The 23 Most Instagrammable Places in London
London is one of the most iconic places in the world. When you mention London Red Telephone boxes, Double Decker Buses, Pubs, afternoon tea and beautiful buildings all come to mind. Of course, iconic and older cities come with many places to capture the perfect instagrammable photo.
From the pretty flowery buildings, to the delicious treats and the famous black cabs, here are the most Instagrammable places in London that need to be on your London Bucket List.
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The most Instagrammable places to eat in London
Peggy Porschen
Peggy Porschen is one of the cutest cafes in London. There are two Peggy Porschen locations in London but Belgravia is the original.
Peggy Porschen is very popular, room its pink and floral exterior to the huge flower wall that adorns the walls inside. I suggest you go early as the café fills up very quickly and of course, their food is super photogenic as well!!
Coppa Club
I think on this one, a picture speaks a thousand words! Who would not want to have a meal inside an igloo with gorgeous views of the Thames and the Shard.
The beautiful decor, the stunning views, what more could you want? As I am sure you can imagine, this one books out very quickly so make sure you book to avoid being disappointed.
For the perfect Instagram shot, I suggest you try to go an night time to get the beautiful igloo as well as the stunning lights of the city.
Churchill’s Arms
The Churchill Arms has to be the prettiest pub in London, if not in the UK. Located in Kensington and is a perfect example of a traditional English pub.
In my opinion is it is the prettiest pub I have ever seen and you should definitely go back at Christmas to see how they transform the decor.
If rumours are true they spend up to £25,000 a year on floral displays!!! I feel bad on the occasion I spend $15 on a bunch of flowers, but hey, thanks for making such a pretty pub!!
Their food is actually pretty amazing too, so make sure you grab a bite or a pint!
Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour
Bridget’s Bakery Bus Tour is the most instagrammable bus I have ever been on and one of the best afternoon tea experiences you could hope for.
From the second you board the red vintage bus you will have hour and a half hours of perfect Instagram moments, from the cute bus to the delicious treats, you will continuously have your camera out! For those perfect shots out of the bus, request a seat at the front of the bus.
The Most Instagrammable Streets in London
Notting Hill
Made famous by the 90s romantic comedy, Notting Hill. However, Notting Hill is one of the most instagrammable places in London. From the beautiful architecture to the pastel colours of the houses, the stunning cafes and of course, the Notting Hill Bookshop, there is an Instagram moment around every corner.
Notting Hill is easy to reach from Central London, you can take the tube to Notting Hill Gate and walk about 7 minutes into the heart of Notting Hill. If you have time and you’d rather walk, it will take you about 30 minutes.
If you are taking photos in front of someone’s house, please stay off their property, stay on public property such as the footpaths, and be mindful that these are people’s homes.
Portobello Road
Located in Notting Hill is Portobello Road. Portobello Road is famous for the market and the eclectic shops that line the street.
On the weekends, the market springs to life with locals and tourists mingling and shopping from the boutique to trash n treasure you are in for a surprise.
The beautiful shops, cafes and market stalls make for some beautiful Instagram photos.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of, if not, the most famous shopping streets in London, it is also one of the most instagrammable streets in London.
There is a pedestrian strip running down the middle of Oxford Street, which makes it a brilliant runway for the perfect Instagram shot.
Oxford Street is one of the best things to do in London at night as you are able to capture the lights or during the day try and capture one of the iconic red double decker buses.
If you are shooting on your iPhone, take the photo in live mode and then select Long Exposure, to get the perfect blur. On your camera, use a tri pod and long exposure to capture the blur.
Regent Street
Regent Street is similar to Oxford Street in that it also has a pedestrian strip running down the middle of the road. The thing that makes Regent Street Unique and the perfect place for a photo is the curve of the road and the beautiful facades of the buildings.
Regent Street is particularly gorgeous when the Union Jack flags are hanging or the street is decorated for Christmas.
Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard is still a relatively hidden gem amongst London’s hustle and bustle. Located just off Covent Garden there are plenty of cafes, shops and of course photo opportunities to amuse yourself for a few hours.
