Text & photography by Anna Kmiecik, private tour guide in London. Polish version of this guide is also available.

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.

Enjoy the read and the photos!

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London’s Picture-Perfect Photo Spots — With Exact Locations

1. Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

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 anyone visiting London for the first time.

Because it is such a tall structure (96m, 316 feet), it can be tricky to photograph.

To capture the iconic Big Ben in all its glory, check out these two locations:

south embankment of the River Thames

Parliament Square

2. London Eye

London Eye is overshadowing gracefully south bank of the River Thames.

This iconic Millennium Wheel offers visitors a remarkable experience and panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including the Houses of Parliament.

My two favourite spots to get good photographs of the London Eye are:

the north bank of the River Thames

Golden Jubilee Bridge (south part of it)

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.

My favourite spot to take a photo of this grand structure is south east side of the bridge.

4. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace serves as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, currently King Charles III.

The ornate gates of the Palace and its 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.

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.

6. Red telephone box

Capturing a good shot of the iconic red telephone box is a must for every tourist visiting London.

The most famous telephone box is located near Big Ben; however, it’s common to find a long queue of people waiting to take pictures at that spot.

Personally, my preferred spot for red telephone boxes is in Covent Garden.

There, you will find several of them, usually without a queue, providing a great opportunity to capture your perfect photo.

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

Piccadilly Circus and nearby beautifully curved Regent Street (particularly recommended during Christmas period)

St. Paul’s Cathedral

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)

Dickens Inn

9. Greenwich - the best panoramic view of London

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.

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)

Lancaster Road

Lansdowne Road

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!

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 colours, textures, and artistic styles.

The raw and underground setting provides a unique backdrop that contrasts with the polished and orderly cityscape.

13. Photo with Mr. Bean!

Almost every tourist seizes the opportunity to capture a photo with the beloved Mr. Bean.

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.

The park offers a delightful chance to engage with these iconic figures and create lasting memories through photography.

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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