A local’s guide to off the beaten path instagrammable places in London, from beautiful buildings to food courts and cute cafes: London’s best hidden gems!
London is filled with gorgeous spots to tread.
From pink cafes to really colorful spots, it seems like everywhere you glance, you’ll find a potential photo spot.
Sooo… I thought I’d share with you some really alternative instagrammable places in London, of the kind you might not have come across before.
This means a myriad of beautiful architecture spots, gorgeous shops, and all types of places that will not only make you, but also your camera excited!
London’s Instagrammable Places: 15 Spots to Visit ASAP
Some of these aesthetic places, you may have seen in other Curious Traveler guides, as these are some favorites of mine when I want to detach from the bustling London life.
You’ll find a lot of hidden gems here, from secret alleys to beautiful buildings, and hopefully, if you’re in search of unusual places to visit in London, you’ll find them all here today!
PS. I’ve tried to avoid mentioning London’s pink places and other instagrammable cafes, like the gorgeous – but way too famous Elan Cafe, for the purposes of this guide.
For now, let’s get slightly off the beaten path, and discover otherwise incredibly instagrammable places to use for your pictures in London!
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Covent Garden
The Covent Garden area is filled with hidden gems, from gorgeous makeup shops to really cute bookshops, and if you’re looking for London’s instagrammable places, it’s a great place to start.
I would definitely recommend popping by Slingsby Place to check out the huge, colorful flowers.
Still, in addition to that, St Martin’s Courtyard, very close, is another colorful spot to see as well – especially for pictures.
From Long Acre to the piazza, Covent Garden offers some of the prettiest places in London.
And, if you’re willing to discover hidden alleys and cute streets, I’d also recommend you pop by Rose Street and Floral Street.
If you get hungry, check out the Bageriet Bakery for some of the most incredible cinnamon buns you’ll ever try in London.
You’re here in one of the cutest bakeries in town, and a place that will definitely make you travel without leaving the city!
Read: The Best Bookshop Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Mariages Frères, Covent Garden
In this guide, I’ve decided I’d share some of London’s most unique shops, and one of them is Mariage Frères, also located in Covent Garden.
We’re here on King Street, literally 30 steps away from some of the most famous makeup shops the city offers, like The Ordinary, Dior or MAC Cosmetics.
Mariage Frères, with its dozens of tea boxes all lined up perfectly, makes for one of the cutest places to visit in London, and their tea is utterly delicious.
I was recently invited for afternoon tea at Mariage Frères, and thought it was one of the poshest experiences I’d been given to live in London.
However, if you don’t want to splurge, then simply getting yourself a bag of tea could already make a day in London that much more special.
Plus, when you’re done, you can check out all the Covent Garden shops for some window shopping… or some serious shopping, whatever you’re into that day.
The only thing I’d recommend is to visit the TK Maxx shop on Long Acre at some point during the day.
It’s one of the best shops to get scented candles in London, as well as discounted designer clothes, affordable makeup, and so many more beautiful things than you could imagine!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: The Smithfield Neighborhood, City of London
In the City of London, letting yourself get carried by the tiny streets and alleyways might, at some point, bring you to the Smithfield neighborhood.
We’re here in one of the most historic neighborhoods of London, filled with hidden gems from the Bartholomew Passage to Cloth Fair, and of course, church gardens which include that of the St Bartholomew the Great Church.
You’ll find many very instagrammable medieval sites in London, which range from the aforementioned church to the Jewel Tower near Westminster – all very much worth a second glance, and most of which are free!
If you find yourself near Smithfield, by the way, I’d also recommend visiting the Barbican neighborhood while you’re at it – you will find there the same kind of medieval buildings perfect to snap a few shots.
Read: The Best Colorful Lattes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Kurt Geiger Shop, Oxford Street
One of my favorite shops on Oxford Street is Kurt Geiger, which only opened a few months ago and has quickly turned into one of London’s most instagrammable places.
I personally collect Kurt Geiger bags and do think that this one is a perfect Central London shop to visit if you’d like to treat yourself to something properly British and aren’t sure where to go.
And even if at the London Designer Outlet, one of the coolest shopping centers in London, you will find discounted Kurt Geiger handbags and accessories, the Oxford Street shop is still a must-visit, at least to see all the lights, colors, and latest models.
