A city that runs fast, so fast that the ways to photograph it are endless. Every corner, street, building, body of water makes this city a very popular destination.
Popular for those who love taking pictures and who here at London can indulge themselves in the most disparate scenarios. The ones I will show you below are, in my opinion, the best places to take pictures in London .
Take the camera, set it to manual and get ready to adjust the ISO and aperture. Let's go around London. At the end of the article I leave you a custom map on how to reach these places.
This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links to helpful experiences that I love to suggest to my readers. (Here the cookie policy). If you click on one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am really grateful) at no extra cost to you. Clicking on it will help me manage my website for you, free of charge, funding my project and continuing to travel, informing explorers and travellers.
Are you in a rush? Book the essentials
| 😴 B&B London 🏠 |
| 🌟 London Hotels 🌟 |
The best places to take pictures in London: Tower Bridge
One of the icons of the English capital. The Tower Bridge , which many confuse with London Bridge , is an unmissable spot. Firstly because it is possible to visit it (the upper part) and secondly to photograph it.
Well, Tower Bridge is beautiful to photograph both day and night. During the day (especially if the day is nice) you can admire the beautiful colors and different backgrounds.
On the one hand Canary Wharf , on the other a series of skyscrapers of a somewhat anomalous conformation.
But the emotions it left me in the evening were quite different. Photographing with the long exposure technique is wonderful here! I was there "only" 4 hours (in the evening)! Because from every angle a completely different photo came out!
Game of lights on Tower Bridge
After you have photographed the bridge from the sides of the Thames I recommend you to go to its entrance. From the entrance of the bridge, equipped with a tripod and remote control, you can shoot in long exposure
So you can take pictures with the light trail effect generated by cars.
Obviously a nice wide angle as a lens is recommended here. You can take the photos from both entrances, which however will give life to different photos. One of the two, in fact, in my opinion is more scenic and is the one where there are metro and bus stations.
Shade Thames
Moment, moment, moment. Wait before leaving the Tower Bridge , especially if you are there at night. Why? Guys, I discovered a spot that if you don't photograph you are from the circle of hell.
In addition to the picture, in my opinion, is unique in its kind, this place has something magical about it. The reason is soon said, more than anything else it is soon shown by my photo. In this place you are literally (tide permitting) at the foot of the Thames.
To reach it, just enter this door (pictured) with the writing Shade Thames . Once inside continue and you will find yourself going down the stairs. At some point you will have to stop if there is high water. In fact, I recommend you do a check on l official site to find out at what level so as to be on the safe side. Ps bring a nice wide angle because the other lenses are of little use.
The best places to take pictures in London: London Eye
The London Eye is the very famous Ferris wheel that attracts tourists from all over the World. The reason is obvious: from the London Eye you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of London.
Westminster , once above, it is there waiting for you to be immortalized with its Big Ben which frames it. The question to ask would be: better during the day or in the evening? Honestly, as you can see from the photo, I opted in the evening!
Often in England the weather is always gloomy and therefore shooting during the day is not the best. Especially when it comes to photos where there is a mix between urban and landscape. In the evening it is very impressive, even better if you can at sunset! "Semp si o’cchiappat" (always if you catch it in neapolitan)
On the banks of the London Eye
In addition to a nice photo right from the top of the wheel you can also take some from the sides of it. The great thing about the London Eye is that it is right next to the River Thames . This means you can take pictures of the wheel as the main subject.
From the two different banks you can take completely different photos! Between the two, I preferred the one on the side opposite the wheel.
From the photo you will understand why! Take a relaxing break from your tour and sit on a special bench. Better with the person you love.
The best places to take pictures in London: Umbrella Street in Camden Town
This time we move from the Thames and go to Camden Town . Known extravagant district of the city of London with unusual signs. Famous for several things including the Camden Market , not visiting it would be an insult to this city.
In fact, it probably will be hard to see such an extravagant neighborhood in your life, take advantage of it. Inside the Camden Market you will find many alleys that intersect.
Among these you should come across another wonderful spot: the umbrella street ! These alleys that have open and lively umbrellas as roofs are now famous all over the world.
Several cities have dedicated a street to this form of art that gives a touch of liveliness and a sense of peace. They also have an useful function "quann chiov"! (in Neapolitan it means: if it rains).
The best places to take pictures in London: Sky Garden and its free view from the 35th floor
The coolest thing about the Sky Garden ? IT'S FREE! Yes, ladies and gentlemen , "if you want", you could go up to the 35th floor of this skyscraper and take a picture and leave. Obviously, we are not so stingy, are we? At least we'll have a coffee, what do you say? It is also cheap, 2 £ and the view is priceless!
The Sky Garden is one of the most visited places in London, precisely because it is free to go up there. ( How to book for the Sky Garden online ) and it is also the one with one of the most beautiful views!
In the background there are: The Shard (tallest skyscraper in London and sixth in Europe) and below Tower Bridge.
