30+ Most Beautiful Places in London You Need to Visit!

Looking for the most beautiful places in London? You've come to the right place!

I lived in London for almost ten years, first as a student, then as a corporate girlie and finally as a content creator, so I had plenty of time to explore every corner of this beautiful city.

In this article I have included all of the most beautiful places you can visit in London, including a mix of iconic landmarks, picturesque streets, stunning parks and lesser-known hidden gems, along with practical information on how to get there, whether they're free to visit and the best time to go.

From the pastel-coloured houses of Notting Hill and the charming streets of Primrose Hill to the atmospheric ruins of St Dunstan in the East and the panoramic views from Greenwich Park, there are so many beautiful places in London worth exploring.

Whether you're visiting London for the first time, looking for somewhere new to explore as a local, or simply searching for the prettiest spots to add to your itinerary, I've put together this guide to some of the most beautiful places in the city.

Because 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.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and get ready to discover some of the prettiest places in London!

Map of the most beautiful places in London

Before we dive into the details of each place, I wanted to share with you a map of the most beautiful places in London, so that you can see visually where they are in the city, which will help you plan your London itinerary.

Summary of the most beautiful places to visit in London

Here is a little summary about each place, where it is in London and what makes it special, just so you can have a general idea before reading the detailed description and tips for each spot.

Place	Area	What to see	Best for
Primrose Hill Viewpoint	North London	Panoramic views across London's skyline from a beautiful green hill	Sunset & photography
Camden Lock Market	North London	Colourful canal-side market, narrowboats, street food and independent shops	Food & exploring
Chalcot Crescent	North London	Pretty pastel-coloured Victorian houses along a picturesque residential street	Architecture & photography
Alexandra Palace	North London	Grand Victorian palace surrounded by parkland, with sweeping views over London	Panoramic views & walks
Hampstead Heath	North London	Vast green spaces, woodland trails, swimming ponds and beautiful city views	Nature & outdoor escapes
Highgate Cemetery	North London	Atmospheric Victorian cemetery filled with elaborate tombs, mausoleums and Gothic architecture	History & architecture
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel	North London	Magnificent Victorian architecture and the famous grand staircase inside the hotel	Historic interiors & photography
One New Change	Central London	Rooftop terrace with a fantastic view of St Paul's Cathedral	City views & photography
Chinatown	Central London	Colourful Chinese gates, lanterns, decorated shopfronts and bustling streets	Culture & food
The Apple Market	Central London	Historic covered market in Covent Garden, with beautiful architecture and market stalls	Shopping & architecture
Neal's Yard	Central London	Hidden colourful courtyard filled with independent shops, cafés and restaurants	Photography & cafés
Houses of Parliament	Central London	Magnificent Gothic architecture along the River Thames, including the Palace of Westminster	Iconic landmarks & photography
Big Ben	Central London	London's famous clock tower, one of the most recognisable sights in the city	Iconic landmarks
Westminster Abbey	Central London	Stunning Gothic church with intricate stonework and centuries of royal history	History & architecture
Millennium Bridge	Central London	Modern pedestrian bridge offering beautiful views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Thames	Riverside walks & photography
Notting Hill	West London	Charming streets lined with pastel-coloured houses and beautiful Victorian architecture	Colourful streets & photography
Portobello Road Market	West London	Famous street market filled with antiques, vintage finds, colourful houses and food stalls	Shopping & street photography
South Kensington	West London	Elegant Victorian townhouses with beautiful façades, ornate balconies and grand entrances	Architecture & photography
Churchill Arms	West London	Historic pub famous for its spectacular floral displays covering the entire exterior	Photography & pub culture
Natural History Museum	West London	Impressive Romanesque architecture, intricate terracotta details and the spectacular Hintze Hall	Architecture & museums
Victoria and Albert Museum	West London	Beautiful historic building with ornate interiors, grand staircases and impressive collections	Art, design & architecture
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew	West London	Stunning botanical gardens, historic glasshouses, colourful flower displays and tree-lined avenues	Nature & photography
Richmond Park	South-West London	Vast natural parkland with ancient trees, open landscapes and roaming herds of deer	Nature & wildlife
Kyoto Garden	West London	Peaceful Japanese garden with a waterfall, koi carp, stone lanterns and beautifully landscaped greenery	Gardens & peaceful escapes
Tower Bridge	East London	Iconic Victorian bascule bridge with its distinctive towers and beautiful Thames views	Iconic landmarks & photography
Old Royal Naval College	Greenwich	Magnificent Baroque architecture, riverside buildings and the famous Painted Hall	History & architecture
Greenwich Park	Greenwich	Beautiful historic park with sweeping views across London and the Old Royal Naval College	Scenic walks & city views
Leadenhall Market	City of London	Ornate Victorian covered market with colourful shopfronts, intricate ironwork and a glass roof	Architecture & photography
Sky Garden	City of London	Tropical indoor garden with panoramic views across London's skyline	Rooftop views & photography
Hay's Galleria	South Bank	Beautiful covered riverside arcade with a striking glass roof and historic warehouse architecture	Architecture & riverside walks
St Dunstan in the East Church	City of London	Atmospheric ruins of a medieval church transformed into a garden, with ivy-covered stone walls	Hidden gems & photography