Read: The Best Brunch in London Bridge
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Guy’s Hospital, London Bridge
One of London Bridge’s best hidden gems, Guy’s Hospital, very close to the Shard, makes for a perfect photo spot if you allow yourself to discover its gorgeous architecture.
From St Thomas’ Street, you only have to go through a gate and keep walking straight – then, in the mids of arched windows and Georgian buildings, you will find the John Keats sculpture.
There are many amazing things to do in London Bridge and nearby Bermondsey, as well as in the entire Southwark neighborhood.
However, in terms of instagrammable places, few come close to the beauty – and impact that the Guy’s Hospital as a background can give to your pictures.
Read: The Best Brunch in King’s Cross
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Horizon 22, City of London
The City of London area is one of my favorite neighborhoods in London to walk around, if not my favorite, and you’ll find a myriad of tiny alleys and secret courtyards dotted around the neighborhood.
However, before you get to visit all these really cute – and historical places, I would recommend you pop by Horizon 22, near Bishopsgate and Bank station, on the Central Line.
While it’s not a rooftop per se, since you can only get free views of London through the windows of Horizon 22, it’s still an amazing place to visit when you’re planning a romantic date.
The fact that you’re right in the heart of the City of London means there are plenty of things for you to do afterwards, like visiting the following:
- The Spitalfields neighborhood
- The Bethnal Green neighborhood, further East
- The Blackfriars neighborhood
- And gorgeous, oh so gorgeous Fleet Street, with its endless hidden gems
Read: The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
Most Instagrammable Places in London: The Reflection Garden, St Paul’s
For those of you who are exclusively looking for free rooftops in London, and places to see the view on a budget, I would recommend popping by the Reflection Garden for its views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Reflection Garden is one of my favorite secret gardens in London, one complete with a clean pond, gorgeous autumn foliage when the time is right, and well…
Its view of St Paul’s Cathedral reflected in the water makes for one of the most instagrammable places in town.
If you’re looking for places to write in London, read, or just relax with a meal deal, the Reflection Garden is a place I can’t recommend enough.
Read: The Best Italian Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Hare Court, City of London
Just off Temple Church, one of London’s bookish places, you will find Hare Court, a secret courtyard with hands sculptures, as well as some of the typical Georgian buildings that make for perfect photo spots.
The entire Temple area, located close to Fleet Street, one of London’s most beautiful streets, is a must-visit for anyone who loves both history and architecture.
It also makes for a perfect spot to visit during spring in London, as one of Temple’s courtyards, Pump Court – and even Inner Temple Gardens – look especially beautiful with their blooming flowers.
Read here my guide to the historic Temple area and its hidden gems, from Fountain Court to the secret poetic sundial in Elm Court, photogenic columns facing Temple Church and more.
Most Instagrammable Places in London: The Ritz, Piccadilly
A few months ago, I had the chance to try a proper breakfast at the Ritz Piccadilly for the first time – something I’d been planning for myself for years.
And while breakfast at The Ritz is an experience you shouldn’t miss, I also have to highlight how instagrammable the entire building is.
We’re here in the heart of the Piccadilly slash St James’s slash Mayfair area, which is itself filled with hidden gems, from sculptures to shopping arcades, and even secret gardens.
If you ever get the opportunity to try some of Mayfair’s restaurants, I would recommend booking at the Ritz, as it is clearly one of the best dining experiences I’ve lived in the city.
Plus, you’re close to some really cool spots to visit afterwards:
- Santa Maria Novella, one of London’s best perfume shops
- St James’s Park, one of the most amazing spots to admire sunset in London
- Fortnum & Mason, a favorite of mine when it comes to department stores and shopping centers
- Hatchards, one of the most beautiful bookshops in London
Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Maison Assouline, Piccadilly
Close to The Ritz, in a more an assuming building than many in Piccadilly, you will find one of the best hidden gems in the area: Maison Assouline.
In addition to being one of the most instagrammable bookstores in London, Maison Assouline also offers gorgeous afternoon tea, and I am yet to find an angle of the bookshop that doesn’t deserve a photo.
Yes, there are many really beautiful places to see in Central London, but every time I step foot inside Maison Assouline, I am under the impression I am in one of the most secret places I’ve ever seen in town.
It does help that many of Mayfair’s cute cafes are located close by, along with picturesque Green Park, Piccadilly and Shaftesbury Avenue!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Mercato Mayfair
Finding new food courts in London always makes me happy.
