London Calling: An Instagrammer’s Guide to London

Global Citizen By Stefan Zechner Jun 12, 2017

Now that Brexit’s officially under way and the pound-to-dollar rate has tipped in Americans’ favor, it’s a great time to experience all the sprawling parks, lovely lilts, and raucous pubs the city has to offer. Take a look at the must-snap spots every London traveler should visit and start planning your trip!

1. Big Ben 

Number of Hashtags: 2,507,622

The most popular London landmark on Instagram, Big Ben can’t be missed. Pose with one of the city’s famed red telephone booths for a truly iconic ‘gram.

2. London Eye 

Number of Hashtags: 1,960,809

Even if you opt out of a ride on London’s 443-foot Ferris wheel, snap a pic from the street. Turn your HDR (High Dynamic Range) setting on to capture it in greater detail.

3. Hyde Park 

Number of Hashtags: 1,350, 734

One of London’s largest and most beautiful parks, Hyde Park is the perfect place to frame your photo with some nature or wildlife. It’s also home to the majestic Kensington Palace, where Prince Harry resides.

 

4. Shoreditch

Number of Hashtags: 1,309,503

This trendy East End district is full of creative energy. In fact, Shoreditch Street Art has 35,491 hashtags itself, creating the perfect backdrop for an OOTD (outfit of the day) post.

 

5. Tower Bridge 

Number of Hashtags: 1,225,090

Because sometimes you just have to accept the London fog.

Between the Westminster (71,493 hashtags), Millennium (89,519 hashtags), and Waterloo (32,545 hashtags) bridges, there are plenty of options to choose from; but Tower Bridge ­— not to be confused with London Bridge — remains London’s favorite.

 

6. Harrods 

Number of Hashtags: 1,056,967

Enjoy your sunday ✌?

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This luxury department store attracts millions of shoppers and tourists a year. It’s also the site of the world’s first food hall. Visit at night to get a pic of its twinkling lights.

 7. Notting Hill 

Number of Hashtags: 703,578

Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant may have taken Notting Hill to new heights in the 90s, but its colorful townhouses and vintage street market will keep this ‘hood en vogue for decades to come.

 

8. Buckingham Palace 

Number of Hashtags: 613,183

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the changing of the guard; even luckier, you’ll catch some royals.

9. The Shard 

Number of Hashtags: 451,485

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London throwing shapes #lovelondon

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At 95 stories tall, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the fourth tallest in Europe. Use the vertical pano trick to make your shot extra special.

10. The Tate Modern 

Number of Hashtags: 480,764

Get inspired to create some art of your own, right in your Instagram feed. You can also catch one of the most Insta-worthy views of London from the top of the museum.

Be sure to set time aside for Insta up-and-comers too. With its “millennial pink” decor, art-covered walls, and egg-shaped loos, sketch restaurant and gallery has caught the eye of almost every London foodie. The staircase and floor at Queens House make for interesting perspective pics and

Portobello Road, Regent Street, and Leadenhall Market (familiar to Harry Potter fans as Diagon Alley) are also major “like” bait. And don’t forget to take some shots as you site hop: the Tube has 61,817 hashtags and entire accounts dedicated to its underground beauty!

Refine your feed even further with our Instagram guide to Paris.