39 Instagrammable Places in London You Shouldn’t Miss (2024)

Looking for the most Instagrammable places in London? We’ve chosen 39+ cool spots in our hometown that are guaranteed to blow up your feed.

We may be biased but London is one heck of a pretty city.

Sure, when it’s bleak and grey it might not feel like it, but from its iconic skyline to its secret hideouts, it is packed with photo opportunities waiting to happen.

It’s also huge – strolling around London in search of a photo location might sound like a nice idea, but it’s not really that practical and your feet might fall off before you accomplish your mission.

That’s why we’ve chosen the very best London Instagram spots for this guide – more than thirty-nine cool attractions and secret finds to inspire your feed.

Instagrammable Places in London

Sky Garden

Address: 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF

The Sky Garden – the gorgeous garden perched atop the “Walkie Talkie” building in Fenchurch Street isn’t exactly a secret.

Just trying to book one of the free tickets that book out weeks and weeks ahead will tell you that.

Very few people know that you can go up to the Sky Garden for breakfast without having to book ahead. Simply buy a cup of coffee or a croissant once you’re up there and you’re all good. Even better – there are zero crowds to mess up your photos.

Upstairs at Rules

Address: 34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB

We’re about to let you in on one of our most fiercely-guarded Instagram places in London (you can thank us later). Upstairs at Rules.

The upstairs bar of London’s oldest restaurant recently underwent a transformation that saw it open the so-called Winter Garden – a huge conservatory dotted with chaise-lounges, tropical plants and beautiful flowers – all as you sip some of the best co*cktails in town.

View of St Paul’s from Millennium Bridge

Address: Thames Embankment, London SE1 9JE

The view of St Paul’s Cathedral from Millennium Bridge is one of the most iconic shots of London you can possibly take.

Standing on the bridge, you have the perfect framing and composition of the legendary St Paul’s Cathedral ensconced cosily between the contemporary architecture of the City of London.

The Barbican Conservatory

Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS

It’s tough to have favourites in a city where there are so many cool places to photograph, but we have no shame saying that The Barbican’s drop-dead-gorgeous conservatory is one of our personal faves.

Even better, it’s free to visit.

That’s the good news – the bad is that you’ll need to get there as early as possible to snag the best chance of being able to photograph in peace.

The K2 Telephone Boxes at the Back of Covent Garden

Address: 5 Broad Ct, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5QH

Nothing screams London Instagram spots like a good old red telephone box.

There aren’t many of the K2 telephone boxes left in London, but this cute row, located around the back of Covent Garden, is the perfect place for taking that “London Calling” shot.

Pastel Houses in Primrose Hill

We hate to be basic, but is there anything quite as fun as snapping a cheeky #OOTD in front of a beautiful pastel house? That’s where Primrose Hill shines.

Gloucester Avenue and Chalcot Square are the biggies where you’ll spot plenty of colourful facades, though spend an hour wandering around Primrose Hill and you’ll find plenty of pastel doors to snap a quick photo of.

Greenwich’s Painted Hall

Address: King William Walk, London SE10 9NN

It’s no secret that we’ve fallen head over heels for the Painted Hall in Greenwich – in fact, we’ve written a guide to tell you all about why you should visit the UK’s answer to the Sistine Chapel (and this one you can actually take a photo of).

The Baroque hall boasts an impressive ceiling covered in 4,000 square metres of painting. In this spectacular artwork, there are 200 figures, each helping to tell the story of Britain’s political, cultural, and naval achievements throughout history.

Created by Sir James Thornhill, this masterpiece took him more than 19 years to create, beginning in 1707. Made Painter-in-ordinary by King George I in 1718, he was paid £6,685 for his work – around £500,000 in today’s money. You can do the maths to work out his hourly rate!

Aqua Shard in The Shard

Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU

It’s no secret that The Shard offers great views out over London – you’d expect nothing less from the city’s tallest building. BUT.

Rather than paying to go and snap a photo amongst the masses at The View from the Shard, we have another sneaky trick to make the most of this Instagrammable London hotspot – go to one of the bars in the Shangri La Hotel that’s located inside The Shard.

Aqua Shard Bar on Level 53 boasts rather spectacular views of the city, all at the cost of a cheeky co*cktail or two. Be sure to book ahead to nab the best tables.

Peggy Porschen

Address: 116 Ebury St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9QQ

Peggy Porschen redefines the idea of ‘pretty in pink’. This Belgravia bakery not only caters for the royals and celebrities but has an attractive pastel pink facade that’s lined with rose bushes. Charming, to say the least, as are the cupcakes, all of them perfect additions to your feed.

