Instagram has become an integral part of how we travel nowadays. You might disagree with me here, but I actually believe it is a good change. Why you might ask? Because thanks to Instagram we tend to notice more photo-worthy spots around us. An eye gets used to beautiful design.
Would you take a picture of that colorful door if it wasn’t for Instagram? Maybe yes, maybe no, but you would definitely not put it on your itinerary. That’s why in this blog post I want to show you the most instagrammable places in London. Funny enough, when I started researching about the best photo spots in London, I have quickly realized I could make a post of 100 different places. I decided on 40 secret photography spots in London to not overwhelm you. Here we go!
Contents
Most instagrammable viewpoints in London
Seeing the city from a bird view is always a good idea, as it will give you the scope and grandeur of the city. As this is an Instagram guide to London, I want to especially mention viewpoint where you can walk outside and take a picture without worrying about glass reflection…
Skygarden
Skygarden additionally to a viewpoint is London’s highest public garden. And it is incredible to photograph from inside as well as outside (it has a terrace from which you can see all the landmarks of London). To enter during the day you need to book a free ticket online.
There are limited tickets for each time slot so book well in advance. In my case, I booked for sunrise as it was the only time available. Jackpot! Beautiful light, clear skies, and almost no one around.
The Shard
What better way to combine business and pleasure than having drinks at a Shanghai bar while taking photos of the skyline. The other option would be to go to The View from The Shard which offers you the highest views of the city in London.
Madison Rooftop
Madison Terrace Bar & Lounge offers incredible views of St Paul Cathedral. You can walk outside and take pictures from the viewing platform without the need of stepping inside the pricey bar.
Iris Bar at The Gherkin London
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If you want to experience the full panorama of London, take pictures of the famous Gherkin. The inside design is inspired by the geometric shape of the building. And will sure make your friends jealous of 360-degree views on your Instagram.
Duck & waffle
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Duck & Waffle offers a playful take on traditional British cuisine with broad European influences. I think the staircase of this London restaurant is definitely an Instagram-worthy scenery.
Most instagrammable landmarks
St Paul cathedral
To perfectly capture the beauty of St Paul Cathedral, you can try 3 different angles. One is already mentioned Madison Rooftop bar, the second one is from One New Change shopping mall (one of secret photography spots in London) and the third one is from the left side of the cathedral.
My personal favorite is the picture I took from One New Change as I am a total sucker for symmetry and that Instagram spot in London gives you the best opportunity to capture both Cathedral and its reflection in two symmetric window glasses.
Tower bridge
It can’t get more London than standing at the Tower bridge staring at red double-deckers passing by. Another idea would be to capture the whole Tower bridge together with the Shard in the background. For that secret photography spot in London, I suggest standing from the riverside opposite side to the Shard obviously. You can take a picture at the pier level next to The Tower or on a walkway.
London eye
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London eye is one of the most iconic structures in London. I remember getting a ride a long time ago when I visited with my parents and the only thought I had the entire time was “why is it so slow”? Probably now I would appreciate the views more.
Best Instagram picture spot: opposite side of the river
Millenium bridge
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Millenium bridge is always crowded! To take a picture without people you would probably need to be here super early or when it is still dark (no point, I know). Anyways, if you don’t mind having some people in your pictures, Millenium bridge is a great photo spot for pictures with perspective.
Big Ben
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Unfortunately as of 2019, Big Ben is under construction and won’t be visible until 2021. Nevertheless, for your future notice, one of the secret photography spots in London to capture Big Ben is from under the bridge on the south side of the river. Framing is key here!
Natural History Museum
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Natural History Museum looks so impressive from the inside! To fully capture the grandeur of this place and the iconic blue whale skeleton use a wide-angle lens!
I use Sony GM 12-24 mm FE
Liberty London
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Liberty London is a department store on Great Marlborough Street in the West End of London. I think it looks extremely classy with its more than 100 years of history.
Leadenhall Market
The best time to take a picture of this covered market is when all the shops and restaurants are closed and there are no crowds. I have visited on Sunday afternoon and was happy to take this picture without anyone around.
Most instagrammable streets
Notting hill – King’s road
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The absolute favorite among Instagrammers is King’s road in Notting Hill. The line of colorful houses: pink, blue, green, etc. are perfect for everyone who loves pastel colors in their Instagram feeds.
Regent and Oxford streets
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Regent and Oxford streets are major shopping streets in London. With a little path in the middle of the street and red decker buses cruising all the time, you can create a very London-style look in your pictures.
Wardour Street
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It is really hard for me to understand why the majority of Instagram guides of London don’t mention Wardour street in Chinatown. One look at Chinatown gate and its red lanterns and I am ready to take some photos!
Kynance Mews
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Looking for the most beautiful 19th Century archway? Kynance Mews is especially pretty during autumn when it is all covered in ivy.
Portobello road
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Portobello road is another super colorful road in Notting Hill. The architecture varies a bit, so if you are already in Notting Hill, you definitely should make a visit to this street. It is more crowded than King’s road as Portobello road is famous for the market that takes place every day.
