Top 10 Places to Take Photos in London

Best places to take pictures in London

The bustling city of London is chock-full of Instagrammable places, from the royal residence Kensington Palace to the modern Sky Garden housed on the top floor of a skyscraper. 🤳🏼 We’ve rounded up some of the best photo spots across England’s capital. Sit back with a cuppa and discover our top 10 Instagrammable places to take photos in London. 🍵

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers in London, Emily and Jimmy, to show us around all the very best spots for pictures.

TLDR

(a little sneak peek for you!) 

1. Westminster Bridge & Big Ben. The bridge offers a fantastic vantage point of the Big Ben and is a must-stop photo spot. 
2. King Charles Street. This is a great spot to capture the feel of old central London and is conveniently located.
3. Tower Bridge & Tower of London. Tower Bridge (hint: it’s not London Bridge!) in the South Bank are distinctly “London.”
4. Notting Hill. Rows of colourful pastel houses offer an incredible variety of Instagram-worthy photography spots.
5. Covent Garden & Piccadilly. Explore the quaint neighbourhood of London’s cultural West End.
6. Shoreditch & Brick Lane. A unique side of London – filled with colourful graffiti, gritty streets, and a lively buzz.
7. Buckingham Palace & Mayfair. Home to the royals, but we can’t guarantee that you’ll spot the King.
8. Shad Thames. Boasts an industrial old London look and feel because the buildings along this historic street are all original and date back to the 1900s!
9. Millennium Bridge. You get bonus points if you try and re-enact any of the Hollywood movie scenes that feature this bridge! 
10. Regent’s Park. One of many Royal Parks in London and boasts beautifully manicured landscaping and regal touches.

Photo: Jimmy in London for Flytographer. Omonele and family capture memories on a trip to London with a family photoshoot.

1. Westminster Bridge & Big Ben

📍 Google Map Location: 1 Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JR, UK

Photographer tip: “So I think a lot of people choose Westminster because they can fit everything in within a sixty or ninety-minute package, and they can capture everything within that. And then you have the other kind of off-the-beat tracks on the sides. We can do a little bit of that as well.” – Flytographer Jimmy in London

Our first highlighted route hits many top places to take photos in London all at once. Start at the Houses of Parliament, then follow the River Thames to Big Ben, the London Eye, and Millennium Bridge for a tour of London’s most iconic monuments. Stop at a classic red telephone booth along the way for a must-have Instagram photo, and then hop on a red double-decker bus for a ride around the city as the Londoners do! 📞

Best times to visit: Early morning (6-8 AM) for golden hour lighting and fewer crowds, or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for warm light. Blue hour (just after sunset) creates stunning silhouettes. Spring and summer offer longer daylight hours, while autumn provides moody skies. Winter can be atmospheric, but daylight is limited. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Avoid weekends and school holidays when tourist numbers peak. Parliament is most crowded when in session (Tuesday-Thursday).

Best occasions: This route is perfect for couples looking for classic London engagement photos, families creating memories together, and solo travellers needing that quintessential London selfie. The location works brilliantly for wide architectural shots, intimate portraits with the landmarks as backdrop, and classic “postcard” style compositions.

Planning your visit: Completely free and accessible 24/7. The bridge has wide pavements suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Westminster tube station (Circle, District, and Jubilee lines) is directly adjacent.

Photo: Hector in London for Flytographer. Rachel and partner capture memories on Westminster Bridge with a couple photoshoot.

2. King Charles Street

📍 Google Map Location: King Charles St, London SW1, UK

Tucked away just a few steps across Westminster Bridge, the famous King Charles Street is the real underdog photo spot. It has been used in many Hollywood movies, such as Sherlock Holmes, The Avengers, and many more. 🎥 This is a great spot to capture the feel of old central London, and is conveniently located near “the tube” with a lovely vantage point of the London Eye, Parliament Buildings and Big Ben. Navigating the London Underground system is a rite of passage for any London visitor!

