London has some of the most iconic views in the world! I called this city home for over 3 years, and I am still in awe of all the beautiful architecture, street art, gardens, and storefronts that are sprinkled around town! The number of photogenic spots feels limitless, but I will share a few of my top picks for the most instagrammable places in London.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a London icon! You can often get a great photo sans tourist near City Hall. Walking along the bridge itself will also give you lots of unique photo ops! If you decide to take a cruise on the River Thames (via Uber Boat, Hop-on-Hop-off Tour, etc.), you’ll want to make sure you snap some photos before you go under the bridge. If you’re looking for a romantic moment with your S.O., watch the sunrise over the bridge from City Hall.
Secret Tip: Along Shad Thames (near the Starbucks), you’ll find the Horsleydown Steps which reveal unencumbered views of the bridge from the shore of the Thames. Just make sure you visit when the tide is low!
London Eye
There are many locations to get a dynamic shot of the London Eye! Westminster Bridge is a popular spot, but is typically very busy. One of the easiest spots to capture the observation wheel is from Victoria Embankment (directly across the Thames). Other spots include: Jubilee Park and Gardens, Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridge, and Whitehall Gardens.
Secret Tip: Climb the stairs next to the Sea Life Centre London Aquarium, hop up on the ledge Outside Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar for a great landscape shot of the London Eye and the County Hall builidng.
Shoreditch Street Art
London is a street art capital, and you’ll discover creative pieces around every corner in Shoreditch! I highly recommend the Shoreditch Street Art Tour run by Dave Stuart. Mr. B and I took the tour in 2017 and loved it!
Here are a handful of streets worth exploring:
- Chance Street
- Ebor Street
- Brick Lane
- New Inn Yard
- Hanbury Street
- Fashion Street
- Holywell Lane
- King John Court
Secret Tip: Head to Rivington Street where you’ll find an outdoor bar with a plexiglass-covered Banksy piece.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This gorgeous church is a staple in the London skyline. On a dry day (hard to come by in London, I know), I recommend visiting the cathedral and climbing to the Golden Gallery for incredible outdoor views. For views of St. Paul’s, you can take the lift in the One New Change shopping center to the roof top. We took some of our engagement photos here! Another popular shot is from Millennium Bridge, which perfectly frames the cathedral dome. Beautiful pictures can also be captured from the Festival Gardens, Cannon Alley, Paternoster Square, or across the river on The Queen’s Walk.
Churchill Arms
Whether you visit in spring or winter, Churchill Arms will have a stunning facade. In the spring/summer it is covered in flowers and in the winter they are replaced by lit Christmas trees! It’s truly a delight to see.
Queen Mary’s Rose Garden
In June, Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park blossoms into a floral wonderland. It’s perfect for living out all of your cottagecore dreams. It’s also a lovely place to have a picnic with friends!
Secret Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter spot for a picnic, opt for St. John’s Lodge Garden. It’s a beautiful oasis within Regent’s Park that is slightly hidden.
London at Christmas
London really has the “deck the halls” thing down to a science. Here are some of the best spots for London Christmas photos:
- Cartier on New Bond
- Thomas Goode
- Mount Street in Mayfair (check out Scott’s, Wetherell’s, and George)
- Covent Garden (entrance from James Street, Christmas tree, “Apple Market,” and The Ivy)
- Inside 34 Mayfair (ceiling is covered in ornaments)
- Fortnum and Mason (decorates its windows like an advent calendar)
- Covent Garden Infinity Chamber (this is up all year)
- Carnaby
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Christmas at Kew (buy tickets early – they usually start selling in June)
- Churchill Arms
- The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Neal’s Yard
Looking to add a splash of color to your Instagram feed? Look no further! Neal’s Yard is a colorful courtyard that houses a handful of shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to grab a donut from St. John’s!
Secret Tip: If you take the tunnel exit toward Monmouth Street, you’ll see some cheeky street art featuring Princess Diana.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is beautiful inside and out. It has an iconic staircase that creators flock to. If you’re able, I’d definitely visit during a weekday in the morning to avoid crowds. Although, you might still have to compete for space with school children on a field trip.
Sketch
An instagrammer’s pink oasis. I’ve had tea at Sketch twice and it’s always a treat! Sometimes they have a string trio playing live music as carts push around cakes and other sweets. I’m sorry if this disappoints you, but Sketch recently had a remodel and it’s been transformed into a sunny yellow sanctuary. You might need to rethink your outfit! If tea isn’t your thing, the Lecture Room and Library has a restaurant with 3 Michelin stars.
Honorable Mention: Peggy Porschen, EL&N Cafes (each one is a bit different), Red Telephone Booth, God’s Own Junkyard, Big Ben, colorful homes in Notting Hill or Chelsea, St Dunstan’s in the East, Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead Heath, Little Venice, Kew Gardens, and St. Pancras Hotel staircase.
Whether you live in London or are visiting, I hope you have the most incredible time exploring this stunning city. You will find surprises around every corner!
Leave a comment below and let me know if there are instagrammable places that you think I left off my list!
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