7 Hidden Photography Spots in London Most People Miss
London is one of the most photographed cities in the world. The photo opportunities are endless, but how do you find those spots that 90% of people would just walk straight past? I've been a London-based photographer for over 7 years, and here are 7 of my favourite hidden gems located within the city.
1. HIDE Restaurant
Located in a prestigious area of West London, this restaurant is home to one of the most beautiful staircases in the whole of the city – and perhaps one of the most unique in the entire UK. It makes for an incredible photograph, and is the kind of location you'd only discover through local knowledge.
Given it sits within a working restaurant, you have a couple of options: treat yourself to a meal there, or do what I've done – politely ask the staff if you could have a quick five minutes to photograph the staircase. In my experience, they've never said no.
Top tips: For the best results, I'd reach for something like a 16–35mm lens, and aim to visit at off-peak times. Avoid the lunch and dinner rush if you want it more empty.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
2. V&A Museum, South Kensington
Nestled inside the V&A Museum, this is honestly one of my favourite shots you can capture in the city – and 99% of people will walk straight past it without ever realising the opportunity is even there. It takes a little effort to find: head in through the main entrance, take an immediate right, and make your way up to the first floor.
The key to this shot is using the glass cabinet to create a stunning reflection. You can pull this off on your phone or a dedicated camera, but the results are genuinely satisfying either way.
Top tips: Use a wide lens – anywhere from 10–18mm works well. Gently rest your camera on top of the glass cabinet and let the reflection do the work. The best part? It doesn't matter what time you visit. Crowds aren't a concern here because barely anyone knows this spot exists. Entry to the museum is free.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
3. Hampstead Pergola
This is one of those locations that constantly surprises people – one you'd never associate with a typical London setting, but it's truly stunning, especially on a warm summer evening when the light is golden and the shadows are casting in your favour. The pergola is home to countless photo opportunities and would make a brilliant setting for a portrait shoot.
Top tips: Pay attention to the opening hours before you visit. Bring your prime lenses for those extra-sharp portraits – the structure and greenery reward careful, precise framing.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
4. Paternoster Square
I first stumbled across this location on a sunny winter morning a few years back, and it has slowly become one of my favourite frames in the city. The sunlight beams perfectly through the inviting structure, and on a quiet morning you have some amazing shadows and light to work with. Pair that with an isolated subject in the middle of the frame, and you can't ask for much more. It's also right next to St Paul's Cathedral, so there are plenty of opportunities to keep shooting around the area.
Top tips: Head there on a sunny early morning for the best light. A 24–70mm or a 50mm lens is ideal for this spot.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
5. London Eye Railing
This truly is one of the most creative frames in the city, and one I'd highly recommend adding to your list if you're wanting to capture a more unique angle of the London Eye. Halfway down the staircase, you can line your camera up with the handrail and frame a beautiful shot with the London Eye sitting perfectly in the background. If you're wanting to impress after a trip to London, definitely get this spot on your list.
Top tips: A 16–35mm lens works brilliantly here. Plan to visit either on a sunny day or at blue hour for the best results.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
6. Street Lamp Look Up
This is hands down one of my favourite street shots I've ever taken in London. For this specific spot, you want to visit with the widest lens you have available. This particular shot was taken on a 10mm prime lens, just before blue hour – early enough to still have plenty of detail in the sky, but late enough that the lights in the buildings had started to come on.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
7. Watling Street
This is definitely one of my favourite frames of St Paul's Cathedral, and in general it's a brilliant little area for street photography. Line your camera up with the double yellow lines on the floor and they act as great leading lines heading all the way towards the cathedral. If you want to make the most of this spot, bear in mind that it gets quite busy during the week – particularly at lunchtime and after work. The sweet spots are 10–11:30am and 1:30–4pm on weekdays, or any time on the weekend.
Top tips: Bring a 24–70mm or a 70–200mm lens for the best results here.
Exact location: View on Google Maps
Take It Further
If this list has sparked something, the London Photo Locations Guide is the natural next step. It contains over 120 of the very best photography locations in London, highlighting the best angles to shoot from, exact GPS coordinates, and pro tips from someone who's been shooting in London for over 7 years. It's essentially everything I wish I'd had when I first started exploring the city with my camera.