Although Neal’s Yard has been gaining popularity, the moment you walk down the cobbled laneway and reach Neal’s Yard you feel as though you have arrived in a little sanctuary away from London’s Hustle and Bustle.
If you think Neal’s Yard Remedies began here, you would be correct, way back in 1981!
Most Instagrammable Markets in London
Leadenhall Market
Located in Gracechurch Street you will find the beautiful covered market place of Leadenhall Market. During the day the market place comes alive with stunning eateries and beautiful shops but at after 6pm when all of the shops and most of the restaurants are closed you can find yourself alone in Leadenhall Market will beautiful narrow laneways to snap away.
Despite being a covered market, it is open 24 hours so you can visit at any time. During Christmas the Market is done up beautifully with gorgeous Christmas décor.
Covent Garden
Apple Market at Covent Garden was once a fresh produce market, but today is it a highly popular and trendy part of London.
The double story market place is filled with shops and eateries and you will often find buskers busking downstairs.
The Apple Market (and surrounding areas) are have season decorations, so no matter when you visit London, you will be delighted with a new background for your next Instagram post.
Don’t just stay within the Apple Market, there are plenty of Instagram opportunities in the square, especially with the big Christmas tree in the winter.
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the best street food markets in London. Located right next to London Bridge, Borough market has been trading for over 1000 years and has become one of the oldest markets in London.
Borough market is the perfect place for photographers and food lovers. The market is filled with species, pastries and plenty of specialty foods.
Browse the market and take some insta-worthy photos of the food on offer or yourself as your sample some of the delicious treats.
Most Instagrammable Landmarks in London
London Eye
Possibly one of the most well known sites in London, the London Eye makes for one of the most instagrammable places in London.
At the very top of the London Eye you are 135meters above the City of London. The top of London Eye provides stunning panoramic views of London.
Located in South Bank along the river Thames, there are a few locations that will enable you to get the perfect shot of the London Eye. Standing below the London Eye and shooting upwards, standing on Westminster Bridge looking towards to the London Eye and across the River Thames on Victoria Embankment.
As with many iconic landmarks in London, the London eye is extremely popular and can get very busy, aim to shoot the London Eye first thing in the morning before the city wakes up.
Tower Bridge
Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is large ornate bridge crossing the River Thames.
Tower Bridge has a few different locations that will allow you to get a beautiful photo for Instagram.
The first location is standing on Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic places. If you have time on your side, try to wait for a double decker bus to cross the bridge and have to London highlights in the one photo.
The second location is More London Place on the South Side of the river. This location will allow you to see the bridge in its entirety and is a little easier than trying to shoot on the bus bridge.
The third location is from the Girl with the Dolphin statue, this is a beautiful place to take a photo as the statue allows for some layering in your photo and also includes The Shard in the background.
Tower Bridge is lovely at any time of day but the sunset really enhances the photos.
Platform 9 and 3/4
If you are a complete Harry Potter nerd like me, this photo does not need an explanation!!
There are always lines here and they take the trolley away at night time, so make sure you go early! There are staff there taking professional photos but you do not have to buy the photo and you are free to take your own pictures.
Big Ben
A trip to London is not complete with snapping a photo of Big Ben. Unfortunately, Big Ben is currently (2021) covered in scaffolding and the works are not due to be completed until 2022.
The best place to take a photo of Big Ben is on the road leading up to Big Ben. Along this road you find a row of Red Telephone boxes. Again, if you can wait for a red double decker bus to come passed you will tick off three things that London is famous for.
You can also see Big Ben from Westminster Bridge where you will be able to see Big Ben and the parliament buildings.
As with most London photo spots, during the day it is very busy with tourists. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of tourists or at night. If you go at night time the road will still busy but you will be able to get some brilliant long exposure shots.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most important and therefore, one of the biggest churches in London. The exterior of the Church is absolutely beautiful and a must on any list of the most instagrammable spots in London.