Beautiful places in London – Central London

St Paul’s Cathedral (from One New Change)

• Scenery: The magnificent dome of St Paul's Cathedral reflected in the modern glass façade of One New Change.
• Best for: Architectural photography and unique perspectives of one of London's most iconic landmarks.
• Cost: Free to enjoy the exterior viewpoint. Entering St Paul's Cathedral requires a ticket, except for worship services.
• Nearest station: St Paul's (Central Line).
• Best time to visit: Sunny days for the best reflections, ideally in the morning or late afternoon.

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. You can also go to the rooftop of One New Change for one of the best views in London.

Chinatown

• Scenery: Colourful Chinese lanterns, traditional ornamental gates, vibrant shopfronts and lively streets.
• Best for: Street photography, food, cultural experiences and exploring London's multicultural side.
• Cost: Free to explore; food and shopping are extra.
• Nearest station: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines).
• Best time to visit: Evening, when the lanterns are illuminated, or during Chinese New Year for the decorations and celebrations.

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

• Scenery: An elegant historic market hall with beautiful architecture, decorative details, market stalls and lively surrounding streets.
• Best for: Shopping, street photography, food and people-watching.
• Cost: Free entry; shopping and food are extra.
• Nearest station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line).
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience, or around Christmas for the festive decorations.

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

• Scenery: A tiny colourful courtyard filled with pastel-coloured buildings, independent shops, cafés and plants.
• Best for: Colourful photography, cute cafés and discovering hidden corners of London.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food are extra.
• Nearest station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), approximately 5 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid the crowds.

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

• Scenery: Impressive Gothic Revival architecture, intricate stonework and the iconic Elizabeth Tower overlooking the River Thames.
• Best for: Iconic London photography, architecture and sightseeing.
• Cost: Free to admire from outside; guided tours of Parliament are ticketed.
• Nearest station: Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle Lines).
• Best time to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds, or blue hour when the buildings are illuminated.

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.

Big Ben is one of those iconic London sights, which features on every London bucket list, but it can look a bit awkward in photos. If you're looking for the best angles to capture photos of it, in my opinion these are the best photo angles of Big Ben:

Under the arch of Westminster Bridge: Head down to the South Bank side of Westminster Bridge and find the pedestrian passage underneath it. Stand beneath the stone arch to get Big Ben perfectly framed in the opening. The exact spot is here.

By the London Eye, on the South Bank: Head towards County Hall and the riverside promenade near the London Eye. From here, you can capture the curve of the London Eye alongside Big Ben across the Thames, giving you two of London's most recognisable landmarks in one shot. 

From Westminster Bridge: Walk onto Westminster Bridge and position yourself to capture Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament behind you. For that quintessential London photograph, wait for a classic red double-decker bus to drive past and catch it in the frame! 

By the red telephone box: Head to Great George Street, near Parliament Square, on the north side of Big Ben. There's a famous red telephone box here that makes the perfect foreground for a photo, with the Elizabeth Tower rising behind it. It's one of those classic London photo opportunities! Here is the exact location of the phone box.