Best times to visit: Mid-morning (10 AM-12 PM) when soft light filters between buildings, or golden hour for dramatic shadows. This street is particularly magical in autumn when leaves create natural frames, and winter when gas lamps glow against grey skies. It’s generally quiet throughout the day, making it perfect for intimate shoots.

Best occasions: Ideal for romantic couples’ portraits, engagement photos, and anyone seeking an authentic London feel. The intimate scale makes it perfect for close-up shots and storytelling photography. Popular with influencers wanting a unique London backdrop that’s not oversaturated on social media.

Planning your visit: Free public street, accessible 24/7. Cobblestones may be challenging for wheelchairs. It’s a 2-minute walk from Westminster tube station.

Photo: Emily in London for Flytographer. Kayla and family capture memories in London with a family photoshoot on King Charles Street.

3. Tower Bridge & Tower of London

📍 Google Map Location: 1 Battle Bridge Ln, London SE1 2HD, UK

Tower Bridge (hint: it’s not London Bridge!) and the Tower of London in the South Bank are distinctly “London.” The best time to walk along the Thames is at golden hour, especially sunrise, to have the views to yourself. 🌅 In addition to seeing one of London’s most iconic attractions, the city views from Tower Bridge are tough to beat!

Best times to visit: Sunrise (5:30-7 AM) for golden light and empty walkways, or blue hour for illuminated bridge shots. Spring offers fresh greenery, summer provides long days, and autumn brings dramatic skies. Bridge lifts are scheduled and create unique photo opportunities. Early morning or late evening is the quietest. Try and avoid summer weekends when crowds peak!

Best occasions: Perfect for dramatic couple portraits, family photos with iconic backdrops, and architectural photography. The bridge’s Victorian Gothic style suits romantic engagement shoots, while the Thames Path offers candid walking shots.

Planning your visit: Bridge walkways are free. The Tower of London requires an entry fee (around £30). Bridge lifts can temporarily restrict access. Tower Hill tube station (Circle and District lines) or London Bridge station. The bridge has step-free access, though some viewpoints involve stairs.

Customer love: “We decided we didn’t want to spend money on souvenirs that would wind up in a garage sale someday, so we started doing photography shoots to remember our vacations. We thought the Tower Bridge would be perfect.” – Christine Z.

Photo: Emily in London for Flytographer. Caroline and partner capture memories near the Tower Bridge in London on a couple photoshoot.

4. Notting Hill

📍 Google Map Location: 58-60 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3HT, UK

Photographer tip: “In Notting Hill, there’s this one road called Saint Luke’s Muse. Really gorgeous, beautiful muse houses. It’s just so lovely. I photographed many proposals there and just lots of families and couples there as well, and it is just really, really lovely.” – Flytographer Emily in London

The famous Portobello Road runs almost the entire length of Notting Hill, and it’s a must-visit on Saturdays when it is overtaken by stalls selling everything from pastries to vintage clothing to antiques in one of London’s most famous street markets. 🥐  St Luke’s Mews boasts the infamous pink house from the motion picture, Love Actually. After daydreaming about being swept away by Hugh Grant, head on over to The Churchill Arms for a pint. 🍻 It’s one of the most gorgeous pubs with a beautiful exterior for photos! Notting Hill certainly does not disappoint with the rows of colourful houses in an array of pastel colours that offer an incredible variety of Instagram-worthy photography spots.

Best times to visit: Mid-morning (10 AM-12 PM) for optimal natural lighting on house facades. Portobello Market creates a vibrant atmosphere but brings crowds. Spring and summer show off garden blooms, and autumn provides warm tones that complement the colorful houses. Early weekday mornings are the quietest. Market days (Saturday) are busiest but most atmospheric.

Best occasions: Perfect for colourful lifestyle shots, romantic couple portraits, and family photos with vibrant backdrops. Fashion bloggers and influencers favour the area for outfit photos. The Churchill Arms pub exterior is particularly popular for group shots and British pub culture photos. Proposal photographers love St. Luke’s Mews for intimate moments.

Planning your visit: Free public streets, accessible 24/7. Most areas are wheelchair accessible. Notting Hill Gate tube station (Central, Circle, and District lines) or Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines). Remember, these are residential streets – be mindful of noise and private property. Portobello Market operates Saturday 9 AM-7 PM, Friday 9 AM-6 PM for antiques.

