In our opinion, London is easily of the most photogenic cities in the world, with its mix of histroic landmarks, modern architecture and quirky neighbourhoods.
In this guide, we’re sharing the most Instagrammable photo spots in London that we have found during our time living in London and exploring the city; so expect some hidden gems along with iconic spots that can’t be missed.
1. Shad Thames
Tucked away near Tower Bridge, Shad Thames is a historic riverside street with cobblestone roads, iron bridges connecting old victorian warehouses and a moody industrial vibe, perfect for street photography!
This spot has so many angles to play with, whether your focus is the iconic bridges overhead or framing subjects underneath. For the best light, head here early in the morning or late afternoon when the light streams through the bridges and creates soft shadows, plus the street is quieter.
2. Sky Garden
For some of the best free views over London, head to the Sky Garden, London's highest public garden with panoramic views over London.
Not only can you capture shots of iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the winding River Thames - you can frame photos around the exotic plants throughout the viewing platform.
Just make sure you book a ticket in advance - it's free!
3. Neal's Yard
Hidden in the streets of Covent Garden, Neal's Yard is a small photogenic courtyard filled with colourful buildings, greenery and vibrant shops.
Whether it's the focus of your photos or just an aesthetic background, it's the perfect spot for some London photography.
4. Monument Tower
Monument Tower is a hidden gem photo spot right in the middle of London. Be prepared for some cardio as you have to climb 311 steps to the top of the tower, but you’ll be rewarded with great views of London and the busy streets below.
Views from the tower.
Don’t miss the spiral staircase itself, which looks epic from the top. Make sure to bring change with you as a ticket will cost you £5.
5. Little Venice
Little Venice is a picturesque spot in the middle of London with colourful houseboats, tree-lined canals and a calm river. You can capture reflections of the boats in the water, snap the quaint bridges, or take some close-ups of the flowers and unique details on the boats.
This location looks especially beautiful during spring or summer when the trees are vibrant and green!
6. The Garden at 120
Hidden in plain sight in the heart of the City, The Garden at 120 is one of London’s best-kept secrets and yes, it’s free to visit! This rooftop garden is a peaceful escape from the busy streets below, with stunning views of landmarks like the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie, and Tower Bridge.
The minimalist design, exotic plants, and reflective water features make this spot perfect for photography; you can capture the London Skyline or get creative with the architectural details and leading lines!
More London rooftop views 👇
Chloe Butcher
7. God's Own Junkyard
If you’re looking for a quirky and instagrammable photo spot, God’s Own Junkyard is an absolute must-visit. This neon wonderland in Walthamstow is full of vintage signs, glowing artwork and retro vibes; which creates a cool, edgy look to your photos.
Every corner is packed with eye-catching details, so you’ll probably spend half your time just deciding where to point your camera. Plus, the café on-site means you can refuel with a coffee or cake between shots (because let’s face it, photo-taking is hungry work).
8. London Underground
There’s something undeniably iconic about the London Underground and it's a surprisingly cool photo spot. Whether it’s the curves of the tunnels, the retro tiled walls or the colourful tubes, there’s so much creative potential here. For a clean, modern vibe, head to newer stations like Canary Wharf or Westminster.
The futuristic escalators and dramatic lighting are perfect for some moody shots. If you’re after a classic London aesthetic, places like Baker Street or Piccadilly Circus offer that quintessential tube look with their vintage tiles and old-school vibes.
You can also play around with the shutter speed and capture the motion of a train speeding past! Definitely make sure to visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds (and the side-eye from commuters).
9. Horsleydown Steps
For a unique perspective of Tower Bridge, head to the Horsleydown Steps, located just below London Bridge on the south bank. This hidden gem gives you a low, dramatic angle of the bridge with the Thames in the foreground.
It’s an amazing place to play with composition, especially if you want to get creative with reflections or leading lines.Make sure to check the tide times before you go, the steps and shore are accessible at low tide. Also be aware that the gate to the steps gets locked at night!
10. View of London from Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge isn't just a photogenic spot itself, it’s also a prime spot for some of the best views of London’s skyline.
From the bridge, you’ll have an incredible vantage point of London's skyscrapers, like The Gherkin and The Cheesegrater, with the Tower of London in the foreground; which creates a great contrast between the historic castle and the modern buildings.
11. North Bank View of Tower Bridge
For a unique and picturesque perspective of Tower Bridge, head to the north bank, near the Tower of London. There’s plenty of great spots around this area and you can get creative by playing with the surrounding details, like the ancient walls of the Tower of London or using greenery as foreground.
12. Lovat Lane
Lovat Lane is a charming, cobblestoned street that feels like stepping back in time with its historic buildings and lantern-style street lights. What makes Lovat Lane even better is the glimpse of The Shard peeking through the rooftops as you look up.
