A trip to London can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Apart from creating memories that will last forever, it’s also an opportunity to boost your Instagram.
Watching the Changing of the Guard, riding the London Eye, taking pictures of the Palace of Westminster and its world-famous clock, crossing the iconic Tower Bridge, walking along the Thames River, and wandering around Regent Street will definitely make you fall in love with London.
Whether you’re visiting this vibrant and incredible city, or call it home, like me, there are several aesthetic places to take Instagram pictures in London.
From museums to restaurants, cafes, bars, palaces, train/tube stations, bridges, famous streets, and parks, below you’ll find the 20 most Instagrammable places in London to blow up your account.
Most popular tours in London
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Table of Contents
20 Most Instagrammable Places in London
1 – Buckingham Palace
Our Majesty’s official residence in London is stunning and indeed picturesque. If you’re visiting the State Rooms, watching the Changing of the Guard or attending a summer party, you cannot miss the chance to take some Instagram pictures.
My favourite photo spots are the gates and the garden around Queen Victoria Memorial. The best light for photography is in the morning and the best day is Sunday when there are fewer visitors.
Be aware that if you go during the Changing of the Guard, it’ll probably be crowded and a bit hard to take good pictures. However, if this is your first time in London, I recommend watching this pompous ceremony.
Location: The Mall, London SW1A 1AA. Nearest tube station: Green Park
2 – The London Eye
When you’re in London, don’t miss the London Eye! Not only because it’s Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, but because it’s truly captivating.
You can take pictures from one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules that provide unparalleled panoramic views of London, from the square in front of it (on Belveder Road) or across the river (one of the most popular Instagrammable places in London).
The best light for photography is in the afternoon (from the opposite side of the river), however, in the evening you can also take great pictures of this photogenic wheel.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB. Nearest tube station: Waterloo
3 – Palace of Westminster
A trip to London isn’t complete without seeing Westminster Palace and the most distinguished clock in the world!
This striking palace, lying next to the River Thames in the heart of London, is a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage. It’s open to UK residents (free admission) and visitors alike (Book your tour here).
At the north end of Westminster Palace stands London’s iconic clock tower, Elizabeth Tower, and the Great Bell, aka Big Ben, one of the most Instagrammed landmarks on the planet. Don’t you want to miss that, do you?
Location: UK Parliament, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA. Nearest tube station: Westminster
4 – The Red Telephone Boxes
The red telephone box was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott after winning a competition sponsored by the Post Office in 1924. Two years later the boxes took over the streets of London to become an iconic symbol of Britain.
Nowadays only about 7,000 traditional red phone boxes across the UK work. Some of them were adopted and turned into libraries, defibrillator stations and even tiny art galleries.
If you’re looking for the best red phone box locations in London for photos, here are some of the most famous ones: Parliament Square opposite Queen Elizabeth Tower (my favourite one), Victoria Embarkment opposite the London Eye, Covent Garden and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Location: Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA. Nearest tube station: Westminster
5 – Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of my favourite Instagrammable places in London and every time I have friends visiting the city, I take them to see this famous landmark.
Constructed between 1886 and 1894 in Neo-Gothic style, Tower Bridge is more than one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, it’s an icon of London and the United Kingdom.
There are plenty of photo spots around Tower Bridge on both sides of the river, such as Butler’s Wharf Pier and Tower Bridge Quay. But for me, the best one is The Queens Walk, in front of the City Hall to be more precise.
Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP. Nearest tube station: Tower Hill
6 – Sky Garden
Located 13min walk from Tower Bridge, Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, features three-storey floor-to-ceiling glass windows and provides fantastic views of the London skyline.
You can explore the lush gardens, stroll around the observation decks and open-air terrace, fine dining in one of its two restaurants, grab a drink in one of its two bars, not to mention take pictures of the famous enlarged glass dome.
Sky Garden is open on weekdays 10 am-6 pm and at weekends 11 am-9 pm and is free of charge. But you must book tickets three weeks in advance.
Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF. Nearest tube station: Monument
7 – St Dunstan in the East
Just 2-min away from Sky Garden is St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, a unique public garden with benches, a fountain and with greenery draping the walls of a church built in the Saxon times.