Photo: Emily in London for Flytographer. Brittany and their partner capture memories in the neighbourhood of Notting Hill in London on a couple photoshoot.

5. Covent Garden & Piccadilly

📍 Google Map Location: 1 The Market, London WC2E 8RA, UK

Photographer tip: “There’s one spot in Covent Garden called Goodwin Court, and that area is very quaint,  just really quintessentially British. But most importantly, it was actually the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. I take customers down there, regardless of if they’re Harry Potter fans or not, it is so gorgeous.” – Flytographer Emily in London

The perfect stop to discover along our Covent Garden & Piccadilly route, Trafalgar Square is the central hub of London’s cultural West End.🌲 It’s just a short walk from Leicester Square cinemas and theatres, as well as home to the beautiful National Gallery. This is also a perfect spot to walk towards Buckingham Palace, with a view of the London Eye along the way. 🎡

Best times to visit: Late morning (11 AM-1 PM) when street performers are active and natural light is optimal. The theatre district comes alive with pre-show energy. Winter holiday decorations are spectacular, and summer brings outdoor dining and extended daylight. Weekday mornings are quieter, but street performers usually start around 11 AM. Avoid pre-theatre hours (6-8 PM) when crowds peak.

Best occasions: Excellent for family photos, couples enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, and lifestyle shots. The covered market is perfect for rainy-day photography. Goodwin Court appeals to Harry Potter fans and anyone wanting atmospheric, historical London shots. Street photography enthusiasts love capturing the diverse mix of tourists, performers, and locals.

Planning your visit: Free public areas, fully accessible with lifts in market buildings. Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly line) has direct access, or Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines). Street performers typically operate 11 AM-9 PM. If photographing performers, a small tip is appreciated. Regular festivals and seasonal markets happen throughout the year!

Photo: Hector in London for Flytographer. Karen and family capture memories in Covent Garden & Piccadilly in London on a family photoshoot.

6. Shoreditch & Brick Lane

📍 Google Map Location: Braithwaite St, London E1 6GJ, UK

For totally unique vibes in central London, we recommend Shoreditch, filled with colourful graffiti, gritty streets, and a lively buzz.✨ Don’t miss Spitalfields Market, a covered market — helpful for London’s trademark drizzle — perfect for browsing local arts, vintage items, and more. Creative types and tech-heads have recently breathed new life into this unique corner of London where curry houses, street art and trend-setters coexist in a uniquely vibrant scene. The Barbican Centre is the perfect addition to our Brick Lane and Spitalfields route; we love the Brutalist architecture at this London icon! 

Best times to visit: Late morning to early afternoon (11 AM-3 PM) is best for optimal mural lighting. Any time of year works, though winter can provide dramatic urban lighting. Weekday afternoons are quieter for detailed mural photography. Sunday mornings offer empty streets perfect for architectural shots. Spitalfields Market is busiest on weekends but offers more photo opportunities.

Best occasions: Perfect for modern couple portraits and creative family shots. Popular with teenagers and young adults wanting unique social media content. The area suits alternative wedding photography and creative professional headshots. Artists and influencers particularly love the constantly changing mural backdrop.

Planning your visit: Free public streets, accessible 24/7. Some cobblestone areas may challenge wheelchair access. Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) or Shoreditch High Street (London Overground). Some murals are commissioned; others may be temporary. Always respect private property and local businesses.

Customer love: “If I could leave more than five stars, I would!  We had the BEST experience working with Hector.  Not only is he amazingly talented, but he’s easy to talk to and work with.  We were together for three hours, walking the streets of Shoreditch and taking my daughter’s Senior pictures. He knew the best places to go and was completely open to whatever shots we wanted to take. My daughter’s photos are AMAZING.” – Christy R.

Photo: Hector in London for Flytographer. Ruby and family capture memories in front of a mural in Shoreditch & Brick Lane in London on a family photoshoot.