The contrast of the modern skyscraper against the quaint, historic street creates a beautiful scene that captures London perfectly.
13. Watling Street
For a picturesque view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, head to Watling Street, a narrow road that perfectly frames the cathedral’s impressive dome. The street lined with quaint shops and pubs creates a stunning contrast to St. Paul’s in the background.
14. Madison Roof Terrace at One New Change
For panoramic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, the Madison Roof Terrace at One New Change is a great spot.
From here, you can get an up-close perspective of St. Paul's, framed beautifully against the cityscape in the background. You can also get creative with your shots by using reflections and a telephoto lens!
15. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic buildings in London with its grand Romanesque architecture, intricate details, and towering arches.
Inside the Hintze Hall is where you’ll find the grand staircase and the incredible skeleton of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling; providing plenty of photo opportunities.
16. Barbican Conservatory
One of London’s most unique photo spots is the Barbican Conservatory, located in the Barbican Centre. It’s a tranquil hideaway with over 1500 different plants covering the industrial concrete space and looks incredible as the focus itself or as a background for your subject. The industrial concrete architecture contrasting with lush green plants creates some really interesting images!
17. Richmond Park
If you’re looking to do some nature photography, Richmond Park is a must-visit. It’s a beautiful park known for its herds of roaming deer and it's only 30 minutes from central London.
The misty mornings here create perfect conditions for nature photography, with soft light streaming through ancient oak trees and rolling meadows. If you bring a telephoto lens, head up to Sawyer's Hill for an incredible view of London and capture the city's skyline!
18. St. James’s Park
St. James’s Park is one of London’s prettiest green spaces with photogenic views of the city’s landmarks surrounded by serene nature. The park’s central lake with fountains and a charming bridge makes for a great focal point in your photos.
You can capture the reflections of Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, or Horse Guards Parade from various viewpoints around the park. Head to the Blue Bridge for the best angles, you’ll get a perfect shot of the lake framed by the trees with iconic landmarks peeking through.
19. The South Bank
Although this isn’t a specific photo spot, it’s well worth a walk along the South Bank as there are countless photo opportunities along this stretch of the river.
Walk along the river bank and you’ll come across beautiful views of London’s landmarks, such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben all set against the Thames.
As you move further along, you’ll spot great angles of London’s skyscrapers and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Look for leading lines and subjects to use as foreground to make your images more interesting!
Our 2-day London itinerary 👇
Chloe Butcher
20. Notting Hill
Notting Hill has to be one of London’s most instagrammable neighborhoods with its iconic pastel coloured townhouses and vibrant markets. Some of the best photo spots around Notting Hill are Portobello Road Market, Ladbroke Grove or Lancaster Road - known for their iconic rows of rainbow-colored houses.
21. Westminster Bridge Passageway
The Westminster Bridge passageway is an epic photo spot that perfectly frames Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the curved arches of the passageway. The dynamic light and shadows in the passage creates a moody and cinematic feel, perfect for capturing those timeless and vintage shots of London.
22. Battersea Power Station
The newly renovated Battersea Power Station is a mix of modern and industrial design, creating some interesting photo spots; especially with the iconic red brick contrasting with the industrial architecture.
Head to the Turbine Hall inside and check out the sleek interior, the Control Room B which has been renovated as a bar, or The Lift 109 which takes you up through the chimney to look over London.
23. St. Dunstan in the East
St. Dunstan in the East is an enchanting church ruin overgrown with greenery near London Bridge. The gothic arches, ivy-covered walls and tranquil atmosphere make it an incredibly photogenic and peaceful spot; perfect for capturing moody, fairytale-like shots.
24. Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one of London’s oldest parks with beautiful views of the city and River Thames. From the top of The Royal Observatory, you’ll get a perfect view of Canary Wharf and the iconic Queen’s House, and you’ll be able to see other landmarks like The Shard. If you bring a telephoto lens you’ll be able to capture some epic photos of the Skyline with the park in the foreground.
26. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a beautiful covered Victorian market with a strikingly unique roof, cobblestone floors and colourful shops; it feels like you’ve stepped back in time! The elegant arches and intricate architectural details look incredible in photos, with plenty of leading lines to play with. We’d recommend visiting early in the morning for softer light and to avoid the crowds.
27. Tower of London
The Tower of London is the perfect spot for capturing the contrast between London’s rich history and its modern skyline. Position the Tower of London in the foreground to showcase its centuries-old architecture, with the sleek, contemporary skyscrapers like The Shard rising in the background.
For the best shots, explore around the north bank of the Thames and aim for golden hour to add a warm glow to your photos.
