A local’s guide to the coolest neon places in London; from neon cafes to arcades, these make for quirky photo spots for tourists and locals alike!
A long while after I shared with you some of the most multicolor places in London and other really colorful streets, in both Notting Hill and Camden, we’re back to colorland with neon photo spots.
You’d think there are more ultra-acid, neon places in London, but there are surprisingly few – you’re more likely to find a pink cafe than a neon spot if you’re not willing to look too hard.
Anyhoo – you’ll of course find in this guide the neon shop God’s Own Junkyard, which makes for a must-visit in East London, but also a few other, lesser-known places that can be visited, or could make for a great background for pictures.
London’s Photo Spots: 9 Incredible Neon Places to Visit
Funkily, funnily, however you want to put it, neon places in London are more likely to be arcades and other mini golf clubs, like the one you can find in Shoreditch, that we’ll see right below.
I’ve always been in love with color, as you may have seen now that I’ve started my makeup and nails blog Sammie Etc – as an ex-makeup artist, I literally would do anything for color.
And while I’m still looking for only black and white places in London (and there are even fewer than neon places), the following spots are definite must-haves on your bucket list if you’re as in love with color as I am.
Read: The Prettiest Mews in London
Neon Places in London: Junkyard Golf Club, Shoreditch
Located between Hackney, Shoreditch and Spitalfields, Junkyard Golf Club is probably one of the most non touristy things you can do while in town.
The maximum number of players per time slot is 8, and from 9-hole to 18-hole courses, this neon mini golf makes for a great place to have real fun with friends.
Not only that, but every single course would make for a great photo spot, too – prepare to make memories!
Read: The Most Colorful Places in London
Neon Places in London: Gravity Max, Wandsworth
Located in Wandsworth, South London, Gravity Max is another amusement spot filled with neons, and a place where you’ll find immersive experiences galore to brighten up any rainy day.
From arcade games to delicious food spots like 800 Degrees Pizza and Rebel Wings, Gravity Max also offers one of the cheapest virtual reality experiences in London at Hologate VR Arena, priced at only 10.95 pounds per person.
Simply an extraordinary place to visit if you feel like you’ve seen it all in London – the all-electric karting track will make you feel otherwise, though!
Read: 7 Must-Visit Shopping and Dining Squares in London
Neon Places in London: St Martin’s Courtyard, Covent Garden
St Martin’s Courtyard, just off Long Acre in Covent Garden, is a spot I pop by every single time I’m in the area because there’s just so much to see there.
First up, The Yards open with a neon-clad passageway and lead to Mercer Walk and Slingsby Place, two colorful places filled with some of Covent Garden’s best shops and restaurants, from Mi Scusi to the Stanfords bookshop.
St Martin’s Courtyard attracts lots of people, from locals to tourists, since it’s a pretty busy area, but you can still take gorgeous pictures there with the colorful neon lights in the background.
Read: Where to Find Shakespeare Sculptures in London
Neon Places in London: Soho, Central London
If you’re looking for beautiful areas that boast neon lights, then I’d like to say that it may be best to visit London during Christmas, when many neighborhoods light up with Christmas decorations and bright garlands.
If, however, you’re going to be visiting any other time of the year, one of your best bets to find neon places if, of course, the Soho area and neighboring Carnaby Street.
Read: The Cutest Pink Places in London
While they’re even prettier in the winter, especially Carnaby Street and its ever-changing Christmas decorations, both offer some huge neon signs and lights all year round, in addition to some of Central London’s coolest shops.
Read: The Prettiest Streets in London
Neon Places in London: God’s Own Junkyard, Walthamstow
A neon shop mixed with an art gallery, God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is one of the first places you should visit if you’re looking for proper neon places – it’s also not much of a hidden gem anymore, so you might find lots of people visiting when you go.
However, the Rolling Scones Cafe inside God’s Own Junkyard is a place to pop by whether the shop is crowded or not.
You’ll have there some of the best breakfast, with gorgeous chai lattes and absolutely incredible carrot cakes and other layer cakes.
Read: The Best Cheap Eats in Central London
I’ve done makeup for a photoshoot at God’s Own Junkyard, and if you’re looking to do the same, you should know that pro cameras are not allowed – only phone cameras.
