20 Most Instagrammable Places in London
Your camera roll wants these London locations
London rewards patience and timing. The list below ranks 20 locations by their light quality and photographic clarity—which shots look sharp, which demand a specific hour, and how crowded they actually get. Some spots are best at dawn, others sing only at sunset or in the blue hour after dark. Some have queues; others have surprises. Each entry includes where exactly to stand, when the light favours you, and what courtesy demands from photographers in crowded spaces. Rank them by: golden hour favourability, how specific you need to be with your viewpoint to get a publishable frame, and how sane the crowd situation actually is.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill, North London · Park viewpoint; sunrise/sunset · Best light before sunrise or golden hour; free access
Primrose Hill is renowned for its sweeping views of the London skyline. Located just north of Regent's Park, it stands approximately 213 feet tall, providing one of the highest points in the city. This makes it a popular destination for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the urban landscape. Due to the south easterly view it's much better suited to shooting for sunrise. The early morning hours at Primrose Hill are truly enchanting. The park is far less crowded in the early hours, allowing you to experience the tranquility that comes with the dawn.
Golden Jubilee Bridges
Golden Jubilee Footbridges, South Bank, Westminster · Pedestrian bridge viewpoint · Best at sunset and blue hour; free access
The Thames offers many sunrise and sunset viewpoints, including the famous Waterloo sunsets celebrated by The Kinks, but the Golden Jubilee Bridges stand out for their panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy postcard-worthy sights of the London Eye and Westminster from pedestrian-only bridges, without the noise of traffic. For an elevated angle on the London Eye and the river climb up the steps of the Golden Jubilee footbridge. From the middle of the bridge you can catch a perfect river view that includes all of the biggest sights in one frame.
Tower Bridge, North side from Butler's Wharf
Butler's Wharf, South Bank · Bridge with dramatic angle · Best midday through afternoon; free access
This is a really smart move if you value a quieter shot of Tower Bridge and there are so many cute looking restaurants along here including Le Port de la Tour and even All Bar One is a good shout for a cold lemonade and a cheeky outfit change. There are some cool features including a whopping great big anchor here if you like a nautical flavour in your shots. This is the most popular side as the light is likely to always be good from this angle and most people will have arrived from this side after a stroll on the Embankment. This side has quite a high wall to content with, and in the past I have sat on top of it. You can still get great shots from here but just keep in mind it may be busier.
Tower Bridge from More London
More London, South Bank · Elevated riverside viewpoint · Best at golden hour for reflections; free access
Continue further down the river to More London where you'll get a great angle for the obligatory photo of Tower Bridge, a hit with Instagrammers. It encompasses More London, City Hall, The Shard, HMS Belfast and in the background, London Bridge. It's a rather modern looking view of the city with lots of reflective glass that can vary the look of the buildings depending on where the light comes from and the type of light available. The summer months are best when photographing this location as the sun is further over to the right during the golden hour. During the colder months, the sun will be directly behind The Shard resulting in the buildings being silhouetted which does not make such a good photo.
Millennium Bridge, looking toward St Paul's
Millennium Bridge, City of London · Pedestrian bridge with cathedral framing · Best at sunset and blue hour; free access
The view from Millennium Bridge toward St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most photographed in London — and during golden hour the dome and surrounding buildings glow with warm amber light while the Thames shimmers below. Millennium Bridge makes a beautiful framing for St. Paul's Cathedral and it's one of the most iconic places in London. Keep in mind that this location is really busy during the day so if you're going for photos, consider getting there for sunrise. Stay for blue hour when St Paul's lights up against the deep blue sky.
Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliament angle
Westminster Bridge, Westminster · Bridge with direct palace view · Best sunset golden hour; free access, very crowded
The best bet for good photographs is to get here around sunset for the golden hour as the sun often sets behind the building. The area around Westminster Bridge, with the stunning silhouette of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, is one of the best places to head for London sunsets. When photographing sunsets in London, don't just stay until the sun drops below the horizon. Wait 20 minutes or so for dusk, and a little longer for the lights to be turned on, the rich afterglow to develop in the sky and the magic to really begin.
