10 best places to take a photo 

London chat forum · Talk about sightseeing

#1 – Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath gained its name during the English Civil War when it was occupied by Government troops. You can climb it for a celebrated view of the capital – a handy plaque on the summit tells you the location of distant landmarks.

#2 – Primrose Hill

At 203 feet Primrose Hill is a bit of a climb, but is well-worth the effort – it boasts some of the best views of London. Its position north of Regent’s Park gives you a fine view of London Zoo below, as well as the City in the distance and Canary Wharf to the east.

#3 – The Square Mile

The Square Mile—the financial heart of the City of London— focuses on Threadneedle Street, where you can get some great photos of the Bank of England, Mansion House and Royal Exchange.

#4 – Piccadilly Circus at night

Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s great throughfares, and the perfect spot for a bit of people watching. No photo album would be complete without a shot of Eros and the huge neon signs lit up at night.

#5 – St. James’s Park

There is a celebrated shot of Buckingham Palace in St. James’s Park. All you have to do is stand on the bridge and gaze across the lake. If you turn around and face the other way then you’ll have a shot of Horse Guards Parade.

#6 – Waterloo Bridge

The Kinks sang a song about it, and now you can take a photograph of it – the view from Waterloo Bridge famously takes in the financial centre of the City and dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral… best seen at sunset.

#7 – Westminster Bridge

The best place to take a photo of Big Ben is from the Houses of Parliament end of Westminster Bridge. If you swivel round 180° you can can also bag the London Eye and old GLC building – County Hall.

#8 – Trafalgar Square

There are hundreds of photos in Trafalgar Square. Best of the bunch include Nelson’s Column and the big bronze lions at his feet. But there’s also the grand facade of the National Gallery and the long view down Whitehall.

#9 – The Monument

The Monument was erected to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666, and its 311 steps make it one of the highest vantage points in the City. There is no lift, but if you fancy a climb then the views up both ends of the river make it well worth the effort.

#10 – Greenwich Hill

Take a stroll through Greenwich Park and walk up the hill. The view takes in a vista stretching all the way from the Millenium Dome in the east, to the City in the west. And if you turn around you can get the Royal Observatory too.