One of the best places to get photo of St Paul’s Cathedral is actually a little further away than you would think. Snapping a photo from Millennium Bridge will give you such a beautiful photo. The leading lines of Millennium Bridge will draw the eyes straight to the gorgeous dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Another great place is from the ground floor of One New Change which is actually a mall. The windows of the shops create the perfect frame for St Paul’s Cathedral but they also provide a really cool reflection.
Millennium Bridge
Made famous thanks to its appearance in Harry Potter, the Millennium Bridge has become one of the most popular photo spots in London.
The Millennium bridge is a cool looking bridge that simply connects the South side of London to the North side.
However, Millennium Bridge is surrounded by the gorgeous roof tops of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. It is not hard to see why it is such a popular photo place in London.
Most Instagrammable Buildings in London
Westminster Abbey
Inside and out this is a stunning building. It stands tall above the streets of London and makes for a beautiful photo. If you want to include the beautiful red telephone boxes in your photo, walk away from the cathedral and you will find a gorgeous line of telephone boxes.
Harrods
Harrods is the most famous shop in all of London, if not all of England. With most items carrying a hefty price tag, many travellers choose to window shop at Harrods. However, a visit to the delicious food court is a must.
The best place to get a photo of Harrods is out the front on Bromptom Road. The façade of the building is stunning and makes for a great photo any time of day.
Christmas is the prettiest season at Harrods. The Christmas decorations and lights bring the façade to life and enhance Instagram photos.
Royal Albert Hall
In terms of the most instagrammable places in London, the Royal Albert Hall is a bit of a hidden gem. Despite being a famous concert hall it is not seen on Instagram as much as other places in London.
Royal Albert Hall has a unique rounded shape and is built of bold red bricks. The shape and colour of the building make for the perfect photo back drop.
If you are able to, you should attend a concert at Royal Albert Hall, the inside is just as beautiful as the outside.
The Shard
The Shard is the tallest building in London so it is only natural that it provides some of the best views of the City of London.
There are several viewing platforms in The Shard but these can be quite expensive and some of the bars within The Shard offer views just as good as the viewing platforms for a fraction of the price, so why not buy a fancy drink and get the beautiful Instagram photo with a drink and a view of London.
One final reminder, there are other people who would also like to take some photos. So please, take your photo and then move away and allow other people some time to take their photos.
Best Photography Course in London
A fantastic way to see the city and to learn how to photograph the iconic sites of London is to take a photography course in central London.
Why not try a 4 hour walking tour around London with a local professional photographer? You will learn about the sites of London, the basics of photography, the best angles and exposures for capturing the perfect photo in London.
The tour has a maximum of 6 people, which allows you to get the most out of your tour and ask your guide all of your burning questions.
The Best Photoshoot in London
If you are looking for the best instagrammable photos, opting for a photoshoot might be what you need. Having a local photographer at your disposal can often allow you access to areas that are not available to the general public.
Best Online Photography Course
Making the transition from auto mode to manual mode on your camera can be quite intimidating, there are many settings on the camera and it can be quite hard to know which setting suits best for the situation you are in.
Love Hard Travel Often has a fantastic course, that allows you to go at your own pace and find your way around your camera. The simple explanations allow you to easily navigate your camera and to practice before you head off on your holiday.
Learning how to use your camera before you go on your holiday ensures you spend your time capturing perfect photographs rather than worrying about your camera.
Editing your London travel photos
When I travel, I often look back through my photos and find they are missing the “wow factor” or they’re not as polished as the photos you see on Instagram or Pinterest. Most of the magic you see in photos is done after the fact.
Editing the lighting allows you to bring to life the feelings you had in the moment. Just like photography, editing can be time consuming and overwhelming.
Using Lightroom (either the mobile app – which is free, or the desktop program) is the best way to edit your photos. These days you can purchase presets that allow you to edit your photos in the click of a button (or the tap of your finger).
All of my photos are edited using presets from Flying the Nest or Love Hard Travel Often. Flying the Nest presets come with a mini course on how to edit your photos with the presets and how to get the best out of the presets. Love Hard Travel Often presets has a PDF guide on how to install your presets into Lightroom.
Where do you think the most instagrammable places in London are? Let me know in the comments below
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