Visiting London as a Directioner is such a unique experience. To make sure you don’t miss any One Direction related hotspots in London, follow my travel guide!
“London is quite… big”, Harry Styles. And yes, that’s definitely true. But it’s not just big. It’s full of memories, especially if you’re a 1D fan. While searching for all the places the boys have been to, my list of One Direction hotspots kept growing and growing. Now, I’m sooo ready to share it with you! This is your complete list of must-visit locations as a fan.
From one Directioner to another, let’s get started!
To make things clearer, I created four categories: music video locations first, then merch spots, favourite food places, and exclusive fan hotspots.
Music Video Locations
Take Me Home – Telephone Box
Remember 1D’s second album? The iconic Take Me Home cover features a classic red telephone box, now located at the Hard Rock Cafe near Piccadilly Circus. Visit the cafe and find the box close to the entrance. Take your time and touch it, read the sign and take pictures. It was amazing!
Location: Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus
*Since the Hard Rock Cafe is such an iconic spot for travellers and can be found all over the world, it’s sometimes hard to get a clear overview of their locations, updates, and the community around them. That’s why I was so excited to come across the blog traveling is our passion. In their post they share everything you need to know about the Hard Rock Cafe, with regular updates.
Their posts are fun to scroll through and packed with useful informations. You can really tell they’re passionate about what they do. Definitely check them out if you’re planning a trip or just love travel content as much as I do!
Click here to view the Hard Rock Cafe post – travelingisourpassion.com
As It Was – Music Video Location
Another spot where I literally freaked out. It looks exactly like you’re in the middle of the music video. After searching for quite some time, we found the exact location where “As It Was” was filmed. It’s in the Barbican Centre and a little hard to find. I’m not able to give you the exact location, but search for the Lakeside Terrace at the Barbican Centre and just walk straight in one direction to get to the spot (when you look at the “lake,” turn left and then walk straight).
Recreate a few of the shots from the music video, it’s so worth it and so much fun! I’m even a little annoyed that I didn’t watch the video again before, to recreate the last scene exactly the same way. But I’m still happy with the results.
Location: Barbican Centre
Nice To Meet Ya – Door From the First Clip
Never been so happy to see a door. The beginning of Niall Horan’s “Nice To Meet Ya” music video was filmed exactly at this location. Another amazing spot to recreate that exact part of the video. It’s located close to Piccadilly Circus, so just walk around the area and make a quick stop by the door.
That’s what I really loved about these places. They’re right in the middle of the city, and it’s so easy to do all your planned activities and add in one 1D hotspot after another.
Location: 36 Jermyn Street
One Way Or Another – Black Door
Also very much iconic is the door from the “One Way or Another” music video. The original location is 10 Downing Street. Since it’s the official residence and office of the Prime Minister, the street is actually closed to the public. That’s why we weren’t able to get to the door, but there’s another one that looks very similar and is used by fans to take pictures. You’ll find it at 10 Adam Street.
Location: original – 10 Downing Street / unofficial, but similar: 10 Adam Street
One Thing – Performance with Fans
Another gem from my One Direction Guide to London is located at the Trafalgar Square. This one is also a place you can just pass by and take a quick look. There was construction work going on when we visited, which was a bit disappointing, but it was still a nice location. It offered a really sweet view of the Elizabeth Tower.
Location: Trafalgar Square
One Thing – Park and Stairs
Located in Battersea Park, you’ll find the stairs and park areas from “One Thing”. Use the entrance at Albert Gate and go straight to find the spot immediately. It’s nice to just stay and enjoy some time in the park.
Location: Battersea Park, enter at Albert Gate
Midnight Memories – Scenes from the Tower Bridge
Iconic in many ways. This spot is obviously more crowded, and only a few will walk this bridge while thinking of Midnight Memories. I was one of them. I am so obsessed with all the videos from people who filmed a short clip at night on the Tower Bridge. Sadly, our timetable didn’t allow me to visit it at night, but that would definitely be my recommendation.
Location: Tower Bridge
One Thing / One Way Or Another – Red Double-Decker Bus
What would London be without the red double-decker buses? I can really recommend taking a ride and enjoying the views from the upper deck. Some scenes from 1D music videos even feature them, so it’s a must for any fan!
Merch Stops
Camden Market
Very famous for fan merch is Camden Market and it didn’t disappoint. You’ll find everything from keychains, caps, magnets, pins, tote bags, jean jackets, coasters, vinyls (even unreleased versions)… there’s so much to discover. And the best thing is: most of it is artist-related. Two names that are really present are Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, but you’ll also find merch for 1D and the solo members, Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams, Conan Gray, and many more.
The only thing is, I would’ve wished for a bit more variety. After walking from store to store, I realised a lot of them offered very similar, or even exactly the same merch.
Pop Up Stores
This one comes with a bit of luck. If any of the boys are planning a pop-up store, you can be sure there will be one in London. Always check if there’s an active one you can visit, for example, the Pleasing pop-up!
Food faves
Nando’s: Niall’s order
Nando’s, also known as Niall’s favourite food spot, is a fan favourite too. After Niall once shared his go-to meal, a lot of people started ordering his exact order. Get ready to take notes, because the moment you’re at the counter, remember this: double breasted chicken wrap, medium, with halloumi cheese. Peri fries with Perinaise.
How Matcha Marylebone: Harry’s recommendation
A matcha spot recommendation from a good friend, aka Harry Styles. This isn’t from an official statement, but I saw a TikTok where someone talked about it, and there are pictures of Harry carrying a How Matcha cup. If I remember correctly, the workers said Harry sometimes stops by to get matcha. He usually orders either the Iced Dirty Matcha or the Spanish Latte. Whether this info is 100% true or not, I’d definitely recommend visiting How Matcha in Marylebone. The store is such a vibe, and the matcha tastes amazing! They also have amazing pastries, some are even vegan. I got the banana bread and really loved it!
Exclusive Fan Hotspots
Harry Styles Wax Figure – Madame Tussauds
Popular as always is Madame Tussauds. Outside is a big picture of Harry’s wax figure, with a picture hanging upside down next to him, referring to the album cover of Harry’s House. Go inside and find a life-sized Harry Styles. Sadly, 1D is no longer represented in London’s Madame Tussauds.
Harry’s Patchwork Cardigan – Victoria and Albert Museum
A famous fashion choice I still talk about today is the JW Anderson Patchwork Cardigan, which Harry wore for a rehearsal. You can easily find this cardigan in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The best part? It’s free to visit. We just went inside, searched for the cardigan, and left shortly after since we weren’t too interested in the other exhibitions.
Wow, this list turned out quite long! The great thing about all these hotspots is that they’re spread around the city, so you can easily visit one spot after another while doing the usual sightseeing.
Travel tip: I made a Google Maps list for the 1D locations and another for all the sightseeing spots. That way, I could see exactly where everything was located and plan which area to visit next.
With this One Direction guide to London, you’re fully ready to enjoy your trip without missing any related hotspots! For more London travel tips, check out these two blog posts:
8 Surprising Hidden Gems in London I Didn’t Plan to Visit
How to Prepare for a Budget Trip to London: 7 Things to Know
I’d like to end this post with Harry’s words:
“London, I wanna kiss every single one of you. Go crazy.”
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be "stardust" – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be “stardust” – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