For those who love photography, this spot cannot be missed. The only flaw: it is forbidden to use a tripod, so you can only shoot freehand.
And as you can tell from the photo, obviously I went there during the day. Taking a freehand photo at night is not exactly the best because of the blur effect. In any case, promoted!
The best places to take pictures in London: Duck & Waffle with London at 360°
Probably, you have never heard of it and one of the reasons is because to get to Duck & Waffle is not free and it's not even cheap. But you know what, we're London and we're on vacation right? Or if we are not on vacation and we live there, what about a shot of life? "E levammece nu sfizj ogni tant!" (in Neapolitan it means to satisfy a desire).
The view from the Duck & Waffle is formidable right from the moment you go up the (transparent) elevator. As you go up you start seeing the London skyline and everything around it!
Famous at Duck & Waffle is the view of the Gherkin (skyscraper that has the shape of a giant suppository). To be precise, a staircase is famous from which practically everyone takes a picture!
And I believe it ... look here what a show! I won't tell you when you reach the dining room ... Practically, the walls are all glass and it seems to be suspended in the air, nothing else! That morning when I booked for breakfast they even gave me a table with a view! The Duck & Waffle offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
You have to book and I advise you to do it in advance!
I leave you the link of the site where you can book day and time ! Ah, obviously needless to tell you that the landscape is breathtaking but that there is also a big hitch. It is not possible to use cameras, so bring a smartphone that is more than suitable.
The best places to take pictures in London: Convent Garden and its liveliness
Another unusual and hidden district of London. Covent Garden is a pleasure to behold, this neighborhood expresses so much vividness. It will be the bright colors of the buildings along with the flora in the middle of the city.
As the title “Garden” denotes, this spot is nothing more than a courtyard and that's why it's not very big.
In my opinion this is what makes it special, the fact that it is not distracting and concentrated.
Here you will find many refreshment points between cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a pit stop. Unlike all the previous places, here (except pit stops) you will take less time for photos. If I were to recommend a lens: wide angle because of limited space.
The best places to take pictures in London: City of London skyscrapers
A block of skyscrapers that give London a futuristic skyline. City of London , this is the name of this area that looms over the background of the city.
The nice thing about this place , a bit like the Ferris wheel, is that it is possible to photograph it from afar and on the spot. The yield will be completely different.
On the one hand, we will have an urban landscape photo, there, on the other hand, urban architectural photos.
I have to be sincere and honest, I love photographing buildings. Especially if these create harmony and have a beautiful symmetry. And it is right here, in the city, that you can indulge yourself.
Try walking among these high-rises, look up to the sky and give shape to things.
Be careful of “nù carè” (don't fall in Neapolitan). Ah, most importantly, let me know if you also see any letters up in the sky. Otherwise I'll call a good doctor!
The best places to take pictures in London: Primerose Hill
So far we have described many places, perhaps we are missing some more green ones. And that's why I put the wonderful Primrose Hill on my list. This place, even if a little more decentralized, is a must-see in my opinion.
It is located in north London, just a bit higher than Regent Park and is famous for its view. Obviously not only for that. Primrose Hill is the ideal place, especially for those living in London, if you want some quiet.
It is exactly from here that you can admire hasty and fleeting London from afar. The only difference is that peace reigns in Primrose Hill! Bring a towel, sit on the lawn and take a half hour break from the chaos of the city.
Curiosities about Primrose Hill
This area is one of the richest in London characterized by Victorian style houses. Just think that celebrities like Tim Burton (film director) and Jude Law (actor) have their homes here! So I leave you to imagine how much a house in this area can cost!
The best places to take pictures in London: Canary Wharf
Let's say that when you arrive in London Canary Wharf is not really a place to list to visit. Nothing could be more wrong. Canary Wharf is a beautiful place! An area that alternates between very high skyscrapers and mirrors of water. This area is the beating heart of London on a financial level . Here you find a block of skyscrapers competing for who is taller.
The world's leading banks and the world's most famous consulting firms are here. In these high-rise buildings overlooking One Canada Square. But we are not ordinary tourists. WE ARE PHOTOGRAPHERS. We don't care that the place is in zone 2-3 or 4, if it is a place worth photographing, we are there!
Obviously I tell you that here the photographic style is of a purely urban and architectural type.
And of course, again as advice, I tell you to bring a nice wide angle! We can shoot either in Canary Wharf or, as with other spots already seen, from afar. Or rather: take photos of the area from afar.
One of the best photos in Canary Wharf can be taken from the Duck & Waffle.
If, on the other hand, you want to take a nice photo from Canary Wharf I recommend the riverside. From here you can have a silhouette of the skyline of the city of London. Besides the fact that you can take a nice walk! Small tip: bring a zoom lens if you have it! The photo you see above I took with my canon 70-200 mm!
In Canary Wharf you will also find many nice places to eat, so it's up to you to choose where.
