everything I did in London
01: my 3 day (jammed) London itinerary as a solo traveler
If you’ve read my recent simple pleasures newsletters or have seen my posts on instagram, you know I took a solo trip to London for a few days at the end of June. It had been a long time since I visited the city of history, theatre and diversity. I studied English literature, but since I couldn’t afford a trip as a student, it had been a dream for me to return once I was older. Not that my financial means have skyrocketed now, but I booked a relatively cheap train ticket and instead splurged a little on accommodation. I decided to travel solo because I wanted to experience the freedom to follow my own interests.
At the bottom of this post, you will find my full list of recommendations, the things I’d do differently next time around and a list of places I wanted to visit but couldn’t fit into my schedule.
Arrival
Since I had a relatively cheap train ticket, I only arrived around 9 pm at King’s Cross station and from there made my way to the Airbnb I booked for the night in Notting Hill. It was a lovely and cozy place with my own bathroom and a cute dog that followed me around the common area. I was so exhilarated to be in London that, even though it was already getting late, I immediately went back out the door and explored the area. And then I did something I never expected myself to do: I went into a pub and ordered a pint. I couldn’t finish the (large) beer and made zero friends but was very proud of myself for getting out of my comfort zone.
Day 1 - Notting Hill and Regent’s Canal
Waking up in a new room and place is such a thrill - the slow realisation upon waking that you have a full day of unknown adventures awaiting you.
After getting a decaf flat white and yummy pastry at Layla Bakery, I headed for Portobello Road. I followed an amazing Notting Hill self-guided tour (tip for solo travelers!). I loved all the tucked-away mews with their cobbled streets, ironwork balconies and plants springing from just about everywhere. I stopped by the Reformation store, where I got some elegant summer tops. After a quick lunch at Gold, I picked up my bags at the Airbnb and checked into the Hoxton in Shepherd’s Bush, an understated and chique hotel with beautiful rooms, and my abode for the next three nights. I headed to Broadway Market where unfortunately most shops and stalls were already closing down, but I managed to have a little book browse in Artwords Bookshop and Donlon Books, pass the flower and food stalls, and enjoy the vibe of locals sitting down on benches having their afternoon pint. From there, I made my way over to the walkway next to Regent’s Canal and strolled for a while. I was surprised to find it looking a little like my current home, Amsterdam, with its canals and houseboats. The vibe was a lot more relaxed and green, however, and I savoured the afternoon sun on my walk. I had dinner at Dishoom (I loved the veggie samosas!) and then sat with my book on Primrose Hill, reading and watching the sun set.
Day 2 - Soho
From the Hoxton, I walked to Buns from Home (the cardamom bun is so good!). I then took the bus to Soho, where I mostly shopped and visited some iconic bookshops. I passed by the Mejuri store (a brand I love but had no idea also had a shop in London) and treated myself to a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings. Had some more buns after (but this time savory ones) from BAO and got ready back at the hotel for what may have been the highlight of my trip: The Phantom of the Opera musical. It's a musical close to my heart, one that has pulled me through some pretty tough times. It had been a dream of mine to see it live for over a decade and when the opening tune rang, my eyes immediately welled up.
Day 3 - Holland Park and Thames
After a quick breakfast at the hotel, I made my way to Holland Park, because I heard lovely things about the Kyoto garden in particular. Having lived in Tokyo for four years, I had missed the serenity of a Japanese garden and I just sat for a while reading and soaking up the sun. I then grabbed an iced matcha from Kuro and took the boat from Westminster Pier to the London Tower. I’m not one for doing super touristy things, especially if I’m not new to the place, but I love seeing a city from the water. It was also the perfect way to get to a cafe near London Tower, where I planned to meet a friend I knew from uni for some drinks and snacks. After having a lovely catch-up, I walked along the Thames and all the way back to the center of the city. I grabbed a few cookies from Ben’s Cookies (because yum) and then made my way to my second musical. While on the cruise earlier, I spontaneously booked myself a seat to Les Miserables, because I figured I should get the most out of my time. I got a cheaper ticket, but it turned out this was one of the best seats in the house, right on the balcony! I sat next to a nice man who also booked last-minute tickets and we bonded over our luck and love for live performances. The musical was another amazing experience, made even better by my kind companion.
I had to get up really early the next day to catch the train but I’m happy I was able to pack so much into my three days. That being said, there are a few things I’d do differently next time around.
Things I’d do differently next time
Pay a bit extra for better train times, because it was such a shame to have to go to bed immediately and to have to leave at the crack of dawn. The older I get, the more I need my sleep too
Dine early when going to a musical. Since I went to two musicals and had my itinerary stuffed to the brim, I found myself skipping dinner twice. Or consider a matinee performance
On that note, dine out more, because there are too many delicious-looking restaurants I missed out on
Booking a hotel near the station would have alleviated extra train time upon arrival and departure and would have helped me navigate to and from the musical buildings (or any other potential fun event) at night too
Avoid the underground and take the bus instead. The black soot in the tube is not a myth - it’s the only major annoyance I encountered
I wish I could have spent a whole day just browsing all the bookstores and libraries
The highlights
Buns from Home - the cardamom bun
Primrose Hill - at sunset
Broadway market - the better Portobello Road
The Phantom of the Opera - I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this masterpiece
Holland Park - the Kyoto Garden
Thames boat tour and walk
More recommendations
So many things on my list, so little time.
Cafes and bakeries
Restaurants
Places/Roads
General areas
Islington
Shoreditch
Chelsea
Hampstead
Stratford
So many ideas and recommendations in this post! I’m planning a two-day solo trip to London as well as there are so many art exhibitions I want to see. Your post is such an inspiration 😊
Beautiful!! Love your pictures