London / 20 photo spots
20 Instagram spots around London
London’s photographic variety stretches from historic markets and river crossings to gardens and city viewpoints. Use these ideas to explore different sides of the capital.
The first 10 photo spots
Pink cafes, red booths and a skyline that keeps adding decks: London never runs out of frames. These 10 are the reliable ones.
Explore the map
Photo spots on the map
14 of 20 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Neal’s YardApproximate area
- Tower BridgeSourced place
- Sky GardenApproximate area
- The Churchill ArmsSourced place
- Notting HillApproximate area
- St Paul’s CathedralSourced place
- Millennium BridgeSourced place
- Leadenhall MarketSourced place
- Borough MarketApproximate area
- Greenwich ParkApproximate area
- Kew GardensApproximate area
- St James’s ParkApproximate area
- Trafalgar SquareApproximate area
- Little VeniceApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Peggy Porschen Cakes
A pink cafe with seasonal flower displays. The facade draws a queue, and the cupcakes are the consolation.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Covent Garden
The covered piazza of stalls, stores and street acts. Mornings keep the floor clear.
Open in Google MapsNeal’s Yard
A small courtyard of colored cottages off Covent Garden. Look up from the center for the full frame.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Tower Bridge
The bascule bridge by the Tower. It lifts for ships on schedule, and night shots double the lights.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
London-Eye
Red phone booths with the London Eye across the river. Walk the bank from Westminster for the lineup, and red clothing matches the booths.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
(Big Ben and) Westminster Bridge
The tower and palace from Westminster Bridge. The bridge center gives the straight-on frame.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Subway Oxford Circus
A classic roundel entrance in the shopping district. Red clothing echoes the sign.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Sky Garden
A free garden deck high over the City. Booking ahead is required, and sunset slots go first.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
The Churchill Arms
A Kensington pub buried in flowers. The facade changes with the seasons.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Notting Hill
Pastel terraces and market lanes. Portobello mornings mix street life with the colors.
Open in Google MapsSt Paul’s Cathedral
The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral gives the City of London a distinctive silhouette. Step back and include the surrounding streets to give the building a sense of scale.
Search Google MapsMillennium Bridge
This pedestrian bridge crosses the Thames between Bankside and the City. Use its railings as converging lines and position St Paul’s Cathedral near the centre of the frame.
Search Google MapsLeadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market’s ornate roof and cobbled passages create a layered architectural scene. Photograph along a passage, allowing the roof structure to draw the eye into the distance.
Search Google MapsSt Dunstan in the East
The remains of St Dunstan’s church surround a garden in the City. Frame the plants through one of the stone openings for a contrast of masonry and greenery.
Search Google MapsBorough Market
Borough Market is filled with produce and food stalls near London Bridge. Pick a colourful display as your foreground and let the market setting remain visible behind it.
Search Google MapsGreenwich Park
Greenwich Park rises towards the Royal Observatory and looks across London. Compose from the hill with the park in the foreground and the distant skyline above it.
Search Google MapsKew Gardens
Kew Gardens contains the curved glass Palm House among its botanical collections. Set the glasshouse within a wider garden view to contrast its structure with the surrounding planting.
Search Google MapsSt James’s Park
The lake in St James’s Park offers a different view of central London. From the Blue Bridge, include the water and trees as layers beneath the distant buildings.
Search Google MapsTrafalgar Square
Nelson’s Column, fountains and bronze lions share Trafalgar Square. Use one lion in the foreground and align the column behind it for a strong sense of scale.
Search Google MapsLittle Venice
Little Venice sits where London’s canal waterways meet. Photograph along the water and use the moored boats and towpath to lead the eye through the scene.
Search Google Maps