The 40 Most Instagrammable Places in London

Last updated on January 22, 2024

Best places to Instagram in London

London is filled with perfect Instagram opportunities. Just take a look at my Instagram page and you’ll see I’m forever taking photos of the city. From pretty mews houses to grand architecture and world-class street art, there are so many beautiful things to capture.

Our second episode of Victoria’s Insider Guide to London is all about the best places to Instagram in London. From where to find those popular colourful houses to discovering unique angles on the big landmarks, the video and this blog post is filled with tips about the most Instagrammable places in London.

And for some ideas on where to stay in London, don’t miss my guide to London’s most hipster hotels.

Video of the best London Instagram spots

Do a London Instagram tour

I’ve also included links within some of the sections to various guided tours you can do that will take you to lots of different London Instagram spots. They include plenty of photo opportunities and will also come with lots of extra insider knowledge.

You can search Get Your Guide’s full range of tours here.  Some even come with the option of doing a professional photoshoot if you’re fed up of taking selfies or want something a bit more special. Here are a few that would be good for an introduction to London, and I’ve included some more specific ones in the sections below.

 

The 40 most Instagrammable places in London

The most Instagrammable streets in London

1. St Luke’s Mews

Take a look at the Pretty City London and Pretty Little London Instagram pages, and you’ll see just how many beautiful buildings there are in the city. Although you can see these colourful houses all over the city, the main bulk are to be found in West London, around Notting Hill and Chelsea.

From rainbow-coloured terraces to cute, pastel-hued mews, there are photos around every corner. A good place to start is St.Luke’s Mews, where pretty much every house is a photo opportunity. It’s one of the most aesthetic places to visit in London.

 
St Lukes Mews Instagram London

2. Kynance Mews

Another Instagram favourite is Kynance Mews in South Kensington, not far from Gloucester Road tube station. The ivy covered archway makes the perfect frame for the pretty street behind.

London mews Instagram locations

3. Portobello Road

The colourful houses of Portobello Road are perfect for London Instagrammers, plus it’s a wonderful place to spend some time browsing all the vintage and antiques shops.

London mews Instagram locations

4. Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard has a special place in my heart as I’ve been a fan ever since I was a teenager, exploring the city on my first solo trips to London. It’s a colourful little enclave that always delights first-time visitors and continues to charm years down the line.

Neal's Yard London

5. Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill

Regents Park Road in Primrose Hill has plenty of pretty shop fronts and garnd, colourful houses. And don’t miss the The two old fashioned telephone boxes on the same road at the entrance to Primrose Hill Park, perfect for an unmistakably London photo.

Primrose Hill phone boxes

6. Little Venice

Little Venice is ridiculously picturesque and one of those lesser known places in London that always takes first timers by surprise. Lined with canal boats, handsome homes and hanging trees, it’s gorgeous spot for photos.

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London Villages - Little Venice

7. Camden Passage

Camden Passage in Islington is tucked behind Camden Passage and is rightfully known as one of the prettiest streets in London. It’s hosts an antiques market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and there are plenty of lovely vintage shops in the area. It’s near Angel tube (not in Camden despite the name!).

Camden Passage - The village feel in London

8. Lancaster Road

The brightly coloured town houses of Lancaster Road in Notting Hill are a firm favourite on the London Instagram scene.

9. Chance Street, Shoreditch

There’s street art all over London, but for a guaranteed selection of high-end art, head to Shoreditch, which is filled with both permanent installations and informal creations. Chance Street is one of the best spots for murals.

You could do a street art tour like this one or one of the ones below for a shortcut to seeing all the latest artworks.

 
Best Instagram places in London - Shoreditch street art
Best Instagram places in London - Shoreditch street art

10. Hollywell Lane, Shoreditch

Best Instagram places in London - Shoreditch street art
Best Instagram places in London - Shoreditch street art

11. Leake Street Tunnel

Graffiti is officially allowed in the Leake Street Tunnel beneath Waterloo Station and as such it’s an ever-changing canvas of artworks, perfect for photos. I had one of the best nights of my life there when Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros played an after-show there after a gig in the venue next door!

The most Instagrammable monuments and buildings in London

12. Big Ben

Tower Bridge is said to be the most Instagrammed sight in London, but I prefer Big Ben. Every time I see the Houses of Parliament, I’m re-awed by their intricacy, and Big Ben is the star of the show, or more precisely the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben is the nickname of the bell inside).

There are tons of great angles to capture the tower from, but one of my favourites is the view from the opposite side of the river, just beneath the arches of Westminster Bridge. It frames the tower perfectly. This is by far one of the most instagrammable spots in the city.

Best places to Instagram in London - Big Ben
Best places to Instagram in London - Big Ben

13. Bubbles over St.Paul’s Cathedral

Another London Instagram favourite is St.Paul’s Cathedral. As with Big Ben, there are lots of angles to choose from, including the classic view from Millennium Bridge. But one of the most fun photos can be found by stepping down from the bridge and walking along the South Bank a little to just outside the Tate Modern.

