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9 of the Most Instagrammable Places in London

March 03, 2018
10 min read
City Of London Book, The Square Mile, London, Ec, United Kingdom Architect:  Unknown 2010 City Of London, Leadenhall Market, Sir Horace Jones, 2010, One Of London'S Oldest Food Markets, Since The 14Th Century
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Are you heading to foggy London town? London is full of pop-up adventures and trendy venues — such as the unmistakeable pink hotspot, Sketch, and the always delectable cocktail bar Dandelyan — but timeless London classics are worth a snap too. Grab your phone and hit these great London sights.

1. Neal’s Yard

This alleyway through London’s Covent Garden is a super-saturated, colorful wonderland. With an air of whimsy and magic, this is the perfect place to take some pictures and tuck away into a cozy café with a warm cup of tea. Pop into Neal’s Yard Remedies for a selection of natural, organic health and beauty products, or pick up some artisanal cheeses at Neal’s Yard Dairy. Enjoy the rich community vibe and dedication to eating whole and being well.

2. Leadenhall Market

If Victorian architecture is on your bucket list of sights to see, check out Leadenhall Market. This gorgeous covered market hosts a variety of lovely things to buy and taste, and is also (get ready for it) Harry Potter’s famed Diagon Alley. Though you won’t find the Ollivanders wand shop here, you can find your new favorite pen at Montblanc instead. For all of the right lighting and all of the best angles, take your phone to Leadenhall Market.


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3. Westminster Bridge

Already one of the most iconic places to photograph, don’t miss a shot of the Westminster Bridge. With views of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and the Thames, crossing the Westminster Bridge is part of the quintessential London experience. While the color of the bridge may not be the first thing you notice, the bridge was painted green to intentionally match the seats in the House of Commons. Watch the cityscape change as you cross and make sure to snap several photos of this storied bridge.


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4. The London Eye

Across from Parliament is the London Eye, which is clearly a sight to behold in and of itself. Snap a photo of the massive wheel, but then (obviously) bring your phone with you on the ride. The views of London from the Eye are hard to beat because the 135-meter wheel whisks visitors away to heights that tower above the skyline. Upgrade to a private capsule or add a chocolate tasting to your London Eye experience for an unforgettable time.


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5. Covent Garden

For a little West End adventure, check out Covent Garden. This is the primary theater and entertainment area of London with food and craft markets, little shops and boutiques, and high-end places to grab a bite before a show. Make sure to find out what’s on during your visit; exhibits, galleries, shows and deals are easily found in Covent Garden. This district is bliss for thespians and spectators alike.

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6. St. Paul's Cathedral

This Anglican cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and the host church for the Diocese of London, but it's also a spectacular site to visit and admire. The church is beautiful from the outside, and stunning from the inside with its numerous murals, decorative dome, galleries and even a crypt. Take your camera and capture the splendor of this iconic London cathedral.

7. Primrose Hill

If you need a wee break from the booming metropolis, head to Primrose Hill for a stroll and a picnic. Located on the north end of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is both an actual hill as well as a name for the region surrounding it. If you’re up for it, take a trek to the top and enjoy the spectacular view of London — this panorama isn’t something you can see from town.

8. Tower Bridge

For a relic of the industrial boom of the 19th century, check out Tower Bridge. Built between 1886 and 1894, this combination bascule and suspension bridge grants every passerby another iconic view of London. Don’t forget that you can explore inside the bridge as well as simply cross over; if you’re brave enough, you can even cross the glass floor.

9. Conservatory Archives

If you have a green thumb and a soft spot for botany, Conservatory Archives is the place to explore, rain or shine. This collection of indoor gardening wonders is a happy green reprieve from the grey and gold of London city, and is a lovely place to explore and take photos. If you’re planning to plant roots (heh) in London, you can also hire consultants and purchase plants for your own indoor garden.


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Featured image by UIG via Getty Images

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.