In a city where even the toilets have had their moment to shine on the photo sharing app, you’ll never be short of somewhere to stage the perfect Instagram photoshoot. The epicentre of all things foodie, fashion and history, the British capital is a melting pot of culture that will blow the lens off your camera. From influencer-approved cafes to hidden gems under the streets of the city and classic touristy landmarks, the streets of London are practically made for sharing on social media. Here’s our guide to the best Instagram-worthy spots in London.
Tucked away down some side streets in the popular area of Covent Garden, lies a hidden oasis full of places to pose for a picture. Accessed only by two cobbled narrow streets, the courtyard is lined with bright, colourful buildings covered in artsy murals and cute food places as well as the iconic Neal’s Yard Remedies, Diary and Wild Food café. Escape the business of the city streets and hide out in this micro-village for a few hours. This one is a definite must-see on the list of the most Instagram-worthy places in London.
One of London’s trendiest Mayfair bar and restaurants has taken going to the bathroom to a level that is out of this world. Head up the dual staircase to a room full of unusual looking egg pods and step inside. Each egg is a separate mini bathroom that plays space sounds above your head while you go about your business. Before you disappear into a pod, look up at the disco dance floor inspired ceiling that makes for the perfect back drop for the ultimate bathroom selfie.
Have you really been to London if you don’t have a picture sprawled across the banks of the Thames with an iconic landmark featuring in the background? Tower Bridge is one of the city’s most famous locations and is essential to complete your tour of the most Instagrammable places in the capital. With its central location, the bridge is great for views of the Shard and nice walks along the river. When you’re done, walk across it and begin exploring the nearby Shoreditch where a photo opp greets you round every corner.
Relive the love story of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts by taking a stroll around the picturesque streets in Notting Hill. Famous for its rows of brightly coloured houses, the area is bursting with vibrancy and charm so you could spend hours wandering around getting lost in antique shops and rustic cafes.
The infamous hipster area of the city, Shoreditch is a goldmine for edgy, artsy snaps of London. Spend the afternoon exploring the winding alleyways and go on a hunt for the best street art in the area. Walls covered in murals, stripes, funky patterns and political messages line the hub in East London and make for great photos off-the-beaten-track.
Dominating the northern side of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill offers panoramic views of the CBD skyline and is the perfect spot to layout a picnic and drink in the beautiful city below. The area itself is full of pubs, bars and food places so you can finish off a day of exploring over a glass of your favourite tipple.
You might recognise this bridge from its cameo in Harry Potter – the Millennium Footbridge links Bankside with the City of London. The steel suspension bridge is not only an Instagrammable monument in its own right, but also has great Instagram-worthy views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern so you can snap a few of the city’s sights without moving an inch. It’s ideal for when your feet are starting to give up but you’re determined to see as much as you can.
London’s highest public garden, the 43rd floor of the walkie talkie skyscraper is the ultimate escape from the craziness of the streets below. Boasting spectacular views over the whole city and river, the urban jungle is an unmissable sight and the best part is it’s free! Stand next to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows or out on the open-air terrace for the perfect panoramic selfie. Treat yourself to dinner at the Fenchurch restaurant and appreciate the beauty of the unique natural surroundings in the middle of the city’s skyline.
Easily one of the capital’s most visually appealing markets, the flower stalls pop up on the narrow streets of Columbia Road every Sunday from 8am-3pm. Even if you’re not interested in purchasing, the flower market is a beautiful background for an outfit post. The area overflows with every kind of flower you can think of and the streets are already lined with Victorian shop fronts making the road an Instagrammer’s paradise. Venture off down the side streets when you’re done browsing for cute cafes, vintage stalls and independent restaurants. On a Sunday morning you don’t want to be anywhere else.
Hidden behind the walls of an unassuming warehouse in Walthamstow, lies a collection of neon lights and vintage signs. Visit the eclectic art shop and light up your feed with snaps of the old movie props, retro displays and electric signs. The creations of Chris Bracey, London’s oldest neon sign maker, have featured in multiple Hollywood films and now live on in the so-called junkyard. Make sure your phone has tons of battery because you’ll be snapping pics from the minute you walk in the door.
Another classic, the shopping street features stunning Roman architecture and shop fronts to die for. Cross the road half way and pose for a picture on the landing strip in the middle of the street for full, wide views either end of the iconic shopping mile. An Instagrammer's guide to London wouldn't be complete without a trip to this location.
Draped in floral displays everywhere you look, this central London café is made for social media. The dusty pink décor paired with the flower walls and wreaths screams Instagram and the menu is no different. Matching the sickly sweet interiors, order a unicorn latte available in blue, pink or lilac and nibble on 24 karat gold cotton candy to complete the experience. No trip to a café will ever be the same.
The Millbank gallery not only houses beautiful paintings but is a work of art in itself. Walk through the entrance and find the central spiral staircase. The geometric patterns make for an unusual yet striking appearance and a great spot for a photo. Be sure to wander through the rest of the gallery afterwards to see some of the United Kingdom’s national art collection.
Planning a weekend in London soon? Tag us in your photos of the best places to take pictures in London using the hashtag #ryanairstories for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed.
Flights to London
- Lucy Norris
2017 © Ryanair DAC. All rights reserved.