7. Buckingham Palace & Mayfair

📍 Google Map Location: S Carriage Dr, London, UK

You can’t get more London than this iconic London landmark. 🏰  Home to the royals, we can’t guarantee that you’ll spot the Queen, but watching the changing of the guard is a bucket-list experience. Our guide to the top places to take photos in London would simply not be complete without including Buckingham Palace! Get there early to stake out a great view! Continue your stroll through central London via the posh enclave of Mayfair.

Best times to visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) before crowds arrive, or during the Changing of the Guard ceremony (11 AM Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). Spring brings blooming gardens, summer offers long days and regular ceremonies, and autumn provides fewer crowds. Arrive 30 minutes early for the ceremony viewing. Weekday mornings are significantly quieter.

Best occasions: Essential for family vacation photos, royal-themed couple portraits, and classic London tourist shots. Popular with international visitors wanting quintessentially British memories. The formal setting suits engagement photos and milestone celebrations. Children particularly enjoy photos with the guards and royal regalia.

Planning your visit: Viewing the palace exterior is free 24/7. Palace tours require advance booking (£30+). Victoria (Circle, District, and Victoria lines), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines), or Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line). Front viewing areas are accessible, though ceremony viewing can be crowded.

Customer love: “Jimmy was fantastic! Despite meeting at Buckingham Palace at the height of a crowd gathered to watch the changing of the guard, Jimmy coached us through a great shoot in a variety of spots around the palace while minimizing interruptions from others in the area. He was engaging with our 4-year-old and came up with creative poses and candid photos for our whole group.” – Benjamin M.

Photo: Jimmy in London for Flytographer. Jessica and partner pose in front of Buckingham Palace in London on a couple photoshoot.

8. Shad Thames

📍 Google Map Location: 3 & 4 Dockley Rd, London SE16 3AF, UK

Photographer tip: “My favourite ‘private’ area for photoshoots is Shad Thames. It has that super industrial old London look and feel because the buildings along this historic street are all original and date back to the 1900s. The buildings and bridges that connect them were once used for manufacturing and shipping tea leaves. When the tide is low, you can get some cracking low shots close to Tower Bridge, but be careful, the rocks can be very slippery during low tide.” – Flytographer Jimmy in London

One of the most iconic symbols of London, Tower Bridge boldly spans the River Thames, but dig deeper and you’ll discover one of Jimmy’s favourite London spots on our Tower Bridge route, Shad Thames. 📸

Best times to visit: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for dramatic lighting through the bridge structures. Low tide provides unique foreground opportunities near the Thames. Atmospheric year-round, particularly moody during autumn and winter. The area is rarely crowded, making it perfect for intimate shoots throughout the day. Check tide tables for low-tide photography opportunities near Tower Bridge.

Best occasions: Ideal for dramatic couple portraits, engagement photos, and architectural photography. The industrial setting suits modern, edgy photo styles. Popular with photographers seeking unique London backdrops away from typical tourist shots.

Planning your visit: Free public streets, accessible 24/7. Cobblestones may challenge wheelchair access. London Bridge station (Northern and Jubilee lines) then 10-minute walk, or Tower Bridge Road bus routes. Use extreme caution near Thames, especially during high tide or wet conditions.

Photo: Jimmy in London for Flytographer. Eliza and partner capture memories on their trip to London with a couple photoshoot in Shad Thames.

9. Millennium Bridge

📍 Google Map Location: Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH, UK

Do you know of a certain British wizard named Harry Potter? Fans will recognize Millennium Bridge from the final movie … when it was completely destroyed 🤯 Never fear! The real bridge is as perfect as ever, offering knockout views of St. Paul’s Cathedral from the bridge. Discover Millennium Bridge along our Iconic London or St. Paul’s Cathedral routes, and post-shoot, head to the nearby Tate Modern for a dose of modern art. 🎨

Best times to visit: Early morning (6-8 AM) for cathedral lighting and an empty bridge, or blue hour for city lights. Clear winter days offer crisp architectural views, and summer provides extended golden hour opportunities. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Avoid weekend afternoons when the bridge becomes congested with tourists. Windy conditions can make photography challenging on the exposed bridge.

