11 of the Most Instagrammable Places in London

Shoreditch is indisputably one of the top Instagram locations in London, thanks to its high concentration of neo-graffiti murals, such as three monkeys sprayed by street art icon Banksy adorning the London Overground bridge. A street art tour of the area is the best way to explore this ever-changing scene. Plus, nearby Brick Lane offers more urban art, fashion, and some of the capital’s best curries—feast your senses on it during a food and culture tour.

Insider tip: More secluded Shoreditch spots, such as Rivington Street and Fashion Street, offer the highest chance of crowd-free snaps.

Home to some of London’s most colorful houses and cutest brunch spots, Notting Hill is one of the best Instagram spots in London. Not only is it famous for its musical heritage and for being the setting of blockbuster rom-com of the same name, it also offers a rainbow-colored range of picturesque townhouses. Strike a pose in front of the pastel-hued homes of St. Luke’s Mew and Lancaster Road before snapping a picture of a lavender latte at Farm Girl restaurant. This Notting Hill tour helps you find all the top spots.

Neal’s Yard—tucked between bustling Oxford Street and the bright lights of the West End Theater District—is one of the most peaceful picture-perfect spots in London. Here, rainbow-painted shutters contrast against red-brick buildings harboring independent boutiques, so you can pick up souvenirs after you’ve taken your fill of photos. Explore Covent Garden’s hidden gems or swing by before an e-bike pub tour of the West End’s best boozers.

Insider tip: St. John’s Bakery in Neal’s Yard is famous throughout the city for its doughnuts, which come filled with jam, chocolate, or custard. They’re a must-try if you have a sweet tooth.

Tucked away on an industrial estate in Walthamstow, God’s Own Junkyard is London’s answer to downtown Tokyo. Described as a “wonderland of creativity” by its owner, the visual bonanza features hundreds of neon signs and has been used as a backdrop for countless magazine shoots, including Vogue. It’s a fantastic place to visit before a craft beer tour of the area, which is famous for its breweries and fashionable industrial vibe.

Nature has reclaimed some of the Barbican Centre at the Barbican Conservatory, a hidden gem and tropical oasis that’s one of the best places to take photos in London. Pose beside towering palms and serpentine vines whose brightness offers an artistic contrast to the grey concrete. Admission is free, but you’ll need to book your ticket in advance as the conservatory only opens on select Sundays. Combine this City of London attraction with nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London—tick off these two top sights and more on a best of London tour, ideal if it’s your first time in the city.

Deemed a monstrosity or beacon of modern architecture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide is the tallest sculpture in the UK. Best photographed in the evening when illuminated against the night sky, the sculpture is also home to a hair-raising helter skelter slide and an observation platform that boasts panoramic city views. It’s also a short distance from some of the most scenic places for photos in London. Wander the quirky canals of Hackney Wick; visit the Olympic Rings in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; or take the DLR a few stops to ride the IFS cable car over the Thames River.

When it comes to London landmarks for Instagram, centrally located Soho has more than its fair share of places to take pictures of. Highlights include the hundreds of red lanterns and pagodas of Chinatown; the year-round light displays of Carnaby Street; the monochrome facade of luxury department store Liberty London; and the glittering theaters of Shaftesbury Avenue—a London photography tour can take you to all top spots. Plus, Soho's diverse restaurants have food that looks almost too good to eat. Feast your way around the neighborhood on a Soho food tour.

Few restaurants can boast a life-size cherry blossom tree in the center of their dining room, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ivy Asia’s spectacular interior. It's also home to an algae-green floor that makes you feel like you're walking on water. But this restaurant has substance to support its stylish aesthetic—theatrical dishes include miso black cod and decadent sushi platters. Plus, the restaurant's central location in St. Paul’s means you're within walking distance of Shakespeare's Globe and Millennium Bridge, featured in Harry Potter.

No visit to London would be complete without enjoying the quintessentially British pastime of afternoon tea. And there are few places more flawless to enjoy it than The Ritz, one of the capital's most iconic luxury hotels. In the grand, golden dining room, you’ll enjoy a dainty selection of finger food served on multi-tiered fine china, accompanied by English tea (and Champagne if you choose to upgrade). Afterward, pop over to photo-worthy Buckingham Palace to wave hello to the Royal Family. Alternatively, take tea at Kensington Palace Gardens or nibble while you sightsee on an afternoon tea cruise or vintage bus tour.

Last but not least on the list of Instagram-worthy places in London is Little Venice. Reminiscent of a European waterway, this canalside stretch is ideal for photographers and makes you feel miles away from the bustle of London. Depending on which way you walk, the riverside route takes you past the brightly colored barges toward Paddington Station (which houses everything from bookshops to barges) or to the vibrant Camden Market, where stalls sell a rainbow-colored array of items begging to be added to your camera roll. A walking tour will help you navigate London’s waterways with ease.