London is a beautiful city, and I’m not only saying it because I’m biased. It has been recognised many times and by loads of different people as one of the best places to visit in Europe, and rightly so.
While the whole city is worthy of a visit (check my London bucket list or London itinerary for full details!) I wanted to put together a compilation of the most beautiful places in London.
There are loads of places in London that are quirky, interesting and fun, but beautiful? Sometimes not so much. This guide focuses on the stunning, jaw-dropping places that this city has to offer.
If you’re looking for the most beautiful places in London, you’ve just found them! Read on to discover the 25 most breath taking places to visit in London, that will leave you speechless.
In this guide:
Beautiful places in London – North London
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one of my personal favourite places in London. This 60m hill located in Regents Park, one of the most beautiful parks in London, has one of the most panoramic views of the London skyline.
Personally I love the contrast between the green trees of the park and the London skyline emerging above it. You can see everything, from the London Eye and the Shard, all the way to Canary Wharf.
If you’re visiting London in summer it’s also a great place for a picnic. You will find lots of Londoners relaxing in the sun, Pimm’s and beers in hand.
Camden Lock Market
To me, Camden Market is beautiful. Others might describe it as quirky, edgy and chaotic, but I find the liveliness and diversity of Camden Market beautiful.
I lived in Camden for two years when I first moved to London, and it was the perfect place for a university student.
Camden Market is one of the best street food markets in London, as well as selling souvenirs, some vintage clothing, jewellery and all sorts of bits and bobs. The part of the market developed around the old stables is the one I find most intriguing.
It might get pretty busy, especially on weekends, but with its strong character and distinctive vibe, Camden is one of the most unique and beautiful places in London.
The colourful houses of Chalcot Crescent
Notting Hill isn’t the only place where you can find gorgeous Victorian houses, and Portobello isn’t the only place with lovely pastel coloured houses.
For those searching for those picture perfect streets, Chalcot Crescent is actually a much better choice, since there are considerably less people around snapping photos.
With its crescent shape, tall marble columns, Victorian architecture and pastel colours it’s without a doubt one of the prettiest streets in London. It’s a short walk away from Primrose Hill and Camden, so you can easily see them all on the same day!
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace is amongst my favourite London hidden gems. Located in North London, you won’t find many tourists visiting it. Alexandra Palace is, as the name suggests, a palace, but also a huge park.
The palace itself is simply stunning. Walking through the halls will leave you gaping at the wonderful architecture. But the best part is that there are also all sorts of fun activities organised there, like Sunday markets and ice-skating.
The park surrounding Alexandra Palace is also lovely, with spacious green area and a great view over London. Even if you’re visiting London in winter it’s still an awesome spot to sit, relax and enjoy the view.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is a huge park in North London. It’s very popular on warm summer days because of the ponds that you can swim in. It’s also a very pretty park to walk around and just chill.
The most famous spot in Hampstead Heath is Parliament Hill; a 322 ft hill from which you can get an incredible view over London. Sitting there in the sun, drink in hand and admiring the London skyline is priceless.
Highgate Cemetery
You might think I’m weird for putting a cemetery on a beautiful places bucket list, but Highgate Cemetery will leave you speechless. Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839, but in went in decline in the 1970s and nature took over.
Today its run by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust, a charity that rescued it, and it’s amongst the most beautiful and unusual places to visit in London.
You will find some famous names and war tombs here, with some of the tombs having beautiful and elaborate statues decorating them.
But it’s the whole place as a whole that is worthy of a visit. Walking around Highgate Cemetery is very peaceful and quiet, just don’t go there after it gets dark, that would make it go from peaceful to creepy real quick!
The Grand Staircase at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
When I first started university in London I used to live close to Kings Cross, and I walked past St Pancras every day to go to lectures. The interior is absolutely stunning, and I had no idea what I was missing.
The Grand Staircase of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a work of art. With its tall windows, rich red tapestry and lush decorations, it’s simply beautiful and will make you feel like a Disney princess.
Beautiful places in London – Central London
St Paul’s Cathedral (from One New Change)
There’s no doubt that St Paul’s Cathedral is in itself a pretty beautiful and iconic London attraction. However, if you want to truly admire it from a unique perspective, do so from One New Change.
One New Change is a mall located just next to St Paul’s. It’s built with very reflective glass, and has a street leading up to the cathedral. If you stand in the right spot you will see St Paul’s Cathedral perfectly reflected in the glass of One New Change.