Best occasions: Perfect for architectural photography, romantic couple portraits with city skylines, and dramatic silhouette shots. Harry Potter fans enjoy recreating movie scenes. The bridge works excellently for engagement photos and urban lifestyle shots. Sunrise/sunset sessions create particularly stunning silhouettes against St. Paul’s dome.

Planning your visit: Free pedestrian bridge, accessible 24/7 with wheelchair access. Mansion House or St. Paul’s tube stations (Central line) on the north side, or Southwark station (Jubilee line) and London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines) on the south side. The bridge can be windy – dress appropriately and secure equipment. No restrictions for personal photography, but be mindful of other pedestrians.

Photo: Jimmy in London for Flytographer. Dana and partner capture memories at sunset on the Millennium Bridge in London on a couple photoshoot.

10. Regent’s Park

📍 Google Map Location: The Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU, UK

Nestled between the City of Westminster and the borough of Camden lies a picturesque oasis in the middle of an urban metropolis. 🌳 Venture here if you are looking for intimate feeling and a sweet escape of the city-feeling. As the name suggests, Regent’s Park is one of many Royal Parks in London and boasts beautifully manicured landscaping and regal touches with beautiful, flowing fountains and winding pathways. 🌿

Best times to visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) for empty paths and soft lighting, or golden hour for warm garden photography. Spring for cherry blossoms and daffodils, summer for rose gardens in full bloom, autumn for colourful foliage. Peak bloom for the Rose Garden is typically June-September. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Avoid sunny weekends when families and joggers are most active.

Best occasions: Excellent for romantic couple portraits, family photos in natural settings, engagement shoots, and seasonal photography. The formal gardens suit classic portraiture, while open spaces work for candid lifestyle shots. Popular with wedding photographers for outdoor ceremonies and portraits. Children’s photography works particularly well in the playgrounds and open meadows.

Planning your visit: Free entry, open 5 AM to dusk year-round. Fully accessible with paved paths and step-free access to major areas. Regent’s Park tube station (Bakerloo line), Great Portland Street (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), or Baker Street (multiple lines). Pedal boats are available during the summer months. Inner Circle rose garden may have separate opening hours. Regular outdoor theatre and music events during the summer.

Photo: Emily in London for Flytographer. Parker and partner capture their surprise proposal on a trip to London with a couple photoshoot in Regent’s Park.

Capture memories in London

The city of London is packed with stunning photo locations, and you truly can’t go wrong when it comes to this beautiful city. Explore our London Travel Tips to help plan the perfect itinerary, and capture the magic in one of these top places to take photos in London with one of our talented local Flytographers. If your travels take you to other parts of the United Kingdom, be sure to check out the best photo spots in Edinburgh and Dublin while you are at it! Our team of professional photographers is here to help you look amazing in your photos from your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most Instagrammable place in London?

While London offers countless photogenic locations, Notting Hill consistently ranks as the most Instagrammable spot. The rainbow-coloured Victorian houses, charming mews streets, and flower-covered pubs like The Churchill Arms create perfect social media content. The area offers variety within a small radius – from the famous Portobello Road market to the pink house from “Love Actually” on St. Luke’s Mews. The pastel palette and quintessentially British architecture make every corner Instagram-worthy, which is why influencers and content creators flock here for that perfect London shot.

Can I hire a photographer at these spots?

Absolutely! Flytographer specializes in connecting travellers with professional local photographers at all of these stunning London locations. Our experienced London photographers know these spots intimately – the best angles, optimal timing, and how to work around crowds to capture your perfect shots. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, engagement, or solo adventure, our photographers will guide you through the city while creating wall-worthy memories.

What is the best place to capture iconic landmarks?

Our Westminster Bridge route is the best choice if you want multiple landmarks in your photos. Additionally, a 60-minute session or longer will ensure you have enough time to reach them all on foot! Our photographers are the local experts on the best perspectives and angles to get the best shot as well as to recommend the best time of day for lighting and to avoid lots of people in the background.

Discover the Best Photo Spots near London

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