art, patterned carpet, and red tapestries. It provides an impressive and unique backdrop for any IG feed.
The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is one of the great places to visit around Kings Cross and St Pancras station.
God’s Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is an art store that’s anything but ordinary. It’s packed full of bright neon signs and displays, including plenty of vintage items.
It’s all very vibrant and fun to see, and it makes for very unique and eclectic Instagram photos.
If you don’t plan on buying anything, you can visit the store’s cafe/bar and have a drink or a snack.
Although the use of cameras (DSLR) is not allowed, you can use your cell phone to take as many pictures as you’d like.
Fleet Street
Fleet Street is the former home of London’s printing and publishing industry. It has an old-timey appearance, with tall grey buildings stacked high on either side of the street. It’s a great spot for raw street photography.
To capture an iconic London city scene, snap a picture of the street while a double-decker red bus is driving through. The dark grey architecture contrasts wonderfully with the bright red buses.
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Markets & Restaurants
London has a thriving food scene with many IG worthy markets and restaurants. Here are a few that stand out over the rest.
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food bazaars in London. It’s the perfect spot for foodies to go click crazy for Instagram. You’ll find a maze of stands housed under a large green bared roof.
From flower shop vendors to colourful produce stalls and artisanal stands, the market is very photogenic. It supplies endless options for local and international street food.
From freshly baked pies to coconut curries and roasted duck sandwiches, this is the place to take your #foodiesofinstagram pictures.
Saturday is the busiest day (the market is closed on Sunday). For a quieter experience, visit during the week.
Leadenhall Market
Calling all Harry Potter fans, the Leadenhall Market is one photography location in London you don’t want to miss.
This gorgeous indoor Victorian market was the setting for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the famous film series.
The architecture is fantastic. With a tall ornate roof structure and cobbled floors, it’s a magical setting for IG photos.
The market dates back to the 14th century. Today, it houses a number of small boutiques, elegant eateries, and quiet cafes.
These shops and restaurants are only open on weekdays, which means if you visit on the weekend you’ll be able to take pictures with far fewer people in the shot.
Madison Roof Terrace
Madison Roof Terrace is a 6th-floor restaurant that offers stunning views of London from above.
It’s just across from St Paul’s Cathedral and offers unobscured views of this Baroque beauty in all its glory.
It’s open from midday till late at night. Visit during the day for clear shots of the city or swing by when the sun sets to capture the London skyline lit up.
Sky Garden
Want to see a 360-degree view of London? Visit the Sky Garden. This skyscraper is one of the coolest London photo spots. Travel 43 floors up and see a unique perspective of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more.
With massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and beautifully landscaped scenery, you’ll have an abundance of options for IG pics.
It also houses a swanky restaurant and bar, so you can relax and soak in the views with a drink in hand.
The best part is, it’s free to visit, just make sure to book a free ticket online beforehand.
Scenic Places to Photograph in London
The touristy spots are great for photos, but perhaps you want to snap some scenic shots of the landscape. These Instagram worthy places in London are perfect for capturing the natural beauty of the UK.
St Dunstan in the East
St Dunstan in the East is one of the more unique London Instagram spots. This location once housed a church, however, in the Second World War it was largely destroyed. The ruins have since been turned into a public garden.
Overgrown trees, ivy, and other flora grow amongst the ruined structures. It has become a popular spot for Instagrammers. To avoid competing for photographs, arrive early and avoid the weekends.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a spacious grassy hill that supplies an impressive elevated view of the city. You can see a wide view of landmarks like the London Eye, The Shard, and the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.
There’s never a bad time to visit, although it’s a popular sunset spot, so expect it to be more crowded around this time.
Hampstead Pergola and Hill Garden
If you’re looking for photoshoot locations in London free of charge, this is your spot. It’s a beautiful outdoor space to take photos for all occasions, whether that be for a wedding, or “just because.”
There are plenty of spacious garden areas for snapping away, as well as structures, like walkways draped with vines and large stone staircases. It’s definitely a place for Instagram tourists.
It’s open from 8:30 till dusk and stays busy almost all day long. If you happen to be visiting London on a sunny day, visit as close to the opening or closing time as possible to avoid harsh lighting from the sun.
Visiting the Hampstead pergola and garden is one of the best things to do in Hampstead.
Kew Gardens
If you’re into floral photography, Kew Gardens houses one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of living plants.
This expansive botanical garden is absolutely magical. It contains numerous greenhouses, a tree-top walkway, an exotic rainforest, and so much more.
Kew GardensThe outside areas change with the season too. Depending on when you visit, you can capture pictures of beautiful autumn foliage, dark winter greenery, or brightly-coloured spring and summer landscapes. There’s always something new to discover.
Kynance Mews
Kynance Mews is a narrow-cobbled road in South Kensington. Beautiful two and three-story houses line either side and the end of the street leads to a large archway.
It’s a quiet little corner that makes for a great London photoshoot location.
Best Equipment For London Photography
Although you can take some great IG photos of London with your cell phone, using a high-quality camera will produce more professional-looking images and make it rain likes.
Here are a few products that will make your pictures look effortlessly professional.
Camera
The Fuji X-T4 camera is a great model that allows you to take sharp, beautiful pictures. Its mechanical shutter is capable of taking photos at 15 frames per second and it has incredible image stabilization.
And, at the flip of a switch, it offers video functionality. It’s also the camera used to capture all the images in this London photo spot guide.
Camera Lens
The Fujifilm 18 – 55mm f2.8 lens will make you feel more confident when shooting any type of photography. It provides lightning-fast focus and responds well to all different scenes.
The Fuji wide-angle 23mm f2 lens (full-frame equivalent 35 mm) has a wider angle of view, so it
enables you to capture scenes like expansive landscapes and large buildings. Simply put, it allows you to fit more of the environment into the frame. This lens is great for enviromental, travel and lifestyle photos.
The Fuji 35mm f1.4 lens (full-frame equivalent 50mm f1.4) produces standout images that are extremely sharp. For amazing clarity and incredible definition, this lens is a must. The f1.4 gives you that dreamy blurry background that a lot of lifestyle bloggers love.
Travel Tripod
The Manfrotto traveller tripod is an excellent quality product that’s compact and lightweight. It’s perfect for solo travelers like myself and can easily fit in your backpack.
Best Photography Spots in London | Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time visiting London, or you’ve travelled here countless times before, taking pictures never gets old.
This English capital definitely has its fill of impressive spots for Instagram photos. The range is quite varied too, from historical landmarks to colourful street art and quirky shops.
Now that you know all the best places to take pictures in London, you can decide the spots that fit best with your Instagram theme.