God’s Own Junkyard

Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London E17 9HQ

Walking into this treasure trove of neon signs is like walking into a retro seventies film on speed.

Bright colours, flashing lights, tongue-in-cheek messages – this is Instagrammable London at its most fun.

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster from the South Bank

Address: Belvedere Rd, Bishop’s, London SE1 7GA

Hidden away on the other side of Westminster Bridge to Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster is a small passage that leads under the bridge.

The entrance to the passage perfectly frames Big Ben and the Palace for a cool shot of some of the most iconic buildings in London, both newly renovated.

The Colourful Houses of Notting Hill

Address: 34C Lancaster Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 1QR

The area of Notting Hill is Instagrammable London to the core – packed with cute cafes and pretty boutiques – but it’s the rainbow-coloured houses of streets like Lancaster Road and Portobello Road that people come for.

We do feel duty bound to point out that these are people’s actual homes, so please don’t pose in front of people’s front doors like it’s a film set and show a bit of consideration for others.

Neal’s Yard

Address: Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP

Apart from being a personal favourite, Neal’s Yard is one of the most interesting places to photograph in London.

Saved from demolition in the nineties, it’s now home to a wealth of colourful buildings and greenery hidden down two secret passages near Covent Garden.

Radio Rooftop

Address: 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA

We’ll be brutally honest here – Radio Rooftop is not one of our favourite bars in Covent Garden – the queues to get in on a Friday evening can reach ridiculous levels and the service leaves a lot to be desired.

All that aside, there’s a reason that Radio Rooftop is so popular – because it’s got one of London’s best-located rooftop bars.

For photos, you’re best off calling in during the day when it’s quieter and you can make the most of those views.

The Nelson Stairs at Somerset House

Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1JA

Somerset House is one of the coolest Instagram spots in London.

This old palace, the last remaining of the row of palaces that used to line the Thames, is a cool arts venue and also houses some stellar restaurants and bars… but that’s not what you’re here for.

Make your way through the maze of corridors to find the Nelson Stairs – a set of beautifully winding stairs in a light atrium.

Street Art in Shoreditch

Address: Shoreditch, London N1 6BY

The street art in Shoreditch is world-class, with murals by the famous Banksy as well as others from leading street art names from around the world.

Not sure where to start?

The roads surrounding Brick Lane are bursting with all kinds of colourful pieces by Dale Grimshaw and Mr Cenz to name a few.

Be sure to set aside at least two hours to do the area justice, but you’ll almost certainly need more time for the endless photos you simply have to take while you’re there.

London Eye

Address: The Queen’s Walk, Bishop’s, London SE1 7PB

The Coca Cola London Eye has been a must-visit since it opened at the start of the millennium.

It’s also a fabulous place to take pictures of the River Thames and the Palace of Westminster.

Hop into your capsule and grab that iconic shot of the capsule in front of you, the River Thames and the Palace of Westminster just after you reach the apex of the journey.

St Dunstan’s in the East Church

Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

St Dunstan’s stands testimony to the devastation of World War II when it was bombed.

Today, this ruined church has been overrun by plants and is now an enchanting public park. Where else would you get to take your photos complete with the aged ruins of a Grade I listed building poking out of the greenery behind you?

Leake Street Tunnel

Address: Leake St, Bishop’s, London SE1 7NN

As Londoners, Leake Street Tunnel is one of our favourite places to photograph.

As London’s largest legal graffiti wall, there’s a never-ending flurry of cool new pieces of street art going up in the tunnel. Get your timing right and you can be the first to grab your photo in front of a newly-finished piece.

Tower Bridge

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

Tower Bridge offers some incredible photo-ops for amateur and skilled photographers alike.

There’s a traffic island in the middle of the road that’s a great position for taking pictures. Or, head to a slightly different location – next to the Dolphin statue on St Katharine’s Walk for another iconic London photo spot.

The Peep Show Sign at La Bodega Negra

Address: 9 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 5JF

Feeling a bit cheeky? Light up (literally) your Instagram account with this neon sign at the entrance to Bodega Negra in Soho.

A little nod to Soho’s seedy past, it’s now one of Soho’s coolest bar-come-restaurants.

Tate Britain

Address: Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RG

The Tate Britain doesn’t get as much attention as its younger sister The Tate Modern gallery, which is a shame. But its loss is your gain – the geometric tiles and light-filled atria are a photographer’s dream.

The very best Instagram spot is in the member’s lounge, but even if you’re not a member, there’s plenty to keep your camera clicking.

Hill Garden & Pergola in Hampstead Heath

Address: The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s best-known parks – and with views out over the city, it’s already got a reputation as one of the best places to take pictures in London.

