Today on The Travel Hack, Elle Croft is sharing 10 gorgeous Instagram spots in London. Whether it’s your first visit to London or you’ve lived here for years, these are the Instagram spots in London where you’ll want to get snappy happy and get some gorgeous photos for your grid.
There’s no denying that Instagram is now a huge part of how we experience a destination. Some people argue that Instagram is ruining the way we travel, but for many of us, it’s the way we find inspiration for an upcoming trip.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of beautiful Instagram spots in London as this city has so many iconic sights, gorgeous stores, pretty parks and hidden gems. Just wander around London with a camera in your hand and your bound to uncover some photographic gems.
So if you’re an Instagram lover and you’re visiting London (or even if you live here and fancy getting some of those iconic shots), here are the top 10 most Instagrammable spots in London:
#1. Peggy Porschen
Peggy Porschen is really a bakery, but it acts more as a backdrop for Instagrammers’ photos and has become one of the most popular Instagram spots in London. The pastel pink exterior is always adorned, but the details change according to the season. There are pastel pumpkins at Halloween, frosted baubles at Christmas, and a (you guessed it) pastel pink bike complete with bursts of flowers in spring.
Although the interior is also stunning, it’s the now-famous facade that you’ll really want to Instagram, so unless you want to freeze, it’s best to go when the weather is fine.
#2. Tower Bridge
It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo of this iconic London sight, but don’t make the mistake of trying to photograph London Bridge – that one’s pretty unimpressive!
Tower Bridge, with its stunning towers on either side of the river and blue and white walkways that span the Thames, is a must-see when you’re visiting London. Some of the best angles to photograph it from include the Girl with a Dolphin fountain at St. Katherine Pier, from above at the top of the Shard, and from underneath, when travelling by boat. This is a classic Instagram spot in London so make sure you snap this one because this Instagram trend won’t be going anywhere!
#3. Warren Mews
I don’t know what it is about Warren Mews that made it such a famous Instagram spot in London – maybe it’s the moody dark grey brick, or the powder pink bike parked outside, or the mysterious characters painted on the door, or the overflowing window boxes. Probably a combination of all of these things.
But whatever it is, this not-so-humble house-front is guaranteed to get you the likes on Instagram, so it’s worth a quick stop-and-snap!
#4. Regent Street
If you happen to be visiting in December, you’ll get the crème de la crème of Regent Street photos, when the Christmas angels are glowing overhead and the whole street looks magical. But if not, don’t worry. It’s one of London’s top Instagram spots at any time of year.
This wide, sweeping shopping street is graced with grand buildings on either side, as well as a (handy for Instagrammers) median strip in the middle of the road. Stop here and wait for the iconic shot of a big red London bus and a black taxi driving down the street at the same time and you’re onto a winner.
#5. St Paul’s Cathedral
The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable sights in the London skyline, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London. It’s over 300 years old, but it’s timeless, and it never has a bad hair day making it another perfect Instagram spot in London.
One of the best places to snap a shot of this gorgeous dome is from One New Change, a shopping centre with an incredible view. There’s also a rooftop terrace that overlooks the cathedral, so there are plenty of opportunities to find the right angle.
#6. Neal’s Yard
When I first saw a photo of Neal’s Yard, I didn’t think it was real. Thankfully, it is, and you can find it right by Seven Dials in London’s Covent Garden.
The small courtyard is bursting with colour and character, and is home to cafes, restaurants and health food shops, each as Instagrammable as the other.
My biggest tip for getting a great photo of this quirky London location? Look up!
#7. Covent Garden Covered Market
The whole area of Covent Garden is stunning, but the famous covered market is probably the most Instagrammable part of all.
Once a fruit vegetable market, it’s now home to restaurants, cafes, shops and street performers, including some extremely talented opera singers. The stunning nineteenth century Piazza, with its glass ceiling, often hosts eye-catching art installations, and is picturesque year-round.
#8. St Pancras Station
The Victorian Gothic architecture of St Pancras Station is nothing short of breathtaking. Come at golden hour (the time just before sunrise and after sunset) for the best photos. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the purple Nissan Figaro that’s often parked outside the dramatic red brick building.
The inside is just as stunning as the outside, with its huge glass domed ceiling – it’s hard to take a bad picture of this building, no matter which way you look at it.
#9. Daunt Books
Is there anything better than a picturesque bookshop? I doubt it.
And in London, Daunt Books is one of the prettiest of them all. Located in the upmarket area of Marylebone, Daunt Books began as a travel bookshop, but now sells all kinds of literature, from fiction to picture books and plenty in between.
It claims to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world, but impressive claims aside, it’s just plain gorgeous. There are wooden galleries along the top level of the store, skylights letting loads of light in, and an enormous arched window at the back that makes the ideal frame for Instagramming the store.
#10. Natural History Museum
The Victorian architecture of South Kensington’s Natural History Museum makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The extensive use of terracotta tiles was to reduce the appearance of soot, but it also makes for a really beautiful building.
As well as being a world-class museum with plenty of rare and exotic specimens to see, it’s basically the most Instagrammable spot in the area. The main hall, also known as Hintze Hall, is dominated by an enormous blue whale skeleton, suspended above the heads of visitors.
The best spot for a photo is from the balcony of the hall, where you can come face to face with Hope, the resident blue whale.
There you have it, 10 of the most Instagrammable spots in London and gorgeous photography locations for your next visit to the big smoke.
One of my favourite London Instagrammers is Angie Silverspoon so check out her feed for some Instagram inspo!
Read more blog posts about London
10 photography apps you need for your travel photos
10 photography hacks for beautiful travel photos (a guest post from the incredible travel photographer, The Wandering Lens)
Where to take the best photos in London with panoramic views
Rachel
Wednesday 20th of June 2018
That shot ot tower bridge - just wow! Love all the pics and ideas for the best Instagram locations!
Angie Silver
Wednesday 13th of June 2018
Thank you so much for the kind compliment, that has really made my day!!!