I nearly broke my neck last Thursday trying to get a decent shot at Borough Market. Proper embarrassing, really. There I was, crouched down like an idiot, trying to capture those hanging lights above the cheese stall when some bloke with a massive rucksack walked straight into me. Phone went flying. Nearly took out a whole display of artisan pickles.
But you know what? Got the shot. And it was worth every mortifying second.
That’s the thing about hunting down Instagram spots in London; you end up doing ridiculous things for the perfect picture. I’ve been at this game for ages now, scrambling over walls, getting up at stupid o’clock, and arguing with tourists who’ve planted themselves right in my shot. Mental behaviour when you think about it.
London’s absolutely mental for photo opportunities, though. Turn any corner and there’s something begging to be photographed. Problem is, everyone else has cottoned on too.
The Big Hitters Everyone Goes Mad For
Right, let’s talk about the obvious ones first.
Tower Bridge – Yeah, everyone and their nan has photographed it. But here’s what most people don’t know: there’s this tiny spot called Horsleydown Stairs where you can get shots without fighting through hordes of tourists waving selfie sticks about.
Went there last month. Half seven in the morning, freezing cold, but completely worth it. Had the whole place to myself for about twenty minutes. Pure bliss.
Big Ben and Westminster – course they’re gorgeous. That Gothic stonework against London’s perpetually grey sky? Stunning. But timing’s everything. Show up at midday, and you’ll be queuing behind fifty other people trying to get the exact same shot.
Regent Street during Christmas is absolutely bonkers. Those angel lights? Proper spectacular. But it’s not just Christmas; they change the decorations throughout the year. Went past in March, and they had these incredible spring installations. Nobody talks about that bit.
Spots That’ll Genuinely Surprise People
This is where it gets interesting. Most Instagrammable places in London aren’t always the ones plastered all over guidebooks. Some of the best shots come from places you’d walk straight past without a second glance.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden – found this place by complete accident. Was trying to find a coffee shop, took a wrong turn, and suddenly I’m standing in what looks like a medieval ruin. Right in the middle of the financial district! Those arched windows with light streaming through? Absolutely magic. Just don’t go at lunchtime unless you fancy competing with office workers eating their sandwiches.
Little Venice is another gem. Sounds posh, doesn’t it? It’s actually just some canals with houseboats, but the reflections in the water are gorgeous. Especially when it’s drizzling, which let’s face it, happens about twice a week in London.
Daunt Books in Marylebone – now this is clever. Floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves, travel books everywhere, proper old-school vibe. Perfect for those shots that make you look like you actually read books instead of just scrolling through TikTok all day.
The New Hotspots Nobody’s Talking About Yet
London changes faster than the weather. New spots keep popping up; old ones get ruined by crowds.
Covent Garden has been doing these rotating installations; I was there in December, and they had these massive mistletoe chandeliers. Completely over the top, but Instagram loves that sort of thing.
Hampstead Pergola is having a proper moment right now. It’s tucked away in Hampstead Heath and looks like something from a fairy tale: overgrown columns, wild gardens, views right across London. Been meaning to get up there for ages, but it’s a right trek from central London.
When London Actually Looks Good
Here’s what nobody tells you: London weather makes or breaks your photos. Those famous grey skies can be brilliant for moody shots. But when the sun comes out? Different city entirely.
Sky Garden gives you London spread out like a map below. Free to get in, but you’ve got to book ahead or you’ll be disappointed. Found that out the hard way; turned up thinking I could just waltz in and ended up queuing for two hours just to be told they were full.
Westminster Bridge is where everyone gets their London Eye shots. Stop about halfway across, and you’ve got the perfect frame. River leading your eye right through the picture, the London Eye on one side, Big Ben on the other. Bit predictable maybe, but it works.
The Reality of Popular Spots
Let’s be honest; some places are absolutely rammed.
Parliament Square and that archway near Westminster Bridge have blown up on social media something chronic. Massive queues of people all trying to get the same shot.
My mate Caroline went to Parliament Square last weekend. Said it was like a music festival. People everywhere, pushing and shoving, someone’s ring light nearly took her eye out. Put her right off.
Early mornings are your only hope. Most tourists aren’t dragging themselves out of bed at sunrise. But if you can manage it, you’ll have London to yourself. Those empty streets, that gorgeous morning light, nobody else around – that’s when the magic happens.
Actually Making Your Photos Different
Everyone’s got the same Tower Bridge photo. Everyone’s been to Borough Market. The trick isn’t avoiding these places; they’re popular for good reason. The trick is finding something different to say about them.
Get weird with your angles. Climb things. Crouch down. Use those red phone boxes as frames, not subjects. Catch Big Ben reflected in a puddle. London’s always got puddles.
The city’s full of contrasts: ancient stones next to glass towers, quiet gardens hidden behind busy streets. That’s what makes a photo properly London, not just a picture taken in London.
Bottom Line
Most Instagrammable places in London aren’t about pretty backgrounds. They’re about capturing the madness and beauty of this completely bonkers city. Sometimes that’s Westminster in all its grandeur. Sometimes it’s a tiny garden you found by accident.
Best advice? Put your phone away sometimes. Actually look around. Notice how the light hits that building, how the shadows fall across that street. Then grab your camera and try to bottle that feeling.
London’s been photogenic for centuries. We just happen to have phones now instead of those massive Victorian cameras. Use them properly.
