The City of London is where ancient traditions meet modern day - a place where you can watch sheep crossing Southwark Bridge in the morning, enjoy street food beneath towering skyscrapers at lunch, and sip cocktails in a rooftop garden by sunset.
The City of London is a feast for your camera roll so make sure your phone is on 100% battery – you’re going to need it. Whether you want to plaster photos all over your socials or simply treat your own eyeballs, here are some of the most picturesque places to see in the Square Mile. (Leave the selfie stick at home – these sights command the whole frame.)
St Dunstan in the East
You may feel like you’ve stumbled into a gothic fantasy but this ruined church is actually an award-winning piece of landscaping. With remains overgrown with lush foliage and twisting vines, the ancient arches do a grand job of framing a vista of modern London (see if you can capture a glimpse of The Shard through the ruins).
St Dunstan in the East
Roof Terrace at One New Change
After the fancy glass lift ride, this rooftop space offers a spectacular view of London’s panorama, dominated by an almost ‘up close and personal’ sight of St Paul’s Cathedral. Also here is Madison’s Restaurant and Bar encouraging that classic ‘cocktail in front of evening skyline’ photo opp.
Please note: the Roof Terrace is currently closed for maintenance. Check One New Change's website for details.
Roof Terrace at One New Change
The Barbican Centre
Picturesque doesn’t always mean classically beautiful. The Barbican, an icon of Brutalist architecture, has been called ugly by some but is revered by many. With references ranging from ancient Rome to French Modernism to Scandinavian design, this Grade II listed building will have you snapping away from every perspective. Start your photographic journey at Lakeside Terrace before weaving through this intriguing estate.
© The Barbican Centre
St Paul’s Cathedral
In case of any confusion, a shot of the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral is guaranteed to scream “Yes, I’m in London!” Extra bonus points if you manage to snap a red double decker bus driving by, or frame this beautiful Wren building with seasonal trees.
St Pauls Cathedral
The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange
It’s been voted ‘Most Instagrammable Restaurant in London’ by the London Evening Standard, so if you don’t post a photo of this on your socials, do you even understand Instagram? English elegance within the grandeur of The Royal Exchange makes for a very pretty picture – and don’t forget the perfectly positioned cream tea.
© The Royal Exchange – Fortnum & Mason – Helen Lowe
Glass Floors at Tower Bridge
Okay, there is one photo opportunity that requires a selfie – a potentially stomach-flipping picture of yourself on the glass floor of the Tower Bridge walkway (admission fee applies) as the traffic trundles by below. It’s 42 metres above the River Thames and can hold the weight of four black cabs so lie back and relax – let everyone else look at it and feel a touch of vertigo.
© Glass Floor Tower Bridge
Sky Garden
It’s a botanical bonanza up in London’s highest public garden at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street. Enjoy the 360-degree view of the city from richly-planted terraces bursting with Mediterranean and South African flowering plants and foliage. Note: Entry is free but ticketed and slots book up fast.
© Rhubarb at Sky Garden
Leadenhall Market
The old heart of Roman Londinium, this covered market has survived many iterations but stands today as a beautiful wrought iron and glass arcade with Grade II listed status. Capture the Victorian detailing against elegant contemporary shops for pictures aplenty, then reward your diligent photography work with a drink at a Leadenhall bar.
Leadenhall Market
Paternoster Square
The Square can trace its origins to medieval Paternoster Row, where the clergy of St Paul’s once walked holding their rosary beads and reciting the ‘Paternoster’, or Lord’s Prayer. From incredible architecture to fantastic markets and beautiful artwork, Paternoster Square is a dream location to explore and get incredible photos.
Paternoster Square in the City of London.