Still, there are so many possible photo spots inside the neon shop that you should visit at least once, especially if you’re looking for fresh new places to visit in East London!
Neon Places in London: Cyberdog, Camden Town
A while back, I told you about some of the Camden Town shops and markets you should have on your bucket list, and mentioned Cyberdog, which is but one of my favorite stores in town for anything neon.
Entering this shop means you’re welcomed with huge steel robot sculptures with blinking lights, and as you proceed downstairs to check out the racks of rave clothes, you find yourself in, basically, a neon Wonderland.
At Cyberdog, you’ll find anything from brightly-colored makeup to lycra crop tops, hats, backpacks… all signed Cyberdog – a clothing and accessories line perfect for the party person in us, two steps away from Camden Town’s vintage shops and street food spots.
Read: The Best Markets in London for Food and Vintage
Neon Places in London: Elan Cafe
If Elan Cafe has branches all around town, from Park Lane to Hans Crescent facing Harrods, there’s one true-blue neon cafe they have, and it’s located on Soho’s Wardour Street.
The Soho cafe is the first Elan Cafe I visited, and absolutely loved – the front of the cafe is painted baby pink, while the back looks like we’ve entered a neon galaxy; there’s even an arcade game there!
Read: The Best Cheap and Free Things to Do in London With Kids
From pistachio to blue and pink lattes, Elan London is famous for their colorful drinks and delicious, albeit really sweet cakes, from pink cookies to creamy brownies and, of course, the meanest red velvet cake ever.
If you decide to have a quick snack there, make sure you visit Soho’s hidden gems afterwards, or discover the unbelievable cool TK Maxx candle range in the nearby Charing Cross Road store!
PS. For even more neon/immersive feels, the Outernet at the Now Building, close to Tottenham Court Road, is located quite close to Elan Soho – make sure you visit, it’s completely free and offers plenty of immersive shows on the daily!
Read: The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London
Neon Places in London: King’s Cross Tunnel
Behind St Pancras station, you will find plenty of hidden gems – and I’m not just talking about all the gorgeous, satisfying brunch spots King’s Cross offers.
First up, Coal Drops Yard, one of the best shopping areas in London is located behind the station.
This is a gorgeous place where, from colorful floral bouquets to indie jewelry brands like Maya Magal, you’ll be able to get some quirky and cool gifts.
But there’s also a secret garden behind St Pancras station; Pancras Square, with a few immaculate ponds surrounded by high buildings, and a rainbow tunnel established over 90 meters from King’s Cross to Granary Square – gorgeous just for the walk, but also for stunning pics!
Read: The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains
Neon Places in London: Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace
For all roller skating fans, Roller Nation in Bruce Grove, North London, used to be one of the only indoor roller skating rinks we had until Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace in White City opened, a few months ago.
Those in search of neon places will hit the jackpot with any of these two places, although Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace offers an even more retro vibe, complete with neons and enticing music just seconds away from one of London’s best shopping centers.
Read: The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
Neon Places in London: NQ64, Soho
NQ64 in Soho (with another branch in Shoreditch) is a games and arcade bar that makes for a really cool spot for a quirky romantic date – and it’s always free to enter before 10 pm.
Whether you want to play Pac-Man, Street Fighter or Star Wars, you’ll find that at 12 pounds for 20 tokens (games don’t ‘cost’ more than 1 or 2 tokens per play), you can spend a nice evening out reliving games of the past.
Plus, if you just want to play with consoles, they’re completely free to play, although customers are asked to purchase a drink – original PlayStations and Nintendo games, photo booth pictures…
All we need for the quirkiest night out can be found at NQ64.
Read: 15 Themed London Itinerary Ideas Off the Beaten Path
London’s Photo Spots: 9 Incredible Neon Places to Visit
And that’s a wrap on this guide to the best neon places in London – not only are these amazing for pictures, but make for crazy nights out and memories for life.
Definitely the kinds of places you’d visit when making new friends in London, or why not visit solo and meet new peeps on the spot?
Anyhoo – hopefully, you’ll have found here all you needed for your neon needs – all that’s left to do is visit, and have the best time!