You can often find a man there who creates huge reams of bubbles that float perfectly in front of your shot. If it’s quiet, he may even let you have a go.

Other good views and photos of St.Paul’s Cathedral can be taken from Millenium Bridge and One New Change.

Best places to Instagram in London - Bubbles near St. Pauls

14. British Museum

The British Museum is another of London’s most Instagrammed sights, especially its Great Court area. The domed glass ceiling is a stunning piece of architecture, and I often step inside just to take a peek.

One of the best shots of the museum can be found by walking up the stairs to the gallery area where you get an expansive view of the courtyard and roof.

Best London Instagram British Museum

15. Tower Bridge

It’s one of London’s most iconic and impressive sights, so has instant wow-factor on the grid, especially for those from outside of the city. As I said in the Big Ben entry, it’s the most popular Instagram spot in London, but there are plenty of angles to capture it from, so although it’s a classic, you can find your own approach.

16. Natural History Museum

Another excellent museum spot for photos is the Natural History Museum, and specifically the glorious entrance hall and it’s imposing blue whale skeleton.

17. Covent Garden

Covent Garden has always been photogenic but in recent years they’ve added lots of Instagrammable props such as a huge wheelbarrow filled with flowers.

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The nearby area around Neal Street and Seven Dials is also very pretty with lots of Instagrammable streets.

The most Instagrammable views in London

18. Sunrise at Duck and Waffle

If you can manage it, wake up early (or stay up late) and try to catch the sunrise from Duck & Waffle. You won’t regret it!

Best views in London - Duck and Waffle
View from Duck and Waffle

19. Sky Garden

Sky Garden is a literal public garden, with restaurants and bars on premise as well. Entrance to the Sky Garden is free and you should book your space ahead of time.

20. View from The Shard

From the Shard, you have two options – the view from the viewing deck or from the cocktail bar. In both cases, you’ll need to pay and while the cocktails are expensive, they’re not much more expensive than the viewing deck (plus you get to enjoy some cocktails!).

21. The London Eye

The London Eye big wheel is one of the tallest spots in Central London, offering up some pretty epic views. It’s a slooooow ride (it barely looks like it’s moving), which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the sights.

22. Frank’s Cafe and Peckham Levels

The view from Frank’s Cafe, right on top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham, is one of my all-time favourite views in London. Frank’s was commissioned by Bold Tendencies, an art project that also hosts a huge annual sculpture exhibition in the car park. Peckham Levels is housed in the same building and has some iconic pink steps that often make an appearance on Instagram.

Best views in London- Frank's Cafe
Best views in London- Frank's Cafe

The most Instagrammable shop fronts in London

23. Biscuiteers

London’s shopfronts rival its houses for pretty Instagram shots. One of the most popular is The Biscuiteers in Notting Hill, which also sells picture-perfect cookies in all different sorts of cute shapes.

London Instagrammable shopfronts - Biscuiteers

24. Monocle Cafe

The Monocle Cafe on Chiltern Street near Marylebone is from the same people who make the stylish global affairs and lifestyle magazine of the same name. The black and white striped awning makes it irresistible for London Instagrammers.

London Instagrammable shopfronts - Monocle

25. Paper + Cup

Paper + Cup is more than just a cute shop front, it’s also a training ground for new baristas recovering from addiction. They also sell second hand books and vintage items.

London Instagrammable shopfronts - Paper and Cup

26. Peggy Porschen

Probably the most Instagrammed shop in London is Peggy Porschen, an uber-pretty cake shop with a fabulous seasonal flower arch. There are two in London, and while both are photogenic, it’s the one at 116 Ebury Street near Victoria that’s the best.

27. God’s Own Junkyard

God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is an incredible warehouse showcasing an impressive collection of neon signs, which of course makes it amazingly photogenic. The signs can be bought or rented. Definitely one for your London Instagram list.

28. Maddox Gallery

The Maddox Gallery complements its exhibitions with OTT exterior decoration too. When we went, there was a giant doughnut above the shopfront, and past exhibitions have seen the whole building covered in roses.

The most Instagrammable restaurants and pubs in London

29. Sketch

There are lots of beautiful restaurants to Instagram in London, but topping the list has to be Sketch. Each room has a different style, from the enchanting Glade with its Midsummer Nights Dream vibe, to the pink-tastic Gallery Restaurant that was designed by British artist, David Shrigley. And be sure not to miss the space-age toilets, which are in little white pods beneath a disco ceiling.

Sketch is also a great place to go for afternoon tea. And on that note, afternoon teas are a great Instagram opportunity – see our list of the best afternoon teas in London. And below are some options you can book with Get Your Guide.