The church was restored by St Dustan in 950 AD and then rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire in 1666. It was largely destroyed again in the Second World War when the garden was laid out.
This green oasis hidden among some buildings is one of the secret London Instagram spots. I’ve passed close by several times and never knew that there’s such an exceptional garden in the area.
Location: St Dunstan’s Hill, London, EC3R 5DD. Nearest tube station: Aldgate.
8 – Coppa Club Tower Bridge
A 10min-walk from Tower Bridge, you find one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in London, Coppa Club Tower Bridge.
Situated next to the Tower of London, this riverfront restaurant serves European food, from small plates and snacks to grilled mains, sourdough pizza and healthy salads.
The igloos, the most famous and photographed ones in London, are open year-round, provide exceptionally clear views of The Shard and Tower Bridge, and are the perfectly Instagrammable setting for breakfast, dinner or anything in between.
Location: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AH. Nearest tube station: Tower Hill.
9 – SUSHISAMBA
Located on the 38th and 39th of 10 Bishopsgate, SUSHISAMBA features the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city.
The restaurant celebrates the culture and cuisine of Japan, Brazil, and Peru. You can find Brazilian beers, as well as churrasco (Brazilian BBQ), moqueca (seafood with coconut milk and palm oil), tempura, sushi, ceviche, etc.
The main dining room is breathtaking and overlooks views of London with floor-to-ceiling windows. Tables and tickets for the electrifying parties must be booked in advance, but you can pop up any time for drinks.
Location: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY. Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street
10 – Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Saint Paul’s Cathedral, another unmissable famous landmark, is one of the most recognisable sights of London and has dominated the skyline for over 300 years. At 365 feet (111 m) high, it was the tallest building in the city from 1710 to 1963.
The picturesque and massive cross-shaped Anglican church with striking decoration is also one of the most Instagrammable places in London.
There are many points around St. Paul’s that are great for snapping some pictures. My favourites are the gardens and One New Change Shopping Centre.
Secret tip: You can also take great pictures of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline from One New Change Roof Terrace. It’s open from 6 am-midnight daily.
Location: St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD. Nearest tube station: St Paul’s.
11 – Millennium Bridge
Millennium Bridge was London’s first new pedestrian bridge for over a century, linking St Paul’s Cathedral, on the north bank of the Thames, with Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, in Southwark.
The bridge is a great place to take photos of the river and provides spectacular views of some of the most iconic London landmarks.
For me, the best spot is from the ramp to access the bridge in Southwark with St Paul’s Cathedral as the perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots.
Location: Thames Embankment, London. Nearest tube station: Blackfriars.
12 – The British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is a world-class museum with an incredible collection of over 8 million objects showing the history of the world’s culture.
The British Museum is one of my favourite museums in the world, not only because of its important and vast collection but also because of the building.
The Greek Revival style building with 4 vast wings, 43 Greek temple-inspired columns and the largest covered public square in Europe with a magnificent glass roof is breathtaking and indeed one of the most aesthetic places in London.
Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG. Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road.
13 – Neal’s Yard
Tucked away down a tiny side street in Covent Garden is Neal’s Yard, one of the most secret photography spots in London.
Hidden inside this colourful and distinctive courtyard, you’ll find independent shops, great restaurants, bars, and cafés.
If you want to go to Neal’s Yard to take pictures for your socials, pick a sunny day and go around noon when there’s more sunlight in the courtyard.
Location: Between Short’s Gardens and Monmouth Street. Nearest tube station: Covent Garden.
14 – Kew Gardens
With over 50,000 living plants spread across 500 acres of woodland, Kew Gardens is a Royal Botanic Gardens and UNESCO World Heritage site founded by Princess Augusta, mother of King George III, in 1979.
There’s so much to see and do on a visit to Kew Gardens, such as explore the Arboretum (a vast collection of 14,000 trees), curve your way across the lake, walk through the treetop canopy, take a mindful moment in the tranquil Japanese gardens, etc.
However, if you want to take pictures for your Instagram, the Temperate House, the Palm House and The Hive are the most aesthetic places.
Book your ticket to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens online in advance here.
