Our top picks on the best places to take a photo in London.
You’ve grabbed some cheap train tickets to London (you’re welcome) and now you’re in the capital ready to explore, and what better way to experience London for less than by finding the best places in London to take a picture.
From Buckingham Palace to the London Eye, here are our top picture spots of London to get those Instagrammable shots to remember your journey.
The Houses of Parliament from South Bank
The Houses of Parliament is one of the most popular attractions in London, so why not take a photo while you’re there?
If you head to South Bank (with Westminster Bridge on your right), you can get a three in one shot, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge.
Tip: turn around and you’ll find a little archway which is great for taking photos through - especially during sunset!
The London Eye from Westminster Bridge
After taking a picture of The Houses of Parliament, walk across Westminster Bridge and stop to take a picture of the Lastminute.com London Eye. Here you can get wonderful images of one of London’s top attractions as well as capturing the elegant architecture of Westminster Bridge’s lamplights.
Alternatively, head to Victoria Embankment and clasp the Lastminute.com London eye from across the Thames.
St Paul’s Cathedral from Cannon Street
Capturing St Paul’s Cathedral from a different angle can often pay off. Head to Cannon Street’s Festival Gardens and you can get a stunning shot of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Alternatively, head to Millennium Bridge and capture St Paul’s Cathedral from afar. In this shot you get two in one as Millennium Bridge was also featured in Harry Potter at the Deathly Hallows when it was destroyed by Fenrir Greyback and a small group of Death Eaters on 24 June 1996.
London skyline from Greenwich Hill
Want undisturbed views of the city? Greenwich Park Hill is a perfect stop for a picnic and a picture. Climb on top of the hill, and outside the Royal Observatory you will find a great spot in front of General Wolfe’s statue that has an amazing view of London’s skyline
Tower Bridge from The Tower of London
One of the best picture spots to take a snap of London Bridge is in front of the Tower of London. From the promenade your perspective will encapsulate ‘old London’ as Butler’s Wharf sits in the background which was built in the same era as the bridge.
For a more modern shot of London that includes London’s modern architecture such as The Gherkin and The Shard, flip your location around and take a shot from Butler’s Wharf instead.
Alternatively, head to The Girl with a Dolphin fountain for a slightly different angle of London Bridge. Located in front of Tower Bridge Quay, take a seat on the fountain’s wall and get that perfect Instagrammable shot.
Canary Wharf from Blackwall Basin
It may look a little like Gotham City at night, but Canary Wharf does take a great picture! Located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf has been defined as being part of London’s central business districts – alongside Central London.
One of the best spots to take a picture of Canary Wharf is from Blackwall Basin – a patch of water next to Canary Wharf that offers photographers a great shot as well a perfect reflection.
The Underground from London Bridge Underground Station
It’s like stepping into a Star Wars movie – only if R2D2 designed the interior. There are some great shots of the London Underground you can get from a variety of locations, but one of our best picks is from London Bridge Station.
The wide arches and long tunnels provide a great opportunity for you to get your wide lens out and capture one of London’s most iconic transport systems.
Covent Garden from Neal’s Yard
This colourful corner of Covent Garden is one of London’s best hidden gems. Neal’s Yard is bursting with vibrant restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops as well as being a fantastic location for an Instagram photo.
Tucked away down the tiny side street in Seven Dials, you won’t want to miss taking a picture of one of London’s prettiest streets.
Buckingham Palace from the gardens
Arguably the most famous attraction in London… the Queen's home! If you’ve visited our Queen before you may have found it difficult to get a good picture of her palace as her Majesty’s home isn’t on the small side. And, with passing traffic close to the Palace it can often make it difficult to get a good shot.
Our top tip would be to head to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard and get a spot at the back near the gardens on the left-hand-side as you’re facing the Palace. Not only do you get a shot of the whole of Buckingham Palace, but the opportunity to snap the Queen’s guard’s when they march directly towards you.
Piccadilly Circus from Piccadilly Circus Underground
Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions renowned for high-end shopping, its iconic advertising board, and the statue of Eros.
Use Piccadilly Circus’ Underground as you picture point as it offers many great angles and shots to capture Piccadilly Circus in one photo. We would, however, recommend visiting Piccadilly Circus at night because that’s when London truly comes to life.
Cheap train tickets to London
If you’re looking at how to get to London by train, you’re in the right place. We offer a variety of cheap train tickets to London that will allow you to pay less and do more with your money.
- Know when you’re travelling – we’ve got Advance tickets that won’t break the bank.
- Travelling with the kids? Our Family Travelcard allows your kids to travel to London for just £1!
- Going as a group? With GroupSave you can save 1/3 off your train travel when travelling with 3-9 people.
- Going when it’s not busy? Our Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets give you some of the cheapest train tickets around.
So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure starts here.