That said, not so many people know about the pretty Pergola Gardens that are tucked away in the Golders Green section of the park.

Pretty pergolas and a well-kept garden spread out over several levels together combine to make this one of the most instagrammable places in London.

The Churchill Arms

Address: 119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN

Pubs are part and parcel of British culture but few are as overly patriotic and out-and-out fabulous as the Churchill Arms in Kensington.

Bedecked in more flowers than nearby Kensington Gardens, Union Jacks and flowering plants seem to spurt out of the entire building. An absolute must-visit photography spot in the city.

Step inside to be wowed by an endless array of bric-a-brac, antiques, curiosities, and other paraphernalia that is quintessentially British in style.

Tulip Stairs, Queen’s House Greenwich

Address: Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF

The Queen’s House is Greenwich’s answer to secret photography spots in London.

There are so many opulently-decorated nooks and crannies that it’s no wonder it’s been popping up on many an Instagram feed. Still, cute as it is, it’s the winding Tulip Stairs that really steal the show – winding up to a central window, the light-filled stairwell is spot on for a photo or two.

Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station

Address: Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9AL

King’s Cross train station boasts the entrance to Platform 9 ¾ where Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express. Yes, really!

There is a plaque and even a trolley disappearing into the wall so you can take that iconic “going off to Hogwarts, hope the train hasn’t left shot” – you know you want to.

Changing of the Guard

Address: Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA

The queen’s official residence is another iconic London photography spot. The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens on the hour, every hour so there’s plenty of opportunities to photograph it.

We suggest you arrive as early as possible, to make sure you get a good viewing spot.

Greenwich Park

Address: Greenwich, London SE10 8QY

Greenwich Park is one of the most peaceful, yet picture-perfect places you’ll find in London.

The lush greenery and architecture such as Queen’s House (see entry above) make great backdrops for photographs in the city. Plus it offers a cool view of the towering skyscrapers of nearby Canary Wharf.

Wander up the hill for the best views down towards Queen’s House and the Naval College, as well as across towards the O2, the Emirates Skyline, and the likes of the Walkie Talkie and Cheesegrater in the centre of the city.

St James’s Park

Address: London SW1A 2BJ

St James’s Park is our go-to of London’s many gorgeous oases. Getting up early for a morning stroll also makes for the perfect opportunity to photograph this public park as the sun rises.

As well as the stunning lake, you’ll be able to get several of London’s most prominent roads in the background, including Horse Guards, Downing Street, Whitehall, and The Mall, not to mention Admiralty Arch from some angles.

This spot is gorgeous all-year round, but we love the autumnal shades best on a bright, crisp, chilly day.

Bob Bob Ricard

Address: 1 Upper James St, Soho, London W1F 9DF

Looking for an Instagrammable AF restaurant in London? May we present Bob Bob Ricard.

It’s one of our favourite restaurants thanks to its delicious food and opulent Orient-Express style decor – how can you resist the cheeky Press for Champagne button?

Richmond Park

Address: Richmond, Kingston upon Thames TW10 5HS,

Richmond Park was originally a royal hunting ground, which explains why there are deer still roaming free around the park.

Not only is it one of the most peaceful places to photograph in London but it’s also one of the most unusual. As well as the deer, Richmond Park is one of the best places to shoot for your Insta feed all year round.

From the blooming bulbs in spring to the vibrant colours of summer, and the stunning hues of yellows, reds, and browns in front of milky autumnal sunlight. Meanwhile, in winter, Richmond Park is one part of London that might get covered with snow, making it the perfect spot for some winter wonderland shots.

Word of warning: don’t get too close to the deer while you’re trying to get your shot.

Little Venice

Address: Maida Ave, Little Venice, London W2 1ST

It may be nestled in North London but Little Venice certainly reminds us of the canals of Amsterdam and Venice (we guess the clue was really in the name).

Taking a boat ride along the river is a great opportunity to capture one of London’s most unique neighbourhoods – not to mention providing a beautiful backdrop for your secret London Instagram photos, particularly with all of the stunning coloured narrow boats moored along the tow paths.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Address: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

Bustling stalls brimming with all kinds of flowers and plants, cute cafes and shops – it can only mean one thing Sunday morning at Columbia Road flower market.

The flowers brighten up the entire street – go early to capture the full effect before the beautiful blooms and endless hues of green are obscured by eager plant buyers.

Kew Gardens

Address: Richmond TW9 3AB

Kew Gardens is the “world’s largest collection of living plants”, which ultimately means that it should go to the top of any Instagrammable London list.

Soaring glasshouses brim with a tangle of plants that wouldn’t look out of place in a tropical rainforest and which provide the perfect backdrop for many a photo.