Location: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. Nearest tube station: Kew Gardens
15 – Notting Hill
If you look for the best Instagram spots in London, I have no doubts that you’ll find Notting Hill.
This West London district is known for being a multicultural neighbourhood and home to one of the world’s biggest carnivals as well as the vibrant Portobello Road Market.
Notting Hill is also one of London’s most famous locations and has been featured in many films, thanks to its charming streets and picturesque pastel-coloured houses.
Notting Hill is one of the most photogenic places in London and there are several urban photography points. But for me, the unmissable one is Lancaster Road with its lovely rainbow-colour houses.
Location: Lancaster Road, London, W1. Nearest tube station: Ladbroke Grove
16 – The Churchill Arms Pub and Restaurant
While in Notting Hill, you shouldn’t miss Churchill Arms, London’s prettiest pub.
The pub built in 1750 and frequented by Churchill’s grandparents is dripping in flowers and crammed with the former Prime Minister’s memorabilia.
Serving real ales and authentic Thai cuisine, Churchill Arms became a big hit on social media because of its fabulous and world-famous flower display.
The pub is located on a very busy road and taking pictures of it isn’t that easy. So, be patient and go in the afternoon and during spring/summer.
Location: 119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, W8 7LN. Nearest station tube station: Notting Hill Gate
17 – The Ivy Chelsea Gardens
Set inside an Old Georgian house on King’s Road, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a sophisticated all-day dining restaurant serving from British cuisine to café-style classics, and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes.
It’s decorated with lush foliage, dashes of Art-Deco detail and beautiful burnt orange banquettes. It also has a stunning outdoor garden.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden is not yet on the radar of many people, but for me, it’s one of the most appealing and Instagrammable restaurants in London. They frequently display art installations on their façade, each one more enchanting than the other.
Location: 195, 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ. Nearest station tube stations: South Kensington & Sloane Square
18 – Peggy Porschen
While on King’s Road you should also stop by Peggy Porsche Parlour, which is just 2min away from The Ivy.
Founded in 2003, Peggy Porschen serves a freshly-baked collection of cupcakes, layer cakes and confections.
The company headed by award-winning cake designer and author Peggy Porschen and her husband Bryn Morrow has become one of the most Instagrammable cafes in London because of its fairytale pink façade, seasonal floral displays, and collections.
Peggy’s façade for me is a bit disappointing, but the cakes are to die for. They aren’t cheap though…
Location: 219 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EJ. Nearest station tube stations: South Kensington & Sloane Square
19 – Adam’s Plaza Bridge in Canary Wharf
Are you looking for offbeat urban photography locations in London? If so, you should head to Canary Wharf to discover one of my dearest Instagrammable places in London.
Located on the Isle of Dogs in the Borough of Tower Hamlets, this affluent neighbourhood is one of London’s two main financial centres, alongside the traditional City of London.
There are so many modern skyscrapers, things to do and places to take pictures in Canary Wharf. But my favourite is the tunnel-like bridge with geometric shapes awesomely painted with vivid colours by Camille Walala.
The artist transformed the space into a surprising and vibrant backdrop that is purely Instagrammable.
Location: Adams Plaza Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greater London, E14 5AR. Nearest DLR station: Canary Wharf
20 – Shoreditch Street Art
If you like street art, Shoreditch, is a creative and cultural neighbourhood with colourful street art, hip pubs and cafes, edgy art galleries, eclectic bars and popular nightclubs.
Walking on Shoreditch streets is like being in an outdoor museum, with its walls and buildings showcasing large-scale works by some world-famous street artists.
You can find striking street art murals everywhere in Shoreditch, but the best ones are on New Inn Yard, Whitby, Brick Lane, Hanbury and Fashion streets, Nomadic Community Garden and around the BoxPark as well.
These are the 20 most Instagrammable places in London and below there’s a map with the exact location of each one of them.
If you find some more, please let me know in the comments below.
Remember that travelling is more than taking pictures for your Instagram. So, I do recommend you to explore this fantastic city, because there are so many things to do and see here.
Safe travels and enjoy London.
20 Best Instagram Spots in London (Map)
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