My tip: Visit early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds, particularly at the red phone box and under the bridge arch. The South Bank arch is also a brilliant spot for sunset photography.

Westminster Abbey

• Scenery: Magnificent Gothic architecture, intricate stone carvings, stained-glass windows and historic cloisters.
• Best for: History, architecture, royal heritage and photography.
• Cost: Free to admire from outside; visiting the interior requires a paid ticket, except for worship services.
• Nearest station: Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle Lines).
• Best time to visit: Early morning for exterior photographs; allow more time if you plan to explore inside.

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

• Scenery: A striking pedestrian suspension bridge with views along the Thames and directly towards St Paul's Cathedral.
• Best for: City photography, riverside walks and iconic London skyline views.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest station: Blackfriars (Circle and District Lines), or Mansion House (Circle and District Lines).
• Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for beautiful lighting and fewer pedestrians.

Photography tip: Walk to the southern end of the bridge and frame St Paul's Cathedral in the centre for a particularly beautiful symmetrical shot.

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

• Scenery: Beautiful Victorian townhouses, pastel-coloured façades, charming residential streets and the lively Portobello Road.
• Best for: Photography, architecture, shopping and exploring one of London's prettiest neighbourhoods.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and market purchases are extra.
• Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District Lines).
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for quieter streets; Saturday for the famous Portobello Road Market.

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

• Scenery: Elegant Victorian townhouses with white façades, decorative columns, intricate balconies and beautiful residential streets.
• Best for: Architecture, photography and leisurely neighbourhood walks.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest station: South Kensington (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines).
• Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon when the streets are quieter.

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

• Scenery: A traditional British pub covered in an extraordinary display of flowers and greenery, with beautiful seasonal decorations.
• Best for: Photography, architecture, pub culture and Christmas decorations.
• Cost: Free to admire the exterior; food and drinks are paid.
• Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District Lines).
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for the flowers, or December for the spectacular Christmas decorations.

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

• Scenery: A magnificent Romanesque Revival building with intricate terracotta architecture, a grand entrance hall and impressive galleries.
• Best for: Architecture, history, photography and exploring one of London's most beautiful museums.
• Cost: Free general admission; some exhibitions and special events are ticketed.
• Nearest station: South Kensington (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines).
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds.

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

• Scenery: Beautiful botanical gardens, Victorian glasshouses, colourful flower displays, landscaped gardens and peaceful woodland paths.
• Best for: Nature lovers, photography, botanical collections and relaxing outdoor walks.
• Cost: Paid entry; tickets should be booked in advance.
• Nearest station: Kew Gardens (District Line and Overground), approximately 5 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Spring for flowering magnolias and cherry blossoms, or summer for lush greenery and colourful flower displays.

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

• Scenery: One of London's most iconic landmarks, with magnificent Victorian Gothic towers, suspension elements and views along the Thames.
• Best for: Photography, architecture, riverside walks and iconic London views.
• Cost: Free to admire from outside and walk across; visiting the exhibition and glass walkways requires a paid ticket.
• Nearest station: Tower Hill (District and Circle Lines) or London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee Lines).
• Best time to visit: Sunset, particularly from the north-eastern riverbank for beautiful views of the bridge and the Shard.

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.

Old Royal Naval College & Greenwich Park

• Scenery: Grand Baroque architecture, the famous Painted Hall, riverside views and expansive parkland overlooking London's skyline.
• Best for: Architecture, history, scenic walks and panoramic city views.
• Cost: Free to explore Greenwich Park and the exterior grounds of the college; the Painted Hall requires a paid ticket.
• Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR) for the Old Royal Naval College, or Greenwich (National Rail and DLR).
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for the gardens, or late afternoon for the views from Greenwich Park.

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

• Scenery: A beautiful covered Victorian market with ornate ironwork, colourful shopfronts, decorative ceilings and cobbled walkways.
• Best for: Architecture, photography, shopping and Harry Potter fans.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food are extra.
• Nearest station: Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City and DLR), approximately 5 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Weekends for quieter surroundings, or Christmas for the festive decorations.

