Right, so I nearly missed my train last Tuesday because I was too busy taking photos outside St Pancras Station. The morning light was hitting those red bricks just right, and before I knew it, twenty minutes had passed. My boss wasn’t thrilled when I rolled into the office late, but honestly? The shot I got was worth the lecture.

This happens to me constantly in London. You turn a corner, and BAM, there’s something gorgeous begging to be photographed. After living here for eight years and practically wearing out my phone camera, I’ve figured out which spots actually deliver the goods for your Instagram.

Tower Bridge – Yeah, It’s Touristy But…

Everyone photographs Tower Bridge. Your nan has probably got a selfie there. But here’s the thing: it keeps trending on Instagram because it works. I’ve tried getting clever with alternative angles, but nothing beats the classic shot.

Best time? About 7 am on weekdays. The tourists are still in bed, and you can actually walk across without dodging selfie sticks. The glass floor bit costs twelve quid, which is steep, but the photos you’ll get are mental good.

Pro tip from someone who’s been there too many times: stand on the south side near HMS Belfast. Trust me on this one.

Big Ben Without the Crowds

Westminster’s a nightmare during the day. Packed tighter than the Northern Line at rush hour. But get there for sunrise? Different story entirely.

The scaffolding’s finally coming down after years of restoration work. I remember when you couldn’t see the clock face at all and how proper disappointing that was. Now it’s looking smart again, though they’re still finishing bits here and there.

Skip Westminster Bridge if you can. Everyone goes there. Head to Albert Embankment instead. Cleaner shots, fewer people photobombing your masterpiece.

Sky Garden – Free Views (If You Plan Ahead)

This one’s brilliant because it doesn’t cost anything. Well, apart from your sanity trying to book a slot. They release tickets three weeks ahead, and they vanish faster than biscuits in the office kitchen.

I went last month during that mad cold snap we had. Inside, it’s tropical, with proper jungle vibes and the city sprawling below. The contrast is mad. One minute you’re shivering outside; next, you’re sweating among palm trees with the Thames twinkling beneath.

Book the earliest slot you can get. Late afternoon gets too crowded, and everyone’s doing the same sunset shots.

Neal’s Yard – Instagram Gold in Covent Garden

This tiny courtyard near Covent Garden looks like someone took a paint tin to it. Every building’s a different colour like bright blues, shocking pinks, and vibrant greens. It’s only about the size of my living room, but it photographs like a dream.

Lunchtime’s your best bet for lighting. The colours really pop then. I’ve seen people queue for ages just to get their shot, which is mental considering it’s basically just a pretty alleyway. But it works.

Warning: weekends are absolutely rammed. You’ll be waiting ages for a clear shot.

Regent Street’s Seasonal Show

Regent Street changes its decorations like I change my socks. Christmas angels, summer bunting, and random themed stuff throughout the year. The curved street makes for lovely leading lines in photos.

December’s the big one, obviously. Those angel decorations are proper stunning, especially when it’s drizzly and the lights reflect on the wet pavement. Very atmospheric.

But don’t sleep on other times of year. I got some cracking shots during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee when they had all the union jack bunting up.

Leadenhall Market – Harry Potter Vibes

Remember Diagon Alley from the films? That’s here. The Victorian roof and cobblestones make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s gorgeous, but timing matters.

City workers flood in around lunchtime and after work. If you want photos without suits everywhere, go mid-morning. The light filtering through that ornate ceiling is beautiful then.

Food’s decent too if you fancy a proper British pie while you’re there.

Peggy Porschen – The Pink Phenomenon

This bakery in Belgravia became famous purely through Instagram. The building is painted this soft pink colour with flowers cascading down the front. It’s like something from a fairy tale.

Fair warning: you’ll queue. Especially weekends. The locals think we’re all mad, standing in line to photograph a cake shop. But the shots are worth it, and the cakes inside are actually proper good.

Notting Hill’s Rainbow Houses

These pastel-coloured houses never get old on Instagram. Lancaster Road’s your best bet, though Westbourne Park Road runs it close. The houses are painted in soft colours that photograph beautifully.

Portobello Market adds character on Saturdays, but it’s chaotic. Absolute chaos. If you want clean shots of just the houses, go early on weekdays when it’s quieter.

The film with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts? That’s here. You’ll probably recognise some bits.

The Shard – Worth the Money?

Thirty-two quid to go up London’s tallest building. Sounds steep, and it is. But the views are incredible. You can see for miles on a clear day.

Blue hour’s the magic time; when the sky’s that deep blue colour but the city lights are starting to twinkle. Your phone battery will die trying to capture it all.

Book ahead online to save a few quid. Walk-up prices are even more ridiculous.

Columbia Road Flower Market – Sunday Special

Every Sunday, this little East London street transforms. Flower stalls everywhere, Victorian houses as a backdrop, and a proper community feel to it. It’s lovely.

Get there before 10am if you can. The stallholders are setting up, flowers are fresh, and you’ll actually be able to move. By noon it’s shoulder-to-shoulder.

The surrounding streets have some gorgeous pubs too. Perfect for a Sunday roast after you’ve filled your camera roll.

One New Change – Secret City Views

Shopping centre with a view? Sounds odd, but the rooftop terrace here is brilliant. St Paul’s Cathedral dominates the skyline, and it’s completely free.

Opens at 6am, which sounds mental early, but sunrise over the City is something special. The office workers haven’t arrived yet, so it’s peaceful up there.

These most Instagrammable places in London work because they’re genuinely photogenic, not just hyped up. Some are obvious tourist spots; others are local secrets. But they all capture something special about this mad, beautiful city.

London changes constantly. New buildings go up, old ones get restored, markets move, and decorations change. That’s what keeps it interesting. What looked tired last year might be gorgeous now. The most Instagrammable places in London aren’t fixed; they shift with the city itself.

My advice? Don’t just visit once. Come back at different times, in different weather, and in different seasons. London reveals new secrets every time you look.