It gives a quirky perspective on an otherwise traditional landmark, a characteristic that has made this spot one of the most popular Instagram photo locations in London.
Chinatown
If you’re looking for a place that is both beautiful and colourful, then Chinatown is the place for you. Located in the heart of London, this neighbourhood is the perfect spot for some Chinese delicacies.
You will find all sorts of Chinese restaurants and shops here, as well as other Western ones. If you’re visiting London around Chinese New Year the streets will be particularly colourful, with red lanterns and other decorations hanging above the streets.
The Chinatown Gate is an ornamental gate that marks the entrance to Chinatown, and is one of the most beautiful spots here.
The Apple Market in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the most popular places in London that most people will visit regardless, but for this guide I want to focus on the Apple Market. This is the big central market in the centre of Covent Garden.
Here you will find all sorts of stalls, of both food and souvenirs, and a huge variety of shops, cocktail bars, cafes and restaurants, with both indoors and outdoors seating.
The layout of the market with some of the shops and seating area being below ground, but still in the open, makes it seem bigger than it is.
It’s a historical and lively part of London, which is definitely worth visiting. Grab a coffee and something to eat, sit outside, watch the hustle and bustle of London and enjoy some live music.
Neal’s Yard
Despite being so central, Neal’s Yard doesn’t often feature on many London itineraries. I only visited it for the first time after years of living in London, I had seen pictures of it online but couldn’t figure out where it was.
This small courtyard is located close to Covent Garden. It’s very distinctive since it has very colourful houses, lots of plants and flowers and is all in all a very cute spot.
It almost doesn’t feel like being in Central London. Today it has become quite a popular attraction, but if you visit on a weekday you will still get to enjoy it without big crowds.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Being one of the most famous attractions in London, I couldn’t leave out Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from this beautiful London guide. Known also as the Palace of Westminster, this spot is amongst the most famous in London.
You can do a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, or simply admire its stunning architecture from the outside. Whether you choose to go inside or not, I’m sure you will find it stunning.
Westminster Abbey
Similarly Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous London sights, which you can visit both the interior or simply admire from outside. This large Gothic abbey is very recognisable, with its unique architecture and decorations.
It’s located just next to the Palace of Westminster, so you can pair a visit to Big Ben with a stop at Westminster Abbey.
Millennium Bridge
This pedestrian bridge connects the south bank of the River Thames with the City of London. It’s very centrally located, with the Tate Modern at one end and St Paul’s Cathedral at the other.
It has a unique and distinctive design, with its metal cables and glass sides being very recognisable amongst Londoners.
The Harry Potter fans might recognise it as the bridge the Death Eaters destroy at the start of the sixth movie. It’s one of the many spots in London where Harry Potter was filmed.
For the perfect shot go to the south end of Millennium Bridge, and align your camera so that the lines of the bridge are symmetrical. You will see the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral towering in the background.
Beautiful places in London – West London
The colourful houses of Notting Hill & Portobello
In Notting Hill you will find some of the prettiest streets in London. From Notting Hill Gate station all the way up to Portobello Market, as well as all around in the side streets, you will find both traditional Victorian and unique colourful houses.
Some of the houses are built in the traditional Victorian style, painted white with the columns by the front door. Others have gone for a more distinctive pastel coloured façade.
Whatever style the house has gone for, walking around these beautiful houses will give you a taste for a traditional British vibe, and is guaranteed to leave you speechless.
The Victorian houses of South Kensington
Every time I walk around this part of London I’m amazed at how stunning the streets and houses are. It’s actually one of my favourite walking routes in London, even if it’s an urban walk without much green.
In South Kensington you will find many traditional Victorian houses, with their tall windows and white columns. I love walking down these streets and imagining what it would be like to live in these beautiful houses.
It’s a famous area of London, but one that doesn’t often feature on the classic London itineraries, as house viewing isn’t usually considered a must-do.
However if you’re searching for the most beautiful places in London, I highly recommend paying a visit to this area of London.
The Churchill Arms
This pub is considered one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in London, and it’s easy to see why. With all the plants decorating its façade, it’s one of the most distinctive pubs in London.
If you’re visiting London at Christmas time it gets even better, with loads of little Christmas trees taking the place of the normally potted plants and flowers. It becomes one of the must-see sights on any London Christmas lights tour.
