London
Intro
So let’s talk about London. The grand, chaotic, royal mess that is London. It’s one of the most iconic cities in Europe—maybe the world. A proper tier-zero city. A full-blown metropolis. Massive. I was there at the beginning of March for a few days, then again toward the end of March for a few more. All in all, probably about a week.
But here’s the real question: Is it actually great? Is London truly one of the world’s best cities? Is it a place I’d actually want to live?
Stay tuned, stay tuned…
People & Demographics
Alright, first category: people and demographics.
London is ridiculously international. Like, ridiculously. Probably even more globalized than New York City, in my opinion. In Manhattan, most people still kinda feel like New Yorkers—besides the Times Square tourists, obviously. But London? Nah, it’s just the full international buffet. You got everyone there. It’s Europe-adjacent, close to the Middle East, near Africa. Naturally, a lot of people have made their way over. It’s probably the most diverse place I’ve ever been.
Downside? If you’re expecting Harry Potter-style cobblestone vibes and red phone booths on every corner… those days are gone. That version of “British” London probably faded out like 30 years ago.
Actual British people? Hard to say. Really depends on the area. My very rough estimate: 20% are actually British. In some areas, it’s zero. In others, it might be 70%. Race-wise? Maybe half white, and the rest a mix—African, Indian, Middle Eastern, you name it.
People weren’t mean, but it’s got that big city energy. Everyone’s in a rush. No one’s really chatting. I didn’t have any bad interactions, but I also wasn’t exactly socializing with every Tube rider. I’m a tall dude and solo, so I blend in pretty easily. That helps.
The only real interactions I had were with my Couchsurfing hosts—both great. One was a history teacher, department head, 56 years old, super chill. The other guy worked in publishing (semi-retired, living the good life). Both were kind and not the least bit arrogant.
Rating: 3/5
Price
Let’s talk about money—and prepare to cry.
London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Maybe only Switzerland and parts of Norway top it. Airbnb in the center? You’re looking at over $2,000, possibly $3,000 a month. Just a room might set you back $1,500.
Food? Not crazy bad. Drinks are okay, groceries are manageable. Not cheap, but not ruin-your-soul expensive. I actually liked the grocery stores—decent selection, and not too overpriced.
Where they get you is public transport. The Tube isn’t cheap. The bus? Slightly better. But trains? Oof. The train from the airport to the city center was around $20 for 20 minutes. And my commuter train from Waterloo to the suburbs where I stayed? $12–14 one-way.
So yeah, housing and transportation will definitely bleed your wallet dry.
Rating: 1/5
Weather
I was there in March and I think I got pretty lucky—it was decent. Still cold, coat weather, but not miserable. That said, London is famously gloomy. If you’re expecting blue skies, prepare to be disappointed. Lots of gray. Lots of drizzle. Classic northern Europe weather.
If your mood depends on sunshine… might wanna factor that in.
Rating: 2/5
Tourism
Look, London is one of the top tourist cities in the world. Probably only Paris gets more attention. You’ve got the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Parliament… the whole royal historical thing.
I didn’t do a ton of touristy stuff. I usually skip museums unless I’m in the mood or with someone. But trust me, there’s plenty to do if you’re into that kind of thing.
Also, just walking around is its own experience. History is everywhere. Every building feels like it could be 400 years old or recently used in a Sherlock Holmes film.
Rating: 5/5
Nightlife
Okay, so I stayed in Camden Town—unintentionally—which turns out to be a nightlife hotspot. I didn’t even know. My host was like, “You going out tonight?” and I was like, “Nah man, I just got off a bus from Liverpool.”
That said, I could have. Nightlife is everywhere. London is like New York—20 different neighborhoods, all with their own scene. Bars, clubs, live music, underground parties—it’s infinite. But that’s also the issue: too many options, too spread out.
So I didn’t really dive into the nightlife, but I can confidently say: if you want nightlife, it’s there.
Rating: 3/5
City Layout
Oh boy.
London is… messy. It’s like a big circle with no real center. No grid system. No order. Just a big, chaotic sprawl. Piccadilly Circus might sort of be a center? Maybe?
It’s just massive. Too big for its own good. And that’s why I personally prefer smaller cities—places with under 1 million people. London’s 10 million+ energy is overwhelming.
Rating: 2/5
Public Transport
We covered the pricing (spoiler: not great), but the system itself is solid. The Tube has newer lines and older lines. Not the easiest system in the world, but not the hardest either. I only got lost once—think it was the black line? Northern Line maybe?
Google Maps directions work fine, so you’re good.
And then you’ve got the red double-decker buses. Love those things. Iconic, everywhere, kind of goofy in the best way. I managed to snag a front seat on the top deck once and got a killer view. Big fan.
Commuter trains? Expensive but efficient. And then Ubers/Bolts? Also expensive—shocker.
Rating: 4/5
Food
Okay. I’m not a foodie. Half because I’m frugal (okay, cheap), and half because I have commitment issues when it comes to restaurants. I read Google reviews like a maniac and get anxiety over choosing a place. Also, I’m picky about seed oils. Don’t judge.
I ate out once—mash and meat pie from a place called Mother Mash. It was okay at the time… and questionable a few hours later. Something sketchy was definitely lurking in there.
But food-wise, London’s got everything. It’s so international, you can get any cuisine—Thai, Indian, Italian, French, you name it. British food itself? Yeah, it’s mostly beans, toast, and weird breakfasts. But I kinda like it. Simpler. No surprises. Steak and potatoes kind of guy.
Rating: 4/5
Dating
Dating in London? I didn’t really try.
To be honest, I’d need to spend a full month there to even scratch the surface. Dating apps in big cities like London (or New York) are just chaos. Everyone’s talking to 20 people at once, lining up three dates a week, swiping like they’re managing a stock portfolio. It’s exhausting.
Also, geography matters. If your match lives across the city, that could mean an hour-and-a-half commute—each way. So, no thanks.
Street approaches? Probably a no-go. Everyone’s too busy, too corporate, too plugged in. It’s not the friendliest setup for spontaneous romance.
So yeah, dating is possible—but expect stiff competition and some logistical hurdles.
Rating: 2/5
Safety
This is a big one. Safety can make or break a city.
In central London, I felt okay. Even walking around Camden at night didn’t feel horrible—bit sketchy, but manageable. That said, I’m a tall guy. My experience might not be the same as, say, a solo female traveler.
London’s got some issues—phone snatching is real. Lots of videos out there showing dudes on scooters grabbing phones out of people’s hands. Knife crime is a thing, especially in certain areas like parts of South or East London.
So stay in the safe zones, keep your phone close, and don’t wander into dodgy neighborhoods. Pretty simple.
Rating: 3/5
Final Thoughts
London is massive, messy, diverse, expensive, historical, and chaotic. It’s got everything—good and bad. Personally, I don’t think I’d live there. It’s just too much. But to visit? Absolutely. You could spend a year there and still not see it all.
So is it great? Yeah. In its own, overwhelming, rain-soaked, overpriced way… it kinda is.
