Iconic Photos you have to take in London
London is one of the most touristy cities in the world. It is perfect for kids, adults, families and just everyone looking for a holiday spot. For anyone who decides to visit, there are certain iconic photos you have to take in London. Those photos that anyone who sees them automatically knows “ah that’s London”. Most of these spots and monuments are what some would call Instagrammable locations in London. Whichever way we look at them, they are a major part of London’s heritage. They are the instantly recognisable locations that make London the beautiful city it is.
1. The one at Trafalgar Square
As an ode to my childhood, I had to start with Trafalgar Square. For those of us who grew up outside London, touching the Trafalgar Square lions was the dream. Then, to have the privilege of sitting on them? Blown! I remember when I lived in Lagos and everyone would come back from their London summer travels with a photo in front of these lions. So this is my own photo, sitting on one of the famous Trafalgar lions!
Closest Underground Station: Piccadilly
2. The one with the Gherkin
Formally known as 30 St Mary Axe, the Gherkin is that popular egg-like building you see in every London photo. It is one of the most recognisable towers in London and can be seen from most rooftops around the city. As this skyscraper is located in the city, equally photogenic buildings surround it. The city backdrop might actually be my favourite London backdrop and for this photo, the further you are from the Gherkin, the better your capture will be.
My favourite shots are from rooftop bars actually; but the corner of Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe is perfect as well. While Bury street gives you a direct view for the perfect shot.
Closest Underground Station: Liverpool Street
3. The one in front of Harrods
Harrods is one of those stores that is recognisable anywhere in photos. It is probably the most popular luxury shop in London and a visit to Harrods is an experience in itself. My favourite Harrods photo is actually at night when the sign sparkles. A photo in the day is cute as well; the popular Knightsbridge brown brick serves as the perfect backdrop.
Closest Underground Station: Knightsbridge
4. The one in front of the London Eye
I have noticed that a few other cities around the world now have their own version of London Eye. However there is only one London eye and it is the one in Westminster. All other “Eyes” are counterfeit LOL. Now there are so many parts of London where you can get an iconic shot of the London Eye as backdrop but the most famous is from Embankment. Other locations for that iconic London Eye shot are Horse Guards Parade and Southbank.
Closest Underground Station: Westminster
5. The one with the Double Decker Bus
The London red double decker bus needs no introduction. It is THE most recognisable bus in the world and it belongs to London! So how can you visit London without a photo with this bus as backdrop? How? You can spot them all over the city and this will most likely be the easiest photo to take.
6. The one at Tower Bridge
One of the iconic photos you have to take in London is with its most popular bridge, Tower Bridge. The more popular shots are the ones on the bridge, which are definitely quite daring and of course, very valid. However, if you’d like something quite different, there are so many other angles to shoot the bridge from. The Queen’s Walk, Shad Thames and Three Quays Walk are some of the locations for the perfect photo. Another location I discovered more recently is the one in front of the “Girl with a Dolphin” sculpture. It is now my favourite and reminds me of the Copenhagen Little Mermaid sculpture
Closest Underground Station: Tower Hill/Tower Gateway (DLR)
7. The one at Buckingham Palace
Everyone comes to London expecting to see the Royal Family. So where do they go? Buckingham Palace of course. Maybe the Queen will be walking outside the gates or maybe she suddenly fancies a trip to Tesco lol. I’m not sure what tourists expect but I doubt if it is ever possible to see the Queen just on a random walk. It still doesn’t stop us from going to the famous gates just to peek and perhaps, feel close to the Royals for a day.
Closest Underground Station – Victoria or St James’s Park
8. The one with the St Paul’s Cathedral (and its dome)
I contemplated adding this one but what was I thinking? Of course, the church Princess Diana got married in is an iconic London location. The church itself might not be particularly easily recognisable but that dome? Yes. Some of the best photos are from Millennium Bridge; however my favourite spot is behind the Cathedral. The fountain serves as the perfect spot to stand or sit and capture the backdrop.
Closest Underground Station – St Paul’s
9. The one in front of Notting Hill’s colourful row
Now who does not recognise the famous Notting hill rows? Is there anyone on this earth that might mistake it for streets that are not in London? I very much doubt it. Notting Hill’s colourful rows have become a bit part of London’s heritage that they are an attraction on their own.
Closest Underground Station: Ladbroke Grove Station
10. The one at Horse Guard’s Parade
It is always interesting when I mention Horse Guards Parade and everyone is wondering what I am on about. Until I mention “the spot where one sees the horses and guards”? “Aha”! Everyone will suddenly say. Most tourists love the more popular view on the way to Downing street where one can view the guards stationed on their horses. However, if you’d love a more spectacular view, the other side (as pictured) is my fave. Don’t worry; your photo will still have the perfect London backdrop; spot the London eye?
Closest Underground Station: Charing Cross
11. The one with the Shard
I don’t particularly think that the Shard is a pretty building however it is now one of the most recognisable structures in London. When I think of the Shard, I think of the fancy restaurants within so why has it made it to my list of Iconic London photo backdrops? Well, take a walk to Southwark Bridge and look at how the Shard gives iconic vibes. I also love the backdrop when standing on Three Quays Walk so there you have it, a versatile Queen!
Closest Underground Station: Bank (for Southwark Bridge), Tower Hill/Tower Gateway (for Three Quays Walk)
12. The one with the London Black Cab
Black cab is to London as Yellow taxi is to New York. In recent years, Ubers and Bolts have become so much more popular but black taxis have never lost their prestige. They are usually much pricier but you are in a black taxi for that quintessentially London experience. To live like the Londoners and ride like the Londoners lol!
13. The one with the underground sign
Anyone can spot the underground sign from anywhere so of course, one of the most iconic photos you have to take in London is in front of an underground sign. Some would rather the sign when they are actually underground but I love the signs on the streets. I especially love the signs in the city and around Piccadilly, as they are very London-esque.
The one we miss – Big Ben. Oh Big Ben!
One of the most iconic photos you have to take in London is actually with Big Ben. Infact, if we are being serious, it is the number 1 photo you have to take in London. However, Big Ben is currently under refurbishment and covered in ugly scaffolding. It was supposed to be ready in 2021 but no thanks to the panoramic, that date has moved.
Honorary mention – The Red Telephone Box
I remember thinking that red telephone boxes were a London thing until I started spotting them around the country. However they are so pretty and dotted around London that I can’t help but mention it as well.
So there you have it. The most iconic photos you have to take in London. As with most London related posts, I love to add my little disclaimers. Of course there are many more iconic photos you can take in this beautiful city. However, these stand out from the bunch I had penciled. These are the most recognisable ones for anyone who has a 2 seconds glance at the photo. Therefore, whenever you are in London use this as a guide to get your iconic shots!
Bisous and lots of London Love, ‘Bugo x
