12 Instagrammable places in London your feed needs
From the London Eye to tilted phone boxes in Kingston, discover the best photo spots in London to fill your feed.
London is a photographer’s dream, no doubt about it. Even after seven years of living here, we still find new places to post about. So it’s only fair that we finally share our favorite Instagrammable places in London. Expect classic attractions like the London Eye and Tower Bridge and quirky spots like the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel or phone booths that are ‘out of order.’ Following our picture trail, you’ll journey through the city’s best places—modern architecture, historic charm, and edgy corners. Get your camera ready for the best photo spots in London, and learn more about the city while making your Instagram feed pop.
1. Adam's Plaza Bridge
Let’s start our collection of picturesque places in London with somewhat of a hidden gem. Adam’s Plaza Bridge connects Crossrail Place and One Canada Square in the city’s financial district, Canary Wharf. The modern and colorful design of the bridge stands out among the high-rise buildings in the area. For a dramatic photo, stand in the middle of the bridge to capture its tunnel-like shape. Visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the bridge is less crowded.
Address and opening hours
Adams Pl Bridge, London. Open 24 hours.
Discover London’s architectural wonders
2. Greenwich Tulip Stairs
Located in the Queen’s House in Greenwich, the Tulip Stairs are England's first self-supporting spiral staircase. With the ornate blue ironwork against the white walls, this masterpiece remains one of the off-the-beaten-track aesthetic places in London. Place yourself at the base of the stairs for a stunning shot, and point your camera upwards. A wide-angle lens will get you the best photos. Alternatively, take a picture from the top, looking down to capture the spiral’s beauty.
Address and opening hours
Romney Rd, Greenwich, London. Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Visit the Queen's house
3. Barbican Conservatory
The Barbican Conservatory, London’s second-largest botanical garden, is no less impressive than the famous Kew Gardens. Even better, this is one of London’s free attractions. You get a lovely view of the lush greenery from the first floor—perfect for a snapshot. Home to over 1,500 plant species and trees, the contrast between the tropical plants and the architecture is striking. Weekdays are typically quieter, making photo shoots more enjoyable.
Address and opening hours
Silk St, Barbican, London. Open daily, 08:00 AM–11:00 PM.
Explore London’s botanical gardens
4. Out of Order, Kingston upon Thames
Quintessentially British, the red phone boxes are some of the best Instagram locations in London. For a unique shot of this design icon, head to the London neighborhood of Kingston upon Thames. The quirky art installation “Out of Order” features 12 red phone boxes leaning against each other like falling dominoes. Visit in the late afternoon or early evening when the light falls beautifully on the boxes. Taking photos from a lower angle best captures the height of the stacked boxes.
Address and opening hours
29a Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames. Open 24 hours.
Explore London's famous neighborhoods
5. Ornamental Canal
As luck would have it, we often find the most picturesque places in London where we least expect them. Walking along the canal path in Wapping one day, we came across a unique view of The Shard—away from the crowds. Find a spot near the bridge on Wapping Lane for the best angle. This serene canal, framed by the iconic 87-story skyscraper, makes for an excellent Instagram post if we do say so ourselves.
Address and opening hours
Ornamental Canal, Wapping, London.
Take a stroll in Wapping for great views
6. Hay's Galleria
In this roundup of the most aesthetic places in London, Hay’s Galleria is a must for photography lovers. Few know that the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan inspired its design. Located near London Bridge, this former wharf has been transformed into a modern hub of shops, cafés, and restaurants, all under a stunning glass roof. For the best shot, stand at the main entrance on Tooley Street and capture the peculiar “The Navigators" sculpture in the background.
Address and opening hours
1 Battle Bridge Ln, London. Open daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Visit London's famous galleries
7. Wapping Canal Bridges
Is it clear by now how much we love strolling along London’s canals? The ones in Wapping are some of the most picturesque, lined with charming houses and trees. We recommend standing on one of the bridges to capture the stillness of the water with historic buildings in the background. This tranquil setting is perfect for shots with little to no crowds in the background, unlike more popular photo spots like Little Venice.
Address and opening hours
Wapping, London.