 
London Instagram Sketch

30. The Churchill Arms

My photo of The Churchill Arms is one of my most popular posts on Instagram. During the summer months, this friendly pub becomes one enormous flower display, covered in hanging baskets and colourful planters. It’s perfect for Instagram and also a fun place to go for a drink, or some Thai food. See more of the best pubs in Kensington.

Churchill Arms Flower Pub London

31. Bourne and Hollingsworth

Finally, what’s a list of Instagram shots without a food pic? There are tons of pretty plates in the city, but one of my favourites is Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings in Clerkenwell.

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Not only is the food picture perfect, but the restaurant itself is gorgeous, decorated in pretty patterns and charming, mismatched furniture. It’s especially good for brunch.

Below are some London food tours you can do. They’ll all have instagrammable food, but the market one is particularly good for photos.

 
Best London Instagram places - Bourne and Hollingsworth

Best London Instagram places - Bourne and Hollingsworth

32. Coppa Club glass igloos

Sitting in a glass igloo with a view of Tower Bridge in one direction and the Shard in the other makes the Coppa Club one of the best and most Instagrammable dinner venues in London. The restaurant itself also has gorgeous interiors, so it’s worth visiting even if you don’t get an igloo.

33. Afternoon tea at the Berkley

London has some incredible Instagram-worthy afternoon teas, including ones that are themed with everything form fashion to science to Alice in Wonderland. Our favouirte for Instagram pics is the fashion tea at the Berkeley. You can even get one on a double decker bus. See more in my guide to the best afternoon teas in London.

34. Elan Cafe

The pink-everything EL&N cafes market themselves as the most instagrammable cafes in the world and provide endless photo opps, from the kitsch interiors to the pretty cakes. There are nine in London to choose from.

The most Instagrammable parks in London

35. Hyde Park

One of my favourite things about London is the amount of green space the city holds. From the huge royal parks to local church gardens, there are so many beautiful spaces. I particularly love Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath, but one of the most Instagrammed options in Hyde Park.

Capture the tree-lined avenues, flower garden, ponds, and even the swans. It’s lovely all year round.

best-london-instagram_-34

36. Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of London’s most impressive and photogenic parks, especially the Isabella Plantation, which is where we had our engagement shoot! The park is also home to deer, which always make for a good photo too.

Richmond Park

37. Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park has a great view of the city from Canary Wharf to Westminster. Plus Greenwich Village has lots of pretty shops and streets.

Best views in London - Greenwich Park

38. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead is high on a hill in the north-west of London where you can stand and look down on the city below from the beautiful Hampstead Heath. It’s a great place to get shots of the view, grand houses and the lakes.

Hampstead - London Village

London’s most Instagrammable hotels

39. Zetter Townhouse

The Zetter Townhouse has some of the most unique hotel rooms in London, decorated with a quirky British style. The townhouse club rooms come complete with a Union Jack-emblazoned four-poster bed, and others have fairground carousel design features.

The most hipster hotels in London

40. Qbic

The Qbic Hotel has fabulously quirky design, including lampshades made of colourful crates, shelves in the shape of cows, bright yellow sofas, and a floating head above one of the tables. And the bedrooms are designed in an original ‘Qbi’ pod concept that makes for great photos.

Qbic - London hipster hotel

What other places would you add to the list?


Where to stay in London

I’ve written a guide to the best hipster hotels in London. My favourites are: Ace; The Hoxton; Locke Livingthe Qbic hotelThe Zetter Townhouse and Artist Residence.

Save time and money on your next trip

See our travel resources page for all our best travel tips, including how to save money with the best cards, what insurance to choose, and all our favourite tools and tricks.

And don’t forget your travel insurance! We recommend World Nomads or True Traveller who both offer reliable, comprehensive cover, including medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

You can buy both True Traveller and World Nomads insurance even when you’ve left home, which is unusual for travel insurance companies.

More London videos

These videos are part of our series for Expedia called Victoria’s Insider Guide to London. The other episodes in the six-part series are:

  1. How to find the village feel in London
  2. The best places to Instagram in London
  3. 24 Hours in London as a Londoner
  4. The best afternoon teas in London
  5. London’s best views
  6. Around the world in 7 London meals

And remember to follow me on Instagram here

12 thoughts on “The 40 Most Instagrammable Places in London”

  1. Absolutely love this post and your blog! Such great pics and I cant wait to try out some of these places myself. Can’t wait to check out your Instagram profile!

    Reply
  2. Love this! We all dream about getting that perfect Instagram shot deep down. I’ll definitely be showing this post to my friends who are international students because they absolutely love all things quintessential London! And I might check a couple out myself…

    Reply
  3. I can see why the Churchill Arms is one of the most popular spots, it’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing these locations, Victoria! I’m with Explorest and we built an app that helps people discover 125 beautiful photo locations in UK, and I think you’d enjoy it! We include the exact GPS coordinates & tips by the state’s best photographers. We also have locations in New York, California, Michigan, across Asia and will be debuting in Germany soon. If you have a moment, check it out! https://www.explorest.com/

    Reply

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