7 Moments in London That Changed the Way I Travel
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Troy, Canada
Visited: April
Type of Traveler: Solo
Trip Vibe: Reflective, Cultural, Grounding
Traveler Details: Black Canadian | Mid-budget solo traveler | Style-conscious, observant, deeply curious | Drawn to cities with layered history and modern energy
First Impressions: Big City, Familiar Energy
I landed at Heathrow on a brisk April morning, unsure what to expect. London was one of those places I’d seen a thousand times through other people’s stories—but never my own.
Customs was smooth, the Tube was easy to navigate, and despite the gray skies, there was something warm in the rhythm of the city. As a Black traveler, I braced for stares. But instead, I blended in. That quiet sense of belonging was the first surprise London gave me.
Where I Stayed: Z Hotel Soho
I chose Z Hotel in Soho for two reasons: central location and affordability. It was small (very small), but modern, stylish, and right in the middle of the action.
Perfect for a solo traveler like me who didn’t plan to spend much time in the room. The staff was kind and accommodating, and walking out the door each morning into the pulse of the city was priceless.
Travel Tip: Book a hotel near a central Tube station. London’s public transport is top-tier, and it’ll save you both money and stress.
What I Loved: These 7 Moments Shifted My Entire Trip
1. Brixton Market & Hearing a Local Black Accent
I stopped mid-step when I heard a brother speak. Fast, confident, full of flavor. It was the first time I heard a Black British accent in person, and it hit me—this city has its own Black culture, and it’s deep.
2. Eating Jollof in Peckham
I found a Ghanaian restaurant through Instagram. One bite of that spicy jollof and I felt like I’d been hugged. No stares. No questions. Just flavor and familiarity.
3. A Vintage Jacket That Made Me Feel Seen
On Portobello Road, I tried on a black wool coat. A vendor smiled and said, “Now you look like you belong here.” That coat became my armor. My London skin.
4. Walking Through the British Museum (and Feeling Everything)
Seeing African artifacts behind glass brought up something I couldn’t ignore—grief, awe, rage. Travel isn’t always about joy. Sometimes it’s about confronting what was taken.
5. Getting Lost in Notting Hill
It was raining. My phone died. And yet, I felt… peace. No rush. No anxiety. Just me, wandering through pastel streets like a movie extra in my own story.
6. Seeing a Black Man Leave Parliament in a Suit
We locked