Experience London's culture and history
8. St. Paul’s Cathedral
We’re always on the lookout for unique shots of London’s most famous landmarks. So you can imagine our excitement when we found an incredible new angle to show off the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral. And lucky for you, we’re not gatekeepers: From St. Paul’s, head towards the Millennium Bridge on Sermon Lane. At the intersection with Knightrider Street, look for a marble parapet. Place your phone against the wall to capture a reflection of yourself with the cathedral in the background.
Address and opening hours
Sermon Lane, London.
Check out the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral
9. Tower Bridge
It’s no surprise that Tower Bridge is one of our most Instagrammable places in London—what a sight for sore eyes. For a less common view of Tower Bridge, head towards St. Katherine Docks Marina. Standing next to The Timepiece Sundial statue, you’ll capture two photogenic sights in one shot. Visit early morning or during sunset for beautiful lighting.
Address and opening hours
13 St Katharine's Way, London.
Explore a fresh view of Tower Bridge
10. St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
The great thing about hidden gems like this city garden on St. Dunstan's Hill is that most are free to visit. The church within the garden is also one of the few picturesque places in London that wasn’t rebuilt after World War II. For a unique photo, position yourself at the main entrance of St. Dunstan’s Hill to capture the ruins of this Wren church framed by greenery. Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
Address and opening hours
St Dunstan's Hill, London. Open daily, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
11. London Eye
Not only does the London Eye offer some of the best views of the city, but it’s also one of London’s best photo spots. To get the perfect shot of this 443-foot-tall Ferris wheel, head to Jubilee Gardens. Right on the lawn facing the Eye, you’ll capture the full view of this landmark from a stunning angle, framed by trees. Sunset is a perfect time to come for impressive lighting.
Address and opening hours
Belvedere Rd, London. Open 24 hours.
Visit the famous London Eye
12. Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
Located under Waterloo Station, the Leake Street tunnel amazes visitors with its ever-changing graffiti. This location perfectly captures the edgy vibe of modern London and offers a nice contrast to the impressive monuments nearby. It’s also less crowded than other street art hubs like Shoreditch or Camden. Visit during the day when natural light filters in for the best photos.
Address and opening hours
Leake St, London. Open 24 hours.
View London's vibrant graffiti and street art
Instagrammable places in London: FAQs
Where are the best Instagrammable places in London?
Some of the best Instagram locations in London include Adam’s Plaza Bridge, Greenwich Tulip Stairs, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Hay’s Galleria. These places make for perfect photo opportunities to post on Instagram, offering a mix of modern design, historic charm, and vibrant street art.
What is the most colorful place in London?
Aside from famous street art spots like Brick Lane in Shoreditch or Camden Town, Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel is one of the most colorful places in London. Visit Neil’s Yard in Covent Garden or Lancaster Street and Farm Place in Notting Hill for colorful houses. The most colorful bridge in London is Adam’s Plaza Bridge in Canary Wharf.
Where are hidden photography spots in London?
Hidden photography spots in London include the Ornamental Canal in Wapping and St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden. These locations offer unique and picturesque views away from the usual tourist crowds.
What is the prettiest place in London?
Although it’s hard to choose, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful places in London. No matter the angle or lighting, this monument always looks stunning. The Barbican Conservatory is also high on the list. The lush greenery and striking architecture create a stunning backdrop for photos.
Where can I get the best views of London?
For the best views of London, head to the London Eye or Tower Bridge. Both offer stunning panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. For free views, check out The Garden at 120.
Read more about London
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While London’s grand palaces and skyscrapers are certainly worth your attention, make sure you seek out the city’s hidden places, too.
From Greenwich’s hilltop views to the secret passages only a guided London Underground tour will show you, these are the top 10 hidden gems in London that local experts Narcis and Ela recommend. Having spent the last seven years exploring every corner of the city, they know the rooftops and quiet spaces many don’t.
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For this reason, it’s not easy to narrow down London’s top 100 cultural attractions, let alone the top 10, but we have tried our best to recommend a balanced mix of new and old, as well as the more abstract and non-touristy things to do.
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A visit to London is perfect for seeing some of the world's most beloved sights, and that includes its works of art. Most travelers already know about iconic things to do in London, such as visiting Big Ben or touring Buckingham Palace, but it is also a hub for culture, art, and design.
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