London is full of Instagrammable places, every street and corner is worth clicking. So you can imagine the number of photography spots in London that you can find while you are on your most unforgettable Europe Trip.
So grab your camera and prepare to be inspired as we commence our visual journey through the heart of London, and let every frame tell a story.
The top 15 photography spots in London
- The Big Ben & Westminster Bridge
- King Charles Street
- The London Eye from Waterloo Bridge
- The City of London from St Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower Bridge & Tower of London
- Canary Wharf
- Notting Hill
- Covent Garden & Piccadilly
- Shoreditch & Brick Lane
- Buckingham Palace
- Shad Thames
- Millenium Bridge
- Regent Park
- Columbia Road Flower Market
- The Serpentine Gallery
1. The Big Ben & Westminster Bridge
Looking for one of the best photoshoot locations London? The Big Ben and Westminster Bridge is a great location to capture a cool bridge shot leading you across the River Thames to the Elizabeth Tower. The best time to photograph the spot is after sunset or during summer when the sun sets on either side of the tower, only reducing the dynamic range just enough to capture the colours of sunset and architecture on the far side of the river, making it a treat to the eyes.
Start at the Houses of Parliament, then follow the River Thames to Big Ben 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. It is one of the best places to take photos in London.
- Location: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click:Sunset
2. King Charles Street
Situated just a few steps across Westminster Bridge, the famous Kings Charles Street is the real underdog photography spot in London. It has been used in many Hollywood movies, such as Sherlock Holmes, Avengers and many more.
This is a great spot to capture the field 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.
- Location: London, UK
- Best Time To Click: Daylight
3. The London Eye from Waterloo Bridge
It’s always good to find different and unique views of iconic locations. The London Eye is the third location of the best photography spots in London.
You get a fantastic view looking down the river Thames and slightly behind the London Eye provides a different perspective. This location is also fantastic for long-exposure shots. Sunsets are the right time to capture the beauty of this spot from Waterloo Bridge, making it one of the best photography locations London has to offer.
- Location: London WC2N 6NU, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Sunsets
4. The city of London from St. Paul’s Cathedral
This is the oldest viewpoint in London. The best thing about this location is the 360° view you get around London. You can capture the city, the shard and around the other side you capture Tate’s modern and London Eye.
To get to the top of the Cathedral storm you need to be fit and be able to climb 528 steps. Although it costs around ₹1996 to visit the Cathedral, it is surely worth it, as it is one of the best photography locations London.
- Location: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Early Morning
5. Tower Bridge & Tower of London
If you are looking for the best photoshoot locations London, then head to Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside. Be sure to walk over the bridge too! It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city. If you are looking for the best Instagram photo spots in London, then this is it.
Photographers can capture stunning shots of the bridge from various viewpoints along the river banks, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sky is filled with colours. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to take pictures in London.
- Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Sunsets
6. Canary Wharf
The spot has an epic view of Canary Wharf over the Isle of Dogs and the best photography spots in London. It’s a great spot to capture the high-rise buildings such as One Canada Square, and with the still waters in the Blackwall basin, you can capture some cool reflections, which is not normally possible along the River Thames due to its choppy waters.
An early morning shoot is a good time to capture this scene as the sun will light the front of the buildings, making it one of the best places to take photos in London.
- Location: Canary Wharf
- Best Time To Click: Sunsets, or Early morning
Suggested read: Day trips in London
7. Notting Hill
The famous Portobello Road runs almost the entire length of Notting Hill, and it is a must-visit on Saturdays when it is overtaken by stalls selling everything from pastries to vintage clothing and antiques in one of London’s most famous street markets. St. Luke’s Mews has the famous pink house from the motion picture Love Actually.
Notting Hill certainly does not disappoint with the rows of colourful houses in an area of eastern colours that offers an incredible variety of Instagram-worthy photography spots in London.
- Location: Notting Hill
- Best Time To Click: Daylight
8. Covent Garden & Piccadilly
The perfect stop to discover along Covent Garden and Piccadilly route, Trafalgar Square is the central hub of London’s cultural west end. It is just a short walk from Leicester Square cinemas and theatres, as well as home to the beautiful National Gallery. Evenings are a good time to take pictures but it is popularly known as one of the best places to take photos in London at night.
