Instagram walking route – City of London

Last updated: 15 July 2023

Instagram has got to be one of my favourite social media platforms. I love it.  I love the visual aspect of going to a new place and just throwing yourself into every landmark or that yummy street food you just have to share.

London is a huge city and when I first arrived I didn’t know where to start. To take the burden out of it, I’ve put together a sample Instagram walking route to guide you through London based on location.

First up is the City of London.  Loosely labelled here, however technically the City of London is a settlement by the Romans in the 1st century AD to the Middle Ages of the name, Londinium. Geographically it starts from the Tower of London, heads east as far as Middle Temple, up to Chancery Lane and Liverpool Street Station.

Keep an eye out for the Dragons that mark the border and the motto for the City of London;

“Domine dirige nos” – “Lord, direct (guide) us.”

Jumping off at Aldgate tube we start our Instagram walking route at The Gherkin. A popular feature on the London skyline, it’s worth noting The Gherkin is an office building and not open to the public.

Take a stroll South, towards the Tower of London, take a wander through the Trinity Square Gardens, London Wall & Tower of London Park.  The best locations for your Instagram depends on the time of day. Try along London Wall or from the walkway opposite St Katherine’s Way on the south side of the Tower of London.

Walk across the east walkway of Tower Bridge.  Stop along the bridge and choose your Instagram spot.  If lighting is good, you can include City Hall or The Shard in your Instagram.

At the end of the bridge, take the stairs on your right, down to the waters edge. Potters Fields Park is a nice place to have a rest.  Grab a coffee and watch the world go by.  From here, snap a selfie with City Hall, or if time allows, go inside for a unique view and the amazing staircases.

Walk along the water, past HMS Belfast until you reach the pier.  The Shard is your next destination.  At time of writing, much construction is taking place around London Bridge Station.  Due to this and the size of this construction, it’s best shot from London Bridge.

If time permits…

If time permits and you’re on the right day (Wed-Sat, 10am-5pm) take a wander to Borough Market one of London’s best food markets.  It’s a haven for food lovers around the globe. Freshly shucked oysters, artisan baked goods, charcuterie with cured meats from the Continent.  Now’s the time to snap your favourite street food or the vibrant colours of the fruit & veg stalls.

By now you should have a full belly and in the need for a leisurely stroll.  Head for London Bridge, find a spot along the eastern footpath to snap your Instagram of The Shard.   

Exit the bridge and keep walking towards Monument station.  Sandwiched between buildings is The Monument, a Doric column standing to commemorate to the Great Fire of London in 1666.  If you’re feeling fit, you can climb the stairs to the top for a fee.

The final stop on this route is 20 Fenchurch Street, fondly known as the Walkie Talkie. If you book in advance, you can go up to the Sky Garden for free.  Or head up and grab a drink from the bar, it’s well worth it! Time to have a rest, soak in your day and likely charge your phone!

Want a quick escape?

Your nearest Tube station is Monument.  Bank is a ten minute walk.

The Essentials

Instagram walking route – the hit list

• The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe EC3A 8EP
• Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
• City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA
• The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
• Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
• The Monument (to the Great Fire of London), Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH

Insider tip

• Feel free to skip landmarks as you wish, but I’ve tried to ensure the Instagram walking route does start & finish near a Tube station.
• As this is an outdoor activity, it’s safe to assume that these are best done on dry days unless you have a waterproof camera and don’t mind getting wet.