While London has never quite made its way onto my list of favorite cities, it’s still a place filled with memories and moments that pull me back. The last time I wandered its streets was in October of 2019—another lifetime ago—so when a friend invited me to tag along on her work trip, I didn’t even hesitate. Yes. Absolutely yes. There were so many things I’d been longing to see, taste, and revisit, and after so many years, it felt like the right time to explore London all over again.
A Chinatown Craving Six Years in the Making
First on my list? My very first proper Chinese meal in London’s Chinatown. Despite previous visits, I had somehow never actually tried London Chinese food before. So my friend and I headed straight there, slipping under lanterns and neon shop signs until we found the perfect spot. The food was everything I hoped for: flavorful, comforting, and absolutely worth the wait.
And because TikTok has way too much power over my life, I couldn’t leave London without grabbing a sausage roll from Gregg’s. Influencers rave about them constantly, and honestly? They deserve the hype. Warm, flaky, classic, and very, very British.
Falling in Love With Art All Over Again
Later that day, I made my way to The Wallace Collection to finally see The Swing in person. I’d admired it in books and online, but standing before it felt like stepping straight into a Rococo daydream: the colors, the softness, the playfulness—breathtaking. I could have stayed there all afternoon.
The Heartbreak of Lady Jane Grey
The next morning began at the National Gallery, where I sought out what I consider one of the most heartbreaking paintings in London: The Execution of Lady Jane Grey. As my friend and I searched for Room 38, she suddenly stopped and whispered, “Woah… what is that?”
There she was.
Lady Jane Grey.
I gasped, “Oh my gosh, it’s her!” We stood in silence, taking in the tragedy and beauty of the piece. It was emotional, heavy, and unforgettable. I must have spent twenty minutes just absorbing it.
ABBA Voyage: A Pop-Music Fever Dream
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: ABBA Voyage. I’ve wanted to see it since the day it was announced, and let me tell you… ABBA does not disappoint. Their music is pure joy, pure sparkle, pure nostalgia, even for a time I never lived through. Every major hit filled the arena—Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Waterloo—and I sang and danced like no one was watching. It was magical, uplifting, and absolutely one of the highlights of the entire trip.
An Afternoon at Borough Market
One of the unexpected joys of this visit was spending a long, slow afternoon wandering around Borough Market. The energy, the smells, the little food stalls tucked into every corner, it was such a fun (and delicious) way to experience the city. I nibbled, sampled, and happily grazed my way through the market, savoring everything London’s food scene had to offer.
A Royal Goodbye at Harrods
On my last day in London, I wrapped things up with the most quintessential experience: afternoon tea at Harrods. The tearoom is elegant in that polished, distinctly British way, and the service was outstanding. The teas, sandwiches, scones, and pastries – perfection.
After tea, I wandered through the store and shopped with the confidence of someone who thinks they’re royalty. My bank account may disagree, but honestly… when in London, right?
Until Next Time, London
In just a few days, London fed me, moved me, dazzled me, and emptied my wallet, and honestly, I loved every second of it. From Chinatown bites to ABBA nights and quiet moments with masterpieces, the city showed me once again that it’s impossible to leave without wishing for just one more day. Until next time, London… you’ve still got it.
xoxo
Travel. Beach. Love.
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