There are hundreds of iconic spots in London that are just screaming out to be photographed, but the most picture-perfect of places are often a little trickier to locate. Check out these incredible photo opportunities in London that are dotted all over the city and hardly ever more than a short tube journey away.
Our guide to London’s most Instagrammable sights includes the ones hard to miss as well as those where you kind of have to be in the know. Just don’t forget your camera...
1. TOWER BRIDGE
Fun fact: Over 40000 people use Tower Bridge every day, and often mistake it for London Bridge which is an entirely different crossing.
Nearest station: London Bridge
2. PRIMROSE HILL
Fun fact: The colourful houses that line the road can be found at Chalcot Crescent, the same street where the Brown family live in the movie Paddington.
Nearest station: Chalk Farm
3. GREENWICH PARK
Fun fact: Did you know King Henry VIII was born in a palace once part of this Royal Park?
Nearest station: Greenwich
4. NEAL’S YARD, COVENT GARDEN
Fun fact: This colourful alley in Covent Garden is home to many health food cafes and bakeries, the perfect place for a bite to eat.
Nearest station: Covent Garden
5. CARNABY STREET
Fun fact: Carnaby Street goes all out with its Christmas lights every year, so if you're in London for December make sure to check them out!
Nearest station: Oxford Circus
6. VIEW FROM THE SHARD
Fun fact: The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper made of glass, making it the highest building in Western Europe.
Nearest station: London Bridge
7. RICHMOND PARK
Fun fact: Did you know Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, home to plenty of deer and wildlife.
Nearest station: Richmond
8. BIG BEN AND HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
Fun fact: The iconic Big Ben clock tower was originally meant to be called Victoria. The clock has been around for over 155 years, through the reigns of six British monarchs.
Nearest station: Westminster
9. LONDON EYE
Fun fact: The London Eye observation wheel has 32 capsules to represent the 32 London Boroughs. Did you know the London Eye can carry 800 people at a time per rotation?
Nearest station: Waterloo
10. ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Fun fact: The majestic Anglican Cathedral sits on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in London. You can reach the dome of St Paul’s by climbing over 250 steps - it is one of the largest domes in the world.
Nearest station: St Paul’s
11. FRONT DOORS OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Fun fact: Knightsbridge is a highly affluent area in London, just south of Hyde Park. The residences here are simply stunning and worth checking out. Head to 14 Trevor Square for possibly the most Instagrammable facade in London (and it’s so Legally Blonde).
Nearest station: Knightsbridge
12. ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH
Fun fact: The Royal Observatory is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. From here, you’ll be rewarded of incredible views of the city. It’s also where London’s only Planetarium is based where you can journey through the universe from the comfort of your seat.
Nearest station: Cutty Sark
13. CAMDEN TOWN
Fun fact: Camden Town is full of quirky shop exteriors, music venues and fun concepts. Did you know the late Amy Winehouse used to reside in Camden, and you’ll find memorabilia of her dotted all over the town.
Nearest station: Camden Town
14. ST JAMES’ PARK
Fun fact: You can catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at St James’ Park, just a short walk away from Buckingham Palace.
Nearest station: St James’ Park
15. PORTOBELLO ROAD, NOTTING HILL
Fun fact: This colourful road in Notting Hill is home to the famous Portobello Road Market, a bustling place to visit in search for antiques, street food, fashion and arts.
Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate
16. PRINCELET STREET, SPITALFIELDS
Fun fact: This historic Georgian house has been untouched, conserved in its original condition since the early 1700s. It’s one of the last original houses remaining on the street.
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
17. TELEPHONE BOX IN FRONT OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Fun fact: Seventeen British monarchs including King Henry V have been buried or commemorated at this Cathedral. It’s also where the Royal Weddings take place.
Nearest station: Westminster
18. FORTNUM & MASON
Fun fact: Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most treasured upmarket department stores - and one of the oldest. It’s simply beautiful, inside and out, so definitely worth admiring.
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus
19. SHOREDITCH STREET ART
Fun fact: Head to Brick Lane to scope out the graffiti-plastered walls, that have seen the stamp of big names on the street art scene. Brick Lane has some of the best street art you’ll find in London.
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
20. PARLIAMENT SQUARE
Fun fact: This is the probably one of the most Instagrammed phone boxes in London, with the Big Ben right behind it (even though he's not looking his best at the moment...) There are 8000 red telephone boxes in Britain overall.
Nearest station: Westminster
21. THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Fun fact: The museum is home to the famous 26-meter skeleton of a diplodocus dinosaur! And entry is free.
Nearest station: Baker Street
22. THE GOLDEN JUBILEE BRIDGES
Fun fact: Opened in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the bridge offers spectacular views of London including the Thames and London Eye.
Nearest station: Embankment
23. COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET
Fun fact: This East End market near Brick Lane is lifted by a strong aroma of flora. Columbia Road itself is lined with lovely indepenent shops, cafes and restaurants to make for a lovely day out.
Nearest station: Old Street
24. KYNANCE MEWS
Fun fact: Kynance Mews in Kensington is a place of true bliss. The cobbled cul-de-sac is home to 33 properties, that will give you serious house envy.
Nearest station: Gloucester Road
25. PEGGY PORSCHEN CAKES
Fun fact: Award-winning cake designer Peggy opened this fabulous parlour in Chelsea in 2010 - and her cakes are just as Instagrammable as the shop!
Nearest station: Sloane Square
26. THE QUEEN'S HOUSE
Fun fact: The Queen's House in Greenwich was the first classical building in England, designed by Inigo Jones. Of course, its name tells us this house was once connected to the Royals who once lived or visited the residence in the 1600s. Now, it houses stellar pieces of art and the architecture is phenomenal, from the tulip stairs to the Great Hall.
Nearest station: Greenwich
27. BOROUGH MARKET
Fun fact: You do not want to miss out on visiting London’s oldest and biggest food market. Get lost in food heaven crammed with over 100 stalls run by small producers, with food stalls such as bakeries (Olivier’s Bakery), olives, cheese, ice cream (Gelateria 3Bis), spices (Spice Mountain), wine and even Pimms for just 4 euros a cup!
Nearest station: London Bridge