Leadenhall Market

Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT

Leadenhall Market is one of the better-known London photography spots, but don’t let that put you off.

The market dates back to the 15th century – today the soaring ceilings, cobbled streets and ye olde shops are the perfect setup for a little shoot.

Interestingly, Leadenhall Market doubled up as Diagon Alley in some of the Harry Potter films too – a must-visit for anyone wanting to see London’s many Harry Potter filming locations.

Wilton’s Music Hall

Address: 1 Graces Alley, Whitechapel, London E1 8JB

Back in the day, London was filled with beautiful music halls where people would go and listen to their favourite musicians belt out a tune or two.

Today, the opulent Wilton’s Music Hall is the last one of those music halls left in the city. You’ll need to time your visit with a performance or ask for permission to shoot, but it’s worth the effort.

Natural History Museum

Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

In recent years, we’ve come to appreciate the Natural History Museum’s stunning architecture as one of the most striking London photography spots almost as much as its interesting exhibitions. Almost.

Get there early to take pictures of the cavernous Hintz Hall, complete with its giant skeleton of a blue whale.

Sabine Rooftop

Address: 7, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ

Boasting great drinks and even better views, Sabine Rooftop is well-worthy of its place in this guide to the most Instagrammable places in London.

The rooftop bar is a floral oasis nestled above St Paul’s, so get your camera out and snap some pics of some of London’s most iconic buildings while you relax and sip your co*cktail, wine, or beer.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Address: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS

Blooms make the perfect backdrop to an Insta photo and, luckily, Chelsea Physic Garden has got them in abundance, making it one of the best spots to get your camera out and get some snaps for your Insta feed in spring and summer.

This hidden botanical garden sits in between the Thames and Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, and is home to more than 4 acres of botanical beauty, making it one of the most aesthetically joyous places in London.

Penge Street Art

As much as we love Shoreditch, one of our favourite locations for street art in the capital has to be Penge.

Big names such as Zabou, Mr Cenz, Dan Kitchener and Ant Carver have all got pieces dotted around the area, and you’ll be able to snap everything from cartoons to portraits.

Trellick Tower

Address: Trellick Tower, 5 Golborne Road, London, W10 5NR

We love a bit of brutalist architecture and London is full of awesome examples of eye-catching concrete buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in a 70s spy thriller set in deepest East Germany.

One of our fave London spots is Trellick Tower, an imposing tower standing at 322ft tall, and designed by Erno Goldfinger. As with most brutalist buildings, Trellick Tower, which you’ll see as you head into and out of London by train from Paddington, divides opinion as does most of Goldfinger’s work.

For us, we’re massive fans and whether you’re snapping from beneath the vast tower looking upwards, or making it the feature of your West London skyscape shot, it is a striking part of the London skyline.

Brixton Windmill

Address: Windmill Gardens, Blenheim Gardens, London, SW2 5DA

When you think of Brixton, you’ll no doubt think of one of London’s musical hotspots and diverse cultures mixing to make one of South London’s most vibrant communities. What you don’t think of is windmills.

And we mean a real-world, windmill that even many of the locals know about. Brixton Windmill was restored to its former glory in 2011 and holds open days between May and October. The mill is still in full working order, making it London’s last working windmill and their flour is stocked across London.

However, it’s outside that truly wows, and it’s here that you should get some killer Instagram shots of this South London gem that’s hidden away between residential houses and that will elevate your feed above your mates’.

Daunt Books

Address: 84 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 4Q!

Bookshops make up some of our London highlights, yet there is one in particular that if we had to choose a favourite, would make the grade. Daunt Books in Marylebone is the perfect bookshop and a truly wonderful spot to grab some top-class Insta moments.

Think row-upon-row of floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled bookshelves across several floors, stacked as far as the eye can see with travel tomes guiding you to every corner of the globe. With stunning balustrades and staircases, if it’s a classic bookshop you want to add to your feed, head to Daunt and make your dreams come true.

London Peace Pagoda

Address: Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ

Located in the peaceful surroundings of Battersea Park, on the south bank of the River Thames, yet away from the hustle and bustle of The South Bank, is the London Peace Padoga, a gorgeous example of Japanese Buddhist architecture.

Built in 1984, the pagoda was gifted to London by the Nipponzan-Myohoji order of Japanese Buddhism and is now the site of a moving, and beautiful floating lantern ceremony to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki each August.

The views from the pagoda are stunning, and instantly snappable, while the pagoda itself makes a wonderful centrepoint for your Insta feed wherever you are nearby.

Map of London’s Instagram Spots

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