For some reason, I feel like I’m able to try all the cheap eats I’ve ever dreamed of eating in the city.
And while King Court, just off Soho, and Boxpark Wembley with the incredible Neapolitan pizza at Zia Lucia, are my two favorite food courts in town, one you shouldn’t miss is Mercato Mayfair.
Located in a former church, complete with stained glass works and vaulted arches, Mercato Mayfair is an open space that offers strong coffee, delicious Asian bites as well as Italian specialties – and much more.
Close by, you’ll find some of Mayfair’s best hidden gems, of the kind you shouldn’t miss for the world:
- Brown Hart Gardens, a quaint terrace surrounded by beautiful buidings
- Mount Street Gardens, another secret garden which also leads to a gorgeous church
- Grosvenor Gardens, a perfect spot to have a picnic in London when the weather is nice
Read: The Best Cafes in Shoreditch
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Poppies Fish & Chips, Camden
With Poppies Camden, we’re here in one of the most secret instagrammable places in London – this fish and chips spot is my favorite in town, and one I try to visit as regularly as possible.
Poppies Camden is located to all the budget shops and charity shops you might wish for while visiting London, for starters.
In addition, it’s really close to Regent’s Canal, a picturesque canal that leads all the way to Bethnal Green, Mile End, and even up to the gorgeous Canary Wharf neighborhood.
At Poppies Camden, you’ll be able to try that properly British fish and chips, with the freshest cod around, as well as amazing English desserts, which include a favorite of mine, the sticky toffee pudding.
Read: The Best Cat Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Feya Cafe, Central London
Now, for whoever is looking for gorgeously instagrammable London cafes, one I can recommend in Central London is Feya Cafe.
This one is filled with flowers and beautifully decorated cakes that will make anyone checking out your Instagram want to visit too.
Whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch, or just a simple breakfast spot in London, this is the place.
I’ve found that Feya Cafe, located in one of the most colorful streets in London, was especially beautiful and likely to make you take our your phone for a few pictures.
Then, if you’d like the visit the Marylebone neighborhood nearby, let nothing stop you: you will find there gorgeous mews, beautiful streets, and plenty of high-end shops to go window shopping.
Marylebone is indeed one of the prettiest neighborhoods to visit while in town, especially if you love finding new, secret villages in London!
Read: The Best Cafes in Brixton
Most Instagrammable Places in London Off the Beaten Path: Cutter and Squidge, Soho
As a person who has grown up with the Harry Potter saga, it only makes sense I’d be fond of any new London Harry Potter locations I can find – and this includes, Cutter & Squidge in Soho.
The Potions Room at Cutter and Squidge, right in the heart of Soho, makes for another one of the most instagrammable places in London, especially if you’re into magical places.
You will not only find here some bookish references to the books, but also completely vegan cakes in the buffet, which allows pretty much anyone to enjoy the Cutter & Squidge experience.
Close by, you have lots of hidden gems in Soho and Carnaby Street, from unique shops to more secret study cafes, all of which are very much worth a visit.
And if you’d like to keep going with a more fantasy type of vibe, I would recommend you check out the Leicester Square sculpture trail, which also includes a Harry Potter sculpture!
Read: The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: The Highgate Neighborhood and Holly Village
I’ve talked about Holly Village and the Highgate neighborhood so much that sometimes, it almost feels like they’re not hidden gems anymore.
And yet, despite the fact that you’ll see Holly Village on your Pinterest and Instagram feeds from time to time, it’s still a very instagrammable place to visit at least once.
Whether you’re living in London or traveling here for the first time, the beautiful architecture of this resident area can only make you fall more in love with the city than you were before.
We’re deep in Gothic architecture here, with an agglomeration of mansions that feel straight out of a Harry Potter movie – and even if the residence is private, you can still take pictures from the outside.
Read: The Best Cheap Clothing Shops in London
London’s Instagrammable Places: 15 Spots to Visit ASAP
There you have them, all the unusual, instagrammable places in London I thought you should see at least once!
London is definitely filled with hidden gems, and from North London to the East End, you’ll find many more while walking around town.
This includes, for instance, Notting Hill’s colorful houses, or historical sites few people know about.
But if you’re looking to visit the city off the beaten path, and more importantly, on a budget, all these really cute places are a great place to start!