Whether you’re going to snap some photos, or just to enjoy a quiet beer, this beautiful pub has to feature on your beautiful London bucket list.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is my favourite museum in London. On my first trip to London (when I was 12) I made my parents spend 2 whole days inside the Natural History Museum.
I loved all the interactive displays and games they had (who am I kidding, I still love them now). Even if you’re not a fan of natural history it’s still worthy of a visit.
The architectural beauty of the museum is really one of a kind. Both the outside and the interior of the museum are simply stunning.
With its huge blue whale skeleton, the interior of the Natural History Museum is one of the most recognisable and famous museums in the world.
Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the most beautiful places in London, especially for those who love green spaces and being outdoors.
It’s one of the most relaxing places in London, where you can just walk around and not feel like you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world.
There are greenhouses you can visit, lovely gardens and the overall park. There are also picnic tables, cafes and restaurants if you want to eat in the gardens.
Beautiful places in London – East London
Tower Bridge
Another must on this compilation of beautiful places in London is Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London, and is gorgeous from whatever angle you decide to look at it.
My personal favourite is from the North Eastern side of the river, by the Girl with a Dolphin statue. I particularly love this spot at sunset, since you can see the sun going down behind Tower Bridge, as well as the Shard peeking in the background.
It’s one of the most famous attractions in London, and it’s easy to see why.
The Old Royal Naval College is the main architectural centrepiece of Greenwich. Inside you will find the famous Painted Hall, a Baroque masterpiece known as Britain’s “Sistine Chapel”.
If the delightful interior isn’t enough for you worry not. The architecture of the building as a whole is stunning in itself, as well as the surrounding Greenwich Park.
Greenwich Park is a lovely place to walk around. It also has an incredible view of the London skyline. The combination of architecture, history and natural views makes it, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in London.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a covered market in London. It doesn’t really have market stalls per se, but you will find lots of shops, bars and restaurants here. It’s very different from any market you will find elsewhere.
The walls and ceiling of this open market are beautifully decorated, with bold colours and fine details. Unlike most attractions in London I was surprised to find it was completely empty on a weekend.
It’s close to a lot of offices so it actually gets busier during the week, with many people eating and drinking here after work. For the best experience, visit Leadenhall Market on a weekend, so you can appreciate its beauty all for yourself.
It’s also one of the places where you can experience Harry Potter in London, as it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley and one of the filming locations of the movies.
Sky Garden
If you’ve read any of my other London guides, there’s a fairly high chance you’ve heard me rave about Sky Garden already. It’s easily on my favourite places in London.
This gorgeous bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in London, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s a huge indoors garden with different bars and restaurants, as well as a viewing platform with epic views.
Here they also do activities such as sunrise yoga. It’s a bit different from the other spots in this guide, but in my opinion it’s one of the most beautiful places in London.
St Dunstan in the East
This is another one of those secret spots that it took even me, as a Londoner, years to finally visit. I kept seeing photo of it online, but I had no idea where it was. Imagine my surprise when I found out it’s so central!
St Dunstan in the East used to be a church, but it was largely destroyed during the Second World War. The ruins have now become a public garden that you can walk around.
It’s a lovely spot, tucked away and very peaceful amongst the chaos of the City of London. It’s also one of the many beautiful free things to do in London.
Hay’s Galleria
Hay’s Galleria is, in my opinion, one of those places that doesn’t get enough credit.
Located on the south bank of the river, close to Tower Bridge, it used to be a warehouse, which in the 1980s got redeveloped to a shopping area with bars, restaurants, shops and even flats.
The inner courtyard is covered by a glass roof, and it retains that distinctive warehouse look and feel. There are also many cute stalls that sell little gifts and street food.
I used to work just around the corner from Hay’s Galleria, and I loved walking past it every day. It’s one of those beautiful places in London that not many people know about.
Final thoughts on the most beautiful places in London
There you have it, my ultimate compilation of the most beautiful places in London. This isn’t just any generic London travel guide, I wanted to focus especially on the visually appealing and jaw-dropping places you can find in London.
Is there anywhere else in London you think should be on this guide? Let me know in the comments below! If there are other places in London that you think are simply stunning let me know, I’d love to include them in this article.
Whether it’s pretty streets, unique architecture, tranquil parks or sweeping views, there are many noteworthy places in London. I hope you find this guide useful in planning your time in London.
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