The Instagram Guide to London

The Instagram-Worthy London Travel Guide

In the past I’ve created Instagram Travel Guides to cities that I’ve visited, from Paris & Copenhagen to Santorini and New York, and yet for some reason I’d not created one about the city I know and love the best; my home – London. It’s safe to say I take 95% of my instagram and blog photos here, not to mention shooting my YouTube lookbooks here too, and over the years I’ve come to be a regular at London’s instagram hotspots. Now, these aren’t your typical hotspots. You guys all know about Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, instead, these are those beautiful hidden places that you may not know about unless you chat to an aesthetically obsessed local. Well, think of me as your local guide to London, a magpie for anything pink, pretty or floral. So if you’re heading to London anytime soon and want to nail those epic insta shots, here’s your guide!

First of all, if you’re looking for an instagrammable place to stay, I’d recommend the Artist Residence. Their grand suite is a blogger favourite (I shot my last Occasionwear Lookbook here) and the rooms are all incredibly photogenic. You’re in a great location too, and the restaurant downstairs serves comforting British grub.

Also, before you head out, download City Mapper. It’s the app I rely on (as do most Londoners!) for figuring out the quickest way of getting places. It shows you where to walk on a very easy to read map, and even tells you how long you’d have to wait at the bus stop until your bus arrives. Don’t be afraid of the Tube either, Londoners will be chuffed if you ask them for help, but after a day or two you’ll be a pro anyway, it’s really easy. The easiest way of getting about is in a black cab. Of course, London has uber too, but I find it easiest to just hail a licested cab from the street.

Your Instagram Itinerary

I’d recommend starting off your day with breakfast at Farm Girl cafe. You’ll probably already recognise their iconic pink tables and ‘rose lattes’ from some of instagrams most beautiful accounts (and mine too!!) and it’s worth getting there early in order to get one of their picture perfect outdoor tables. It’s possible to have a healthy breakfast here, or something slightly naughtier! I love their avocado on toast, and also their berry pancakes and acai bowl. If you want to get top marks for your insta-shot, ask for the Blue Chai Latte, their Rose Latte and ‘The one with the Dog on top’ – definitely the three most photogenic drinks!

It’s located on Portobello Road, so once you’re fueled up on photogenic food, take a stroll through the markets (but beware, it’s tourist central) and follow your City Mapper down to Westbourne Grove. Once here, you’ll be treated to a pretty street with lots of lovely shops and boutiques, from my favourite; Club Monaco, to the Organic Cafe / Farm shop; Daylesford. Also on Westbourne Grove you’ll find the Wild at Heart flower stall. You can’t miss it with it’s iconic turquoise tiling and beautiful blooms. The girls that work there are very accommodating for getting that all important insta shot, but make sure to ask first.

Next, make your way to Chelsea. I’d recommend hopping in a cab but hopping out at Knightsbridge to pop into Harrods and also visit Fourteen Trevor Square – which is probably the most instagrammed pink house in London. Follow Sloane Avenue down from Knightsbridge to Chelsea and you’ll find yourself at Sloane Square. The shops here are very photogenic, look out for Kate Spade, Club Monaco and more! For outfit shots, my favourite place is the Saatchi Gallery. It can be hard to get a shot without people in the background, so avoid lunchtime if possible as lots of people who work nearby will perch on the steps to enjoy their food. It’s located just off Duke of York Square, and there are lots of great places to eat around that area. One of my favourites is Polpo, and all the restaurants in that little area have super outside eating space. You’re also right by my hairdressers; Richard Ward Salon – so pop in for a quick blow-dry or styling if you want your hair to look ultra fab for the next shots. Click here for one of my favourite outfit posts that was shot at the Saatchi Gallery.

Then it’s the bloggers favourite! It makes me smile every time I drive past Peggy Porschen because every single time there’s a group of girls snapping away at the floral arches, or on the pink tables; cupcake in hand. Have no shame in joining them though, as we all know this was the owner’s plan – it’s the best free marketing after all! Head inside and order your tea and cupcake (they’re pricey but delicious!) and then perch on one of the pink outdoor tables to get your flat lay. The Eton Mess cake is one of my favourites for being ultra photogenic, and I love that the tea comes in pastel coloured cups and teapots too; it really was designed for the ‘gram.

Finally, my last favourite spot for shooting those insta-snaps is Somerset House. A blogger favourite since the days when London Fashion Week was hosted here, it’s now used for a variety of events and exhibitions. You will probably get told off by the security guards if you snap inside, but the outside is equally beautiful. Once you’ve got your shots by the iconic arches, head to Spring Restaurant – probably the most blogger friendly restaurant in London (see my post all about it here). The pink sofas, the natural lighting, the marble tables, and OH the bathroom – you absolutely have to see the ladies bathroom, it’s stunning. I like to finish my photography day here with a cup of tea and healthy nibbles; its not too overpriced, and a great place to sit back and scroll through your snaps in the most stunning of environments.

I’d love to know what your favourite places are to take Instagram photos in London, have you ever visited any of these?

Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

WHAT I WORE

Wild At Heart – Dress by Karen Millen  // Shoes by Shein  //  Bag by Rae Feather  //  Sunglasses by River Island  // Bracelet by Monica Vinader

Farm Girl – Dress by Topshop  //  Shoes by River Island  // Earrings by Topshop  //  Bag by Saint Laurent

Peggy Porschen – Dress by Revolve  // Shoes by River Island  // Sunglasses by River Island  // Bag by Valentino

Somerset House – Dress by Karen Millen  //  Shoes by Jimmy Choo  //  Earrings by Topshop  // Necklace by Monica Vinader