Most instagrammable cafes and restaurants
Coppa club
Heads down my favorite picture I took in London. Coppa Club is a very cool restaurant where you can eat in igloos overlooking the Thames and the Shard. For the best picture, I suggest going in the evening so that you can catch city lights as well as decorating LEDs in the picture.
Peggy Porschen
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Peggy Porschen is probably the most popular cafe on Instagram. Almost every Instagrammer has a picture either with flower decoration outside the place or inside with its huge pink flower wall. Come early as there are queues to take pictures!
Saint Aymes
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Saint Aymes is a perfect spot to take a picture outside. It reminds me of a cute Parisian cafe with its flower window display.
Elan cafe
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Elan cafe is Insta-famous for its pink interior and cute flower walls. On top of that, they serve delicious coffee and cupcakes!
Sketch London
It is hard to decide which corner of this restaurant is the most instagrammable. One room is all decorated with pink modern furniture, another one has an artistic design, while the bathroom is completely cosmic. My favorite part is definitely the bathroom where each cabin is like a giant white egg.
Aubaine Selfridges
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Fancy a relaxing glass of Champagne under the wisteria-covered ceiling? Selfridges is the place to be for every Instagram-obsessed photographer. It is hard to stop taking pictures of this beautiful flower-covered ceiling.
Most instagrammable hotels
St Pancras
St Pancras hotel is an icon in the landscape of London. It is a fairy-tale staircase that is breathtaking. To take pictures inside the staircase you need to be a hotel guest as the room key is necessary to pass between halls. Nevertheless, you can also take pictures outside with a classy car that is parked in front of the hotel and belongs to the owner.
Cheval Collection
On my last trip to London, I had the pleasure to stay at Cheval Three Quay just next to the Tower of London. When staying there ask for the view of Tower Bridge or The Shard. Perfect spot for a picture with a morning coffee.
The Landmark London
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The Landmark London is an oasis of luxury, sophistication, and serenity in the center of London. The winter garden inside of the hotel is one of the secret photography spots in London
Most instagrammable gardens
Kew gardens
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Although Kew gardens are located outside London, I think they are worth mentioning for their very Instagrammable staircase. If you want to make your Instagram friends jealous, head to Kew to take a picture in their botanical gardens.
Skygarden
I have already mentioned Skygarden in “the most instagrammable viewpoints” but it deserves to be mentioned again for all those who clicked straight to this part of the article. Skygarden is the highest public garden in London and offers incredible views of the city.
The places mentioned in this section, couldn’t be classified as restaurants, cafes, landmarks, nor streets. Take a note as you won’t find them in other London Instagram guides.
Lewisham micro-library
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This super cute telephone booth is full of books and is referred to as a micro-library. The idea behind the booth is to exchange books and what is a more innovative way to do so than in an iconic photo booth?
Kings cross metro station
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I know, you might be thinking, what a strange idea to take pictures in the metro? But look, King’s cross metro station looks ultra-futuristic and if you manage to capture your Instagram photo just in the right moment, you will be rewarded with an ultra-cool picture.
Wenailedit
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Recently on Instagram, I have come across an entirely beautiful bathtub with flowers. This bathtub can be found in we nailed it nail salon. Definitely, a must on my Instagram bucket list when in London! Include it in your secret photography spots in London list 😉
Special season decorations
Special occasions call for special decorations. I love to see how London is decorated during Christmas, Valentine’s day, and during flower season.
Christmas
New bond street
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Bond street always has the prettiest holidays lights! Head there at night to fully capture the beauty of these decorations in your Instagram photos.
Covent Garden market
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Covent garden market is always my favorite place to take pictures of Christmas decorations. You will find their giant Xmas trees, car full of presents and a lot of decoration lights.
Ivy Chelsea garden (gingerbread house)
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During Christmas, the Ivy Chelsea garden converts the whole decor of their store into a giant gingerbread. Warning you might get really hungry!
Valentine’s day
Maddox Gallery
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I have never seen a cooler Valentine’s day decoration than Maddox gallery. A truly artistic place! I think this picture explains it better than 1000 words.
Flower season
Peggy Porschen
Peggy Porschen is probably the most popular cafe on Instagram. Almost every Instagrammer has a picture either with flower decoration outside the place or inside with its huge pink flower wall. Come early as there are queues to take pictures!
Aubaine Selfridges
Fancy a relaxing glass of Champagne under the wisteria-covered ceiling? Selfridges is the place to be for every Instagram-obsessed photographer. It is hard to stop taking pictures of this beautiful flower-covered ceiling.
Saint aymes
Saint aymes is a perfect spot to take a picture outside. It reminds me of a cute Parisian cafe with its flower window display.
Elan cafe
Elan cafe is Insta-famous for its pink interior and cute flower walls. On top of that, they serve delicious coffee and cupcakes!
Best photo gear
I often get asked about photo gear that I use. Even though I believe you don’t need expensive gear to take pictures for Instagram, I do like to use high-quality cameras and lenses. In the end, you are creating memories for life, and being able to print them in high resolution is important to me. Plus using different lenses instead of a phone camera really encourages you to be more creative. That being said, consider buying items below:
Sony A7III
Sony 12-14mm FE f4
Sony 35mm FE f1.4
Tripod
Gorilla pod
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