72 Hours in London
Hi friends,
Normally as the year winds down, I take the time to reflect, set goals and intentions, and create a vision board. This year, like so many things from 2025, didn’t go as planned and I found myself with one of my best friends, on a last minute trip to London. When I was around 21, I saved everything I could to go for two weeks to Europe with one of my college friends. We visited London, Paris, Prague, and her hometown in Poland. It feels like it’s been a lifetime since then and my only remaining memories of London consist of a selfie outside Harrods, cheap hotel Afternoon Tea, quick pictures in front of Big Ben, and Carnaby Street.
This time around, I had my sights set on two things: Afternoon Tea and free museums.
Here’s what we managed to do with 72 hours in London:
London Day 1:
Breakfast at Abuelo Cafe: The pollo sandwich was really good and filling. Solid matcha latte, simple and foamy.
The National Gallery: Highlights included monet lilies, Van Gogh sunflowers, Degas ballerinas, Jan van Eyck's The Arnolfini Portrait. The mosaic tile work and marble columns at the exit were some of my favorite architectural details.
Cecil Court: A nice quick stop for antiques, art, and book window shopping.
Quick stop into The Liberty department store: Very charming and beautiful wood architecture.
Daunt Bookstore: A close equivalent to Shakespeare & Co. in Paris. I’m not a big reader but I love a charming bookstore. I bought a mini book bag as a souvenir. I’m a sucker for a cute branded tote bag.
Harrods Food Hall: From takeaway Indian food to an entire hall dedicated to chocolate, I could spend all day here (if I was rich enough) tasting the best that money has to offer. Per usual, I picked up a tin of Harrods shortbread for my mom.
The George Pub: Very cozy, inviting space with traditional British hospitality. Not sure if pub snacks are for me but I do love a cozy spot.
St. Christopher’s Inn: We stumbled upon this place while walking towards the tube. The live music cover set was a great way to end the night with joyful locals.
London Day 2:
Japan House: A great gem I stumbled upon on our way to afternoon tea. There’s a gallery downstairs that I missed that I’d love to go back to visit.
The Muffin Man: Originally, we were planning on going to Candella tea room, but it was fully booked so the staff working there advised us to go down the street to The Muffin Man. Despite the fairytale name, The Muffin Man was perfectly charming. The tea was simple yet delicious. No frills with a good price to match, about 20£ per person. The best deal in London.
The Victoria and Albert Museum: We were pressed for time by the time by the time we arrived at this museum, but I managed to see the Japan, China, Sculpture, Jewelry, and Stained Glass Halls. I was so amazed by how big this museum was. I could have easily spent half the day there.
A walk around Big Ben: Magical even at night and the clock face always reminds me so much of Peter Pan.
The Sun: As local’s pub in Clapham, it was completely dead when we arrived on a late Sunday night. But we still managed to slip in an order of Fish and Chips. A big fan of fish and chips, not so much the mushy peas.
London Day 3:
Tate Modern: I was also a bit rushed here but I still managed to see most of the collection. I love how Tate Modern drew different social themes and eras together blending the lines between the art itself and us as the viewers. I know contemporary and modern art is not for everyone but I find the concepts and expression behind it fascinating.
Last minute duty free shopping included Fortnum & Mason Christmas shortbread and a box of Breakfast tea.
Normally, I’m well researched and planned whenever I travel but since this trip was a bit more on the fly, it was nice to enjoy a bit of spontaneity and serendipity. Next time, I’d love to visit more vintage shops just to compare the selection from what we have here in Paris and I’d like to visit some smaller galleries not just museums. Since London is a neighbor to Paris, I take it a bit for granted that I can go there so easily even by train. So in the coming year, I hope to find myself back in London; especially since another dear friend of mine is moving there and I have my cousin living her best life in Scotland.
Wishing you a safe and promising start to the year.
Cheers,
Kiana
PS: Many thanks to Jackie for letting us crash at your place as well as Charlie for all her last minute recs as a my honorary British friend 🤍