Big Ben with red telephone box, Parliament Square
Parliament Square, Westminster · Street-level with phone booth · Best early morning to avoid queues; free access
Head early in the morning if you want to avoid lines! We showed up around 10am and ended up waiting in line twice (probably 30 minutes each time!) Combined with a red phone booth you have captured the essence of London. The red phone booth in front of Big Ben is located at Parliament Square. A red phone box and Big Ben, what more could you want from a London Instagram shot? If you wait for a red double decker bus to go past you'll be ticking off all the boxes!
Westminster Bridge underpass, Big Ben framed
Westminster Bridge underpass (pedestrian tunnel), Westminster · Archway frame viewpoint · Anytime; note: low-light with foot traffic
One of my favourite photo spots with Big Ben is the archway under the Westminster Bridge. While this place is very popular, people are actually queuing for their turn, so you'd easily be able to take nice photos there. 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.
Sky Garden (Walkie-Talkie building)
20 Fenchurch Street, The City · High-rise indoor garden · Best at sunset; free timed tickets, book 3 weeks ahead
An hour gives you ample time to stroll through the three levels of landscaped gardens, step out onto the open-air terrace, and really take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of London from its 155-meter (508 feet) height. Sunset is the most spectacular time, but also the most in demand. The morning lets you enjoy lighter crowds, while in winter a late-afternoon visit often lets you admire London first by day and then lit up at night. Access to the Sky Garden is free of charge on weekdays 10am-6pm and weekends 11am-9pm.
Primrose Hill at dusk
Primrose Hill, North London · Park with winter sunset view · Best December/January and spring/summer blue hour; free
As the sun sets behind the hill for most of the year, you tend to get the best colours through winter. However if you get the right conditions, you can get a lovely glow in the sky from the setting sun behind you at other times of the year. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this elevated spot offers breathtaking panoramas that are particularly magical at sunrise and sunset. Primrose Hill is the perfect spot for those amazing golden hour photos, with views of the London skyline that will seriously take your breath away.
St Paul's Cathedral from One New Change
One New Change shopping centre, City of London · Interior reflective vantage · Best anytime; free access
One of my favourite spots in this area is the One New Change shopping Centre. Within the venue, you will find opportunities for abstract and reflective shots galore. Even on darker rainy days, this venue offers incredible lighting and reflective surfaces from every angle possible. There are so many unique perspectives and compositions to choose from, the combination of light and reflections can truly leave you spending hours here wanting to find and shoot more.
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
Under Waterloo Station, Waterloo · 300m street art tunnel · Best midday natural light; changing walls daily; free access
A 300-metre street which runs below Waterloo station where graffiti - usually against the law - is not just tolerated but encouraged as a safe space for street artists to display their art. The graffiti tunnel London is not only a canvas for artists but also a captivating subject for photographers. The ever-changing murals, vibrant colours, and unique perspectives make this location a veritable playground for shutterbugs of all skill levels. One artists loss is the public at larges gain, for it means that no two visits to the Leake Street Tunnel are the same. Indeed, I took the photographs on this page over several visits, and each time I visited some of them had already been painted over!
Pink Flat Iron building, Pottery Lane corner
Pottery Lane and Penzance Place, Notting Hill · Pastel corner building · Best midday; quieter than Portobello; free
The unofficially named Pink Flat Iron building makes for a great photo spot in Notting Hill if you're looking for some pastel pink to add to your Instagram feed. This building is found at the junction of Penzance Place and Pottery Lane. The Pink Flat Iron in Notting Hill is a popular spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Its vibrant pink color and unique triangular shape make it stand out among the surrounding streets and colorful houses. This spot is a bit quieter as its further away from the Portobello Road Market but as it's become more popular on Instagram it may be a bit busier than it has been previously.