This is also a perfect spot to walk towards Buckingham Palace with a view of the London Eye along the way. Photographers can explore its lanes, and streets and capture candid moments of everyday life against the backdrop of colourful shop fronts and street art, making it one of the best places to take photos in London.
- Location: Covent Garden
- Best Time To Click: Evening & Night
9. Shoreditch & Brick Lane
For unique vibes in central London, we recommend Shoreditch, filled with colourful graffiti, gritty streets and lively buzz. Don’t miss Spitalfields Market, a covered market – 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 trendsetters coexist in a uniquely vibrant scene. The Barbican centre is the perfect addition to Brick Lane and Spitalfields route, making it one of the best places to visit the London.
- Location: Shoreditch
- Best Time To Click: Day time
10. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is not only the official residence of the British monarch but also a symbol of the nation’s monarchy and heritage and a must-visit photography spots in London. When you look at the spectacular building, check out the flagpole on the top. When it flies day and night, it implies that the Queen is at home.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of her or other members of the royal family on the central balcony. When the Queen is away, especially when she visits her summer Palace in Scotland, you may visit the Queen’s Gallery and staterooms.
The best place to be is Victoria Memorial, which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace. Photographers can capture the palace’s grand facades, ornate gates and the iconic changing-of-the-guard ceremony, which takes place in the forecourt.
- Location: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Daytime
11. Shad Thames
One of the most iconic symbols of London, Tower Bridge boldly spans the river Thames, but if you dig a bit deeper you will discover one of the favourite London spots on Tower Bridge Road, Shad Thames which is the best photography spot in London.
It has the super industrial old London look and feel because the buildings along this historic street are all original and date back to the 1900’s. Kings and the 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.
- Location: Shad Thames
- Best Time To Click: Sunsets
12. Millenium Bridge
Remember the final movie of Harry Potter where the bridge was destroyed? The real bridge is as perfect as ever, offering a picturesque view of St Paul’s Cathedral from the bridge. Whether capturing the bridge’s graceful curves or the waters of Tales, the Millennium Bridge serves as a focal point for photographers.
From dawn’s soft hues to golden glow, each moment offers a new perspective of this landmark, making it a must-visit photography spot in London.
- Location: Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Sunsets
13. Regent Park
Situated between the city of Westminster and the borough of Camden lies a picturesque park in the middle of an urban metropolis. Regent Park is one of the many royal parks in London and has beautifully manicured landscaping and regal touches with flowing fountains and winding pathways. If you are looking for an intimate and Sweet Escape of the city feeling this is the place.
- Location: Regent Park
- Best Time To Click: Daylight
14. Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market is a riot of colours and scents situated in London’s east end and is a photographer’s paradise brimming with energy and visual delight. Every Sunday, the narrow street bursts into life as traders display their blooms.
From close-up shots of delicate petals to candid portraits of bustling crowds, there is endless inspiration to be found among the floral displays and bustling atmosphere. The market mix of flowers, plants and foliage offers a rich variety of textures and colours to explore and the best photography spots in London.
- Location: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Daylight
15. The Serpentine Gallery
Situated in the Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Gallery called Saud to the photographers with its striking architecture and dynamic art exhibitions. Designed by renowned architects, the gallery’s sleek lines and minimalist design provide a captivating backdrop for photography, offering endless opportunities to capture the interplay of light, shadow and space.
From thought-provoking installations to striking sculptures, each exhibit offers a unique narrative waiting to be explored through the lens of a camera and is one of the best photography spots in London.
- Location: London W2 3XA, United Kingdom
- Best Time To Click: Daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recommend the top photography spots in London?
The top photography spots in London are Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Notting Hill, and Covent Garden.
What is the best time of day for photography in London?
The best time of the day for photography in London depends on the scene you want to capture. Early morning provides Soft light, ideal for capturing pictures without distractions. The golden hour which is shortly before sunset is perfect for creating atmospheric shots.
Do I need permission to photograph in London?
Generally, permissions are not required to photograph in public places. However, if you want to photograph inside museums or privately owned buildings it is advisable to check their photography policies.
What photography equipment should I bring to London?
When visiting London for photography, bring out what’s the tile camera with interchangeable lenses. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expensive landscapes while a telephoto lens allows you to zoom in on distant details. Don’t forget to bring spare batteries, memory card lens cleaning equipment and a sturdy tripod.