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.

Sky Garden

• Scenery: A spectacular indoor tropical garden on the upper floors of the Walkie Talkie building, with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views across London.
• Best for: Skyline photography, city views, rooftop experiences and sunset drinks.
• Cost: Free general admission with a pre-booked ticket; restaurants, bars and special events are paid.
• Nearest station: Monument (District and Circle Lines).
• Best time to visit: Sunset for spectacular views as the city lights up.

Tip: Free tickets are released in advance, generally up to three weeks ahead, book well in advance as it sells out quickly.

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

• Scenery: The atmospheric ruins of a medieval church, with ivy-covered stone walls, Gothic arches and a beautiful garden growing amongst the remains.
• Best for: Photography, architecture, peaceful escapes and discovering hidden corners of London.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest station: Monument (District and Circle Lines), approximately 5 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer when the greenery is at its best; early morning for fewer visitors.

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

• Scenery: A beautiful covered riverside arcade with a glass vaulted roof, historic warehouse architecture and decorative central sculpture.
• Best for: Architecture, photography, riverside walks and finding somewhere to eat or drink.
• Cost: Free to explore; food, drinks and shopping are extra.
• Nearest station: London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee Lines), approximately 5 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Weekends for a quieter atmosphere, or weekdays around lunchtime for a livelier experience.

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.

Beautiful places in London – North London

Primrose Hill

• Scenery: Panoramic views across London's skyline, rolling green parkland and mature trees.
• Best for: Sunset, picnics, photography and city views.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest station: Chalk Farm (Northern Line), approximately 10 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Late afternoon or sunset, particularly on a clear day.

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

• Scenery: Colourful canal-side markets, historic industrial buildings, narrowboats and lively street scenes.
• Best for: Street photography, food, shopping and exploring London's alternative side.
• Cost: Free entry; food and shopping are extra.
• Nearest station: Camden Town (Northern Line), approximately 5 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds; weekends for the liveliest atmosphere.

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 to be as a student in London.

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.

Alexandra Palace

• Scenery: A grand Victorian palace surrounded by expansive parkland, with sweeping views across London.
• Best for: Panoramic city views, architecture, outdoor walks and photography.
• Cost: Free to explore the park and enjoy the exterior; some events and activities inside the palace are ticketed.
• Nearest station: Alexandra Palace (National Rail), approximately 10–15 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Sunset for the views, or a sunny afternoon to explore the park.

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.

The colourful houses of Chalcot Crescent

• Scenery: Elegant Victorian townhouses arranged around a curved street, with beautiful pastel-coloured façades and architectural details.
• Best for: Photography, architecture and pretty London streets.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest station: Chalk Farm (Northern Line), approximately 8 minutes' walk.
• Best time to visit: Morning for softer light and fewer people.

Tip: This is a residential street, so be respectful of residents when taking photographs.

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!

Hampstead Heath

• Scenery: Vast green spaces, woodland trails, swimming ponds and beautiful countryside-like landscapes, all within London.
• Best for: Nature lovers, scenic walks, swimming and panoramic city views.
• Cost: Free to enter the heath; swimming ponds and some facilities require payment.
• Nearest station: Hampstead Heath (Overground) or Hampstead (Northern Line), depending on which part you want to visit.
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for greenery and swimming, or autumn for beautiful foliage.

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

• Scenery: Atmospheric Victorian tombs, elaborate mausoleums, Gothic architecture and overgrown pathways surrounded by nature.
• Best for: History, unusual architecture, photography and peaceful walks.
• Cost: Paid entry. Different tickets and tours are available for the East and West Cemeteries.
• Nearest station: Archway (Northern Line), approximately 15 minutes' walk uphill.
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for lush greenery, or autumn for a particularly atmospheric experience.

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

• Scenery: An ornate Victorian staircase featuring dramatic architecture, rich red carpets, decorative ironwork and tall windows.
• Best for: Architecture, luxury interiors and photography.
• Cost: Free for hotel guests
• Nearest station: King's Cross St Pancras.
• Best time to visit: During quieter daytime hours.

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.

Frequently asked questions about the most beautiful places in London

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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