The abundance of well-known landmarks in London makes this city a photographer’s paradise.
In this post, you will find 13 iconic spots in London that perfectly capture the essence of this great city.
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Now let’s see where to find the most picturesque spots in London.
Enjoy the read and the photos!
Before you go…please note that while tripods are undoubtedly valuable tools for achieving stability and sharpness in photography, there are certain places in London where their use is prohibited unless you have obtained a permit from the owner of the ground you are standing on. This rule applies, for instance, to the southwest site of Tower Bridge. Handheld cameras are fine in most tourist places.
13 London’s Picture-Perfect Spots and Their Locations
1. Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben)
Elizabeth Tower, housing the famous Big Ben bell, is without a doubt one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
Seeing this architectural masterpiece is a top priority for everyone visiting London for the first time.
Because it is a very tall structure, it can be tricky to photograph.
To perfectly capture the iconic Big Ben in full glory check out these two locations:
- south embankment of the River Thames
Photography: mogier
Click here to see precise photo location
- Parliament Square
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2. London Eye
London Eye is overshadowing gracefully south bank of the River Thames.
This iconic Ferris wheel, also known as the Millennium Wheel, offers visitors a remarkable experience and panoramic views of the city’s skyline (including the views of Houses of Parliament, Shard and Canary Wharf).
My two favorite spots to get a good photographs of London Eye are:
- north bank of the River Thames.
Click here to see precise photo location
- Golden Jubilee Bridge (south part of it)
Photography: mogier
Click here to see precise photo location
3. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is another iconic structure in London.
With its magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture and distinctive twin towers, Tower Bridge offers a captivating subject for photographers.
(View from the Sky Garden)
My favorite spot to take a photo of this grand structure is south east side of the bridge.
Click here to see precise photo location
4. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace serves as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, presently King Charles III.
The ornate gates of the Palace and the renowned balcony, where the Royal family appears during significant celebrations, provide a fantastic backdrop for capturing memorable holiday photos in London.
For an optimal composition, the steps of the Queen Victoria Memorial offer the best vantage point.
Click here to see precise photo location
See also: 25 Things to See Near Buckingham Palace in Less Than an Hour! – Free Walking Tour With a Map
5. Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge, also known as the London Millennium Footbridge, is a steel suspension bridge that connects the City of London with the Tate Modern on the South Bank.
Its unique perspective offers unparalleled views of St. Paul’s Cathedral from a distance, making it an ideal location for capturing the cathedral’s grandeur in a single frame.
Click here to see precise photo location
6. Red telephone box
Capturing a good shot of the iconic red telephone box is a must for every tourist visiting London and as you stroll through the city streets, you will come across many of them.
The most renowned telephone box is located near Big Ben; however, it is common to find a long queue of people waiting to take pictures at that particular spot.
Personally, my preferred hot spot for red telephone boxes is in Covent Garden.
There, you will find several of them, usually without a queue, providing a great opportunity for capturing your desired photo.
Click here to see precise photo location
See also: 21 things to see in Covent Garden in less than 1h – free walking tour with a map
7. Red bus
Red buses are a frequent sight in London, and you won’t have the slightest difficulty finding one.
To capture a photo with the iconic double-decker against a spectacular backdrop, consider checking out the following locations:
- Westminster Bridge
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- Piccadilly Circus and nearby beautifully curved Regent Street (particularly recommended during Christmas period)
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- St. Paul’s Cathedral
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8. Historic London Pub!
When visiting the vibrant city of London, don’t miss out on the essential experience of photographing yourself with a historic London pub.
The best contenders for this in my view are:
- The Anchor Pub (aka Shakespeare Pub)
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- Dickens Inn
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See also: 8 Historic Pubs in London You Should See
9. The best panoramic view of London (Greenwich)
For lovers of panoramic views, one destination that must be included in their London itinerary is the panoramic viewpoint near the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Situated on a hill within Greenwich Park, this location presents a breathtaking vista of Greenwich itself, the City of London, Canary Wharf and the majestic River Thames.
The stark contrast between the historic buildings, riverbanks and the contemporary skyscrapers provides a captivating backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
Click here to see precise photo location
See also: 13 things to see in GREENWICH in less than 2 hours (self-guided Greenwich walking tour with a map)
10. Colorful streets of Notting Hill
The vibrant streets of Notting Hill in London offer an array of exciting photo opportunities.
The most beautiful streets in this part of London are:
- Notting Hill Hillgate Village (Farmer St, Hillgate Pl, Farmer Pl, Uxbridge St)
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- Lancaster Road
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- Lansdowne Road
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See also: 14 Things To See in Notting Hill in Less Than 2h: Free Walking Tour With a Map
11. Adam’s Plaza Bridge (Canary Wharf)
Canary Wharf is a major business and financial district in London dominated by skyscrapers.
I would like to invite you to visit Adam’s Plaza Bridge in Canary Wharf – the most vibrant pedestrian bridge in London.
Photographers love it!
Click here to see precise photo location
See also: 19 things to do in Canary Wharf for free (Canary Wharf walking tour with a map)
12. The Banksy tunnel in London (Leak Street)
The Banksy Tunnel, also known as Leake Street Tunnel, is an underground passage located in the Waterloo area of London (near London Eye!) and one of the best places in London to see street art.
As you venture into the tunnel, you’ll be immersed in a visually stimulating environment that offers a myriad of colors, textures, and artistic styles.
The raw and underground setting provides a unique backdrop that contrasts with the polished and orderly cityscape.
Click here to see precise photo location
13. Photo with Mr. Bean
Almost every tourist seizes the opportunity to capture a photo with the beloved Mr. Bean.
Photography: mogier
The statue of this iconic character, portrayed by Rowan Atkinson, is situated in a small park in Leicester Square.
Click here to see precise photo location
Undoubtedly, it stands as the most popular statue in London.
In addition to Mr. Bean, visitors can also have their pictures taken with statues of other beloved characters, such as Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins, and many more.
Photography: mogier
The park offers a delightful chance to engage with these iconic figures and create lasting memories through photography.
See also: How NOT to miss the Batman statue when visiting Leicester Square (Leicester Square walking tour with a map)
Those are all the photo locations I wanted to share with you.
However, truth be told, when strolling the streets of London, you will come across countless opportunities to capture stunning snapshots.
The key is to embrace and enjoy the process.
I hope you have enjoyed this post.
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