16 Best Views in London for Your Perfect Instagram Posts
If you’re looking for the best views in London for Instagram posts, you’ve come to the right place.
Big cities are almost always best viewed from a high vantage point offering panoramic views and London is no exception when it comes to that.
Knowing where to enjoy the best city views is important, especially during seasons when the number of daylight hours increases.
The best time to get a good photograph, of course, is just as the sun begins to set as you can get the brilliant sunset and get amazing nighttime photos, too.
The Best Views in London for Your Perfect Instagram Posts
Want to have unique photos of your London visit for your Instagram feed? Do more than take photos of the London Eye, Tower Bridge, or Big Ben.
Capture the English capital’s gorgeous skyline with our guide to the top spots with the best views of London for Instagram.
1. Alexandra Palace Park
Aside from being home to a concert venue and farmer’s market, locals refer to Alexandra Palace Park — aka Ally Pally — in North London as “one of the most spectacular views in London,” even more so at night. The views here rival those from the more well-known Parliament Hill.
In the evening, when the lights of London glitter in the distance, Alexandra Park is the perfect spot to capture the scene.
2. The Emirates Air Line
By Emirates Air Line we don’t mean an aircraft, but rather the cable car connecting the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
The Emirates Air Line, which launched in 2012, is a novel way to explore the city since it offers passengers a bird’s-eye view over East London’s picturesque Docklands.
Even though it’s only ten minutes long and mostly used by commuters, it’s a great opportunity to view a side of London that few tourists ever get to see.
3. The Greenwich Observatory
Located in the picturesque Greenwich Park, the Greenwich Observatory overlooks the city of London. Views of the River Thames and the Docklands area are stunning from the observatory.
Visitors may also enjoy the Royal Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark while up here.
The museum’s historical association with Greenwich Mean Time and global navigation is documented through displays of scientific objects.
The structure is situated on the geographical reference line Prime Meridian, making it an ideal location for these instruments.
4. London Eye
The London Eye is without a doubt one of the most well-known sights that can be found on the River Thames. It offers some of the best views in London for your perfect Instagram shots.
The London Eye, also known as the Millenium Wheel when it was first constructed, is comprised of 32 ovoidal capsules and rises to a height of 135 meters. It was built to commemorate the turn of the millennium.
The London Eye rotates once every half hour, making it the ideal opportunity for visitors to the city to get an overview of the glittering skyline of the capital of the United Kingdom.
5. The Monument
When it comes to views of the London skyline, the Monument, which was built in the 17th century to commemorate the Great Fire of London, is sometimes overlooked.
Here you can ascend all 311 steps to the very top of this structure (which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren) so that you can have the best views of London and the Thames.
The viewing platform is not that big, though, so get here early to avoid the crowds.
It is still worthwhile to have a look, even though the view is made somewhat less clear by the tall structures of the city that surround it.
6. Netil360 Rooftop Bar
Netil360 is a low-key rooftop bar that is located in the vicinity of London Fields and Broadway Market.
Here you will find a diverse crowd, ranging from Hackney hipsters to city types to elderly men reading newspapers with their dogs.
After grabbing a bite to eat or a drink at the bar, make your way up to the rooftop, where you can relax in a chair or a bean bag and take in the sights of the city.
If you want to ensure that you have a seat outside on the rooftop, you should go there as early as possible (it’s usually open by 5 pm).
7. Parliament Hill, Hampstead
© Ethan Doyle White | Wikimedia Commons
Parliament Hill, located in Hampstead, boasts one of the best views of the city and is popular with locals, runners, and tourists.
On a bright, sunny day, you can see the Shard and the Gherkin, among other landmarks, from miles away. Kite-flyers are common on Parliament Hill, providing a welcome diversion.
At the peak, you can take a seat on one of several benches and take in the scenery.
Historic pubs like the Holly Bush, excellent shopping, and open-air swimming at Hampstead bathing ponds are just a few of the additional things to do and see in the Hampstead neighborhood.
8. Point Hill
Point Hill is tucked away in an often-overlooked park in the Greenwich district and offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling Greenwich Observatory.
