Solo Summer 2025 Days 67-71 : Five Nights in London: Museums, Markets, Musicals, and Michelin Stars

After a smooth arrival into London, I hopped into one of the city’s iconic black cabs and made my way to Flemings Mayfair, my home base for the next five nights. The hotel oozes charm and sophistication — a perfect fit for the refined elegance of the Mayfair neighborhood. Nestled between Hyde Park and Green Park, Mayfair is full of posh boutiques, polished Georgian architecture, quiet side streets, and upscale restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you might accidentally bump into a celebrity or two while sipping your espresso.

Night 1: Movies and Mayfair

That evening, I stayed local for dinner and then headed to the Curzon Mayfair — a beautifully restored vintage cinema that’s beloved for its intimate feel and high-end movie experience. Finally, being in an English-speaking country meant I could catch up on films without subtitles or dubs. First up: the new F1 movie. The theater was cozy, the sound was crisp, and the energy of the audience — full of fellow motorsports fans — was contagious. A perfect London welcome.

Day 2: Towers, Bridges, and Borough Market Bliss

After a leisurely breakfast, I took the Tube to the Tower of London. With the help of a rich and engaging audio guide, I spent over three hours exploring the fortress’s long, sometimes bloody history. From the glittering Crown Jewels to the chilling tales of royal intrigue and imprisonment, it was a deep dive into British history.

From there, I walked across the stunning Tower Bridge and then made my way to Borough Market — a food lover’s paradise. My strategy for choosing vendors? Find the longest line and get in it. That decision paid off with some of the best bites I’ve had in a while: unbelievably crispy pork belly, ultra-indulgent four-cheese mac and cheese, and chocolate-covered strawberries that were absolute perfection. I wandered the market stalls a bit longer, soaking in the aromas and buzzing atmosphere, before heading back to my hotel to recharge.

Day 3: Art, Cinema, and Cocktails

The day began with a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum — a personal favorite. The V&A is a treasure trove of design and decorative arts, housing everything from 15th-century sculptures to fashion through the ages, intricate jewelry, stained glass, and even historic stage costumes. The collection is huge and varied — I could have stayed all day admiring the craftsmanship and artistry.

With some time to spare before dinner, I caught Fantastic Four: Next Steps at a sleek, modern theater near Piccadilly Circus. The experience was ultra-modern — think plush seats, immersive sound, and an impressive snack selection. Afterward, I wandered a bit and stumbled across Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration. What a find! This bar is themed like a Victorian explorer’s club, complete with globes, artifacts, and quirky decor that transports you to a different era. The cocktails were as creative as the setting — I highly recommend trying one of their globe-trotting concoctions.

Dinner was at Cinnamon Bazaar, where Indian street food met modern flair. Every bite was bold and flavorful. Then, I capped the night with The Great Gatsby: The Musical. The costumes and set design were spectacular, the performances strong — though the songs left a bit to be desired. Still, it was a fun and glamorous evening.

Day 4: Formula One & Fine Dining

Sometimes, a lazy day is just what you need. I spent the morning doing laundry (even glamorous trips need clean socks!) and catching Formula One practice sessions. That evening, I dressed to the nines for a tasting menu at The Lecture Room and Library at Sketch, a three-Michelin-starred wonder. The room was stunning — a blend of classic elegance and whimsical design — and the food was nothing short of exceptional. Each bite was a miniature masterpiece, paired with wines that elevated every course. The service was flawless, and the entire experience was worth every bite.

Day 5: Theater, Tea, and Cheese Dreams

My final full day started with a relaxed morning of wandering and window shopping before heading to the Drury Lane Theatre for a very British experience: afternoon tea. The finger sandwiches, scones, and patisserie were divine — a perfect prelude to my Hercules: The Musical matinee. The show was pure fun, with standout performances by Meg and The Muses, who brought down the house with their powerhouse vocals and charisma.

Back at the hotel, I packed and got organized before heading downstairs for a final dinner at Ormer, Fleming Mayfair’s in-house restaurant. The service was impeccable, the dishes sophisticated and flavorful, and the cheese trolley… well, that deserves its own standing ovation. It was a phenomenal way to close out my time in London.

Next Stop: The High Seas

In the morning, I’ll check out and head to Southampton to board my next adventure — an 11-night cruise! London was everything I hoped for and more: historic, stylish, delicious, and full of surprises. I already can’t wait to return.