The best places to take pictures in London: Greenwich view
Another very interesting spot with a different view due to its altitude. Greenwich is a symbolic place in London, due to two factors: the Observatory and the view . Greenwich, to be honest, gives me a sense of grandeur, maybe it's beacuse is a very open place. The Observatory is famous because its dome is crossed by the meridian which marks longitude 0.
The view is so amazing, better to post a photo. You can shoot right near the observatory where there is a small rest area . To get there you will have to climb a short distance on foot. Of course, this doesn't mean you can only shoot from here. I have taken from different points walking through the park.
Ah yes, because I forgot to tell you that there is a park here. In London there is never a shortage of parks and even Greenwich has one. Your day, therefore, will be a lot of walking! In this place I recommend to use more lenses and a zoom for the Canary Wharf background.
The best places to take pictures in London: Greenwich reach swing bridge
We are still in the same area, Greenwich, only we moved to the riverside. You can reach this place either on the way or when you are leaving. You can find it literally walking around because it is the conjunction between 2 areas .
From this bridge I took this beautiful photo and then I highly recommend it. As you can see from the image, you can play with the grate by creating a bokeh effect . Recommended lens: wide angle.
If you can, try to go there in the evening, and I promise you will not regret it.
In addition to taking some nice photos, you can also stop me for refreshment. This area, thanks to its view, is full of pubs and cafes that line the river. I recommend one above all: Trafalgar Tavern .
The best places to take pictures in London: Greenland Dock
Guys do I have to be sincere and honest? I discovered this CRAZY spot by accident while visiting friends. It is the oldest dock in London and is located in Rotherhithe . This area of the city is now known as Docklands. Another important thing: the last 3 spots I have described to you are all close. This allows you to visit them in succession.
The view, especially in the evening, is truly breathtaking. I ran into it on my home way. Luckily I had a tripod and cameras with me. You can range with different lenses: from wide angle up to a zoom. I used the 24-70 mm to give the spot the right proportion. As you can see from the photo it is for sure one of the spots not to be missed ever in the evening.
The best places to take pictures in London: London Bridge side
I consider this place one of the most fascinating for composition and view. In terms of shooting you must absolutely use a wide angle. From the photo you will understand why, the arch gives the shot a nice geometric touch! The view of Big Ben does the rest, recommended at sunset if you can see one in London.
You can find this spot in front of the London Parliament. It is a tunnel that takes you from one side to the other (on the same side) of the bridge. Going towards the Parliament you will find yourself, just outside it, this view! Super recommended!
The best places to take pictures in London: The Shard
Last but not least, what you absolutely cannot miss is The Shard . This place is huge, better perhaps to say: very high! On every floor, except those of offices and apartments, it is possible to do something.
Having breakfast, lunch, dinner, stay overnight, classes of almost any activity and so on. The Shard in London, however, is not cheap, far from it! Think just that if you want to go up to the 72nd floor to “just” see the view you will have to pay 15 £.
Honestly? For the view that is there and especially if you choose the right time of day (sunset) for me it is yes! Obviously weather conditions permitting. From this magnificent place, for us photographers, a world opens up. You can wander with a wide angle or even with a zoom to immortalize London from up here.
The only flaw, as with the Duck and Waffle, is that you cannot use tripods. So arm yourself with patience and good goals that from here you have to do the best!
Aqua Shard at 31° floor
As I have already told you in the previous paragraph, there are so many things you can do at The Shard. For this reason I am attaching the link of the floors and what you can find in each of them .
I just give you a little advice on a plan, as it is one of the most popular and booked: the 31st . Here you will find the Aqua, or better known as Aqua Shard with a view of Tower Bridge.
It is probably among the most popular also because it is "cheap" compared to the others! The fact is that The Shard must absolutely be part of the photographic tour. If you can, I also advise you to stop for some refreshment, "se campa an vota sola" (you only live once).
I also leave you the link to be able book day and time at the Aqua Shard .
Conclusions
My personal list of places to photograph in London ends. As I have always told you at the beginning of the article, every moment is good for immortalizing. London is beautiful for exactly that. A city that in a few seconds manages to create an ever-changing scenario.
And this, for those who love to photograph, is pure poetry. I hope that the article has been useful to you and that it can give you interesting ideas for your tour. For a city like London, some tools are needed for some photos. Below is a list of the things that I think you should have with you:
- Wide lens
- Telephoto Lens
- Zoom lens
- Travel tripod
- Remote controller
- Neutral density filter for photos with long exposition
As usual I also leave you a complete map with all the places. Just click on each of them to find out how to reach them by public transport.
P.s. don't forget to click here to follow on my instagram page the places I've been.
If you liked this article, and you have been thinking to visit and photograph these places, you can share it with the various buttons you can find below (Facebook - Whatsapp, etc) with people you love. Don't keep them waiting
IT 
EN 
ES
wow! i didn't know all these points! marked for my next time in London 😉
Flavia first of all thank you for reading 🙂 Actually there would be so many more because as you well know London is immense! These, however, are a must!