The park is peaceful and secluded, and there are benches and a map available for viewing the scenery at your leisure.
As the sun sets, Point Hill’s close-up vista of Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs is at its most picturesque.
As night falls, you may watch the lights of the city’s financial sector illuminate this park in exquisite detail. Not only will you get a close-up look at Canary Wharf, but you’ll also get a good look at London Bridge, the BT Tower, and a slew of other famous London monuments.
9. Primrose Hill
Towards the northern end of Regent Park is Primrose Hill, which offers stunning panoramas of the city.
The hill stands at a lofty 64 meters in elevation, and it has been known as Primrose Hill ever since it was appropriated as a public space in 1842.
The hill was originally claimed by King Henry VIII, who reigned over England from 1509 to 1547.
Primrose Hill provides breathtaking panoramas of Central London. The amazing skyline of London — including the Shard, the London Eye, the Walkie-Talkie building, and St. Paul’s Cathedral — is seen from here.
ALSO READ: 16 Best Non-touristy Things to Do in London
10. Shad Thames
The ancient Shad Thames, a little neighborhood on the riverside immediately east of Tower Bridge, is an ideal spot to take in the cityscape from the ground.
If you walk along the river and turn your gaze west, you’ll see the Tower of London and the hulking silhouette of the City of London.
While taking in the views, you may enjoy a meal or a drink in bars and eateries in the area like the French bistro Le Pont de la Tour and the hip Blueprint Café.
11. The Shard
The observation deck of The Shard, Britain’s highest structure, offers some of the best views of London.
On a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles in every direction from there.
Tickets are valid for entry to The Shard within 30 minutes of the time stated on them, and visitors are free to stay as long as they like to take in the breathtaking scenery and snap some unforgettable photos.
Many visitors to The Shard forgo the optional view from The Shard attraction in favor of eating at one of the building’s restaurants, although visitors should be aware that these establishments are located on floors below the observation deck.
12. Sky Garden
The Sky Garden can be found atop the Walkie-Talkie Building, making it one of the most majestic locations in all of London.
Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers may be seen to the east, while the Thames River can be followed westward to see the London Eye and Parliament.
The best time to visit Sky Garden is early in the morning when fewer people go up there.
13. Tate Modern (Tate Modern Terrace Bar or Blavatnik Building)
Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, is a leading international institution for modern art, with a rising number of permanent and rotating exhibition spaces.
Entrance is free. However, unless you’re a Tate member, some of the exhibitions will cost you money. The large-scale installations in the entrance hall are usually incredible and free to visit.
The Terrace Bar and other upper-level balconies offer spectacular views of London’s riverside.
Visit the Tate’s new Blavatnik Building’s top level to take in the Southbank and Southwark in all their glory.
The Tate Modern Terrace bar is a great place to take in the sunset over the Thames.
Tap takeover nights are common, during which local breweries host a sampling of their finest brews for the public.
14. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a popular tourist attraction for Londoners and visitors alike, but few people know you can go inside.
Fees are to be expected, but the Tower Bridge experience is unique, educational, and fun — not to mention blessed with some of the city’s most breathtaking panoramas.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even stroll out on the glass floor above the Thames.
15. Highgate’s Waterlow Park
Waterlow Park is a large park in Highgate, and it serves as the entrance to Highgate Cemetery and the Lauderdale House arts center.
One of North London’s best-kept secrets, this 26-acre park is popular among locals and visitors alike — thanks to its beautiful walled garden, massive sundial, and breathtaking vista.
Waterlow Park never gets as crowded as, say, Primrose Hill, so you won’t have to jostle for a parking spot if you’re going on a car.
16. The Westminster Cathedral
To be clear, we are not referring to Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Cathedral, though less well-known, actually has one of London’s best views, and it’s only a short walk away from Victoria Station (still in Westminster).
You’ll need to take the elevator to the top of the St. Edmund’s Tower at the cathedral. Its 94-meter height puts you in a prime location for seeing several of the city’s landmarks, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament — definitely the best views in London for Instagram!