Lancaster Road, Notting Hill
Lancaster Road, Notting Hill · Brightly coloured Victorian terraces · Best midday with soft clouds; avoid bus traffic; free
The best places for Instagram in London has to include Lancaster Road. This is a street within Notting Hill, that boasts the most colourful houses in London. The bright pops of blue, green and purple are more eccentric than the pastel colours seen on Portobello Road. If you after something brighter, head east on Lancaster Road, right where it intersects with Portobello Road. It's an Instagrammer's dreamland of loud colors. Also, be careful when you're photographing this street because it can get pretty busy with traffic and buses.
Colville Houses, Notting Hill
Colville Houses (off Colville Square), Notting Hill · Dead-end pastel mews · Best midday soft light; quieter street; free
This pastel street is located off Colville Square and is only a quick detour from Portobello Road. Due to the fact that it's a dead-end street, Colville Houses tends to be a bit quieter than some surrounding streets. Aside from other people taking photos of these Notting Hill homes, you won't have to wait for crowds to disperse. Quite close to Westbourne Park Road, you will find Colville Houses, a lovely dead-end street with rows of beautiful buildings yet again, in pastel colors. If you're looking for a quiet place for pictures, go here!
Churchill Arms pub, Kensington
119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington · Floral-covered traditional pub · Best April-August in bloom; photograph at ground level; free
The Churchill Arms in Kensington is one of the most beautiful pubs in London, with a quirky floral exterior. The best time to photograph the pub is in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. The famous Churchill Arms pub in Notting Hill is renowned for its stunning floral displays. Its exterior is adorned with vibrant hanging baskets and flower arrangements, providing a perfect backdrop for Instagram photos.
Neal's Yard, Covent Garden
Short Gardens to Monmouth Street, Covent Garden · Enclosed colorful courtyard · Best midday; shoot straight down corridor then into courtyard; free
Probably one of London's prettiest small spaces, this brightly-coloured courtyard is an Instagrammer's dream. Small but perfectly formed, Neal's Yard is a colourful courtyard full of independent restaurants, cafes and shops. Neal's Yard, a hidden treasure in the heart of London, offers a kaleidoscope of photo opportunities with its vibrant mosaics of colorful buildings and quaint boutiques. This charming enclave, nestled in the bustling Covent Garden, gives you a burst of color and character that stands out in London's urban landscape.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus, West End · Neon advertising and Eros statue · Best after dusk for illuminated signs; use HDR or long exposure; free viewpoint
Piccadilly Circus is a busy road junction famous for it's Neon and LED advertising, Situated close to the West End theatre district it is a meeting place and tourist attraction in it's own right. The neon lights, vibrant street signs, and illuminated billboards create an electric atmosphere, ideal for long-exposure photography that captures the movement of traffic and the bustling crowds. Piccadilly Circus is awesome at night, but also quite hard to photograph due to the bright screens against the dark surroundings. Use HDR for a good exposure. Also, use puddles and reflections in your pictures if it's rained.
Greenwich Park Royal Observatory viewpoint
Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, SE London · Elevated park with Meridian Line · Best sunset for contrast modern/historic; free access
This location is one of the highest natural points of elevation within the city limits. It offers excellent views of the classical Greenwich Naval Colleges (designed by Christopher Wren who also designed St Paul's Cathedral) with the modern Canary Wharf in the background – one of the finest examples of architectural contrast in the city. To the west (pictured) is a view of the City of London with its numerous skyscrapers. Grab your gear and head to Greenwich, an Instagrammer's haven for architectural gems, film locations and epic views of London. Snap a shot on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich; on deck or beneath the hull of Cutty Sark; among the cherry blossom in Greenwich Park; or from under The Painted Hall's ceiling at the Old Royal Naval College.
IFS Cloud Cable Car from Royal Docks
Royal Docks, East London · Aerial gondola rotating 360 degrees · Best sunset for unobstructed west-facing view; ticketed attraction
TLDR: The IFS Cable Car is the best way to watch the sunset in London. My absolute favorite place to watch the sun set is from up in the IFS Cloud Cable Car. You need to take the one from Royal Docks so that you're going in the right direction to catch the sunset. This cable car gives you a 360 view of the city, and it's much cheaper than a lot of the other rooftops around.
Share this article
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation. Only registered users can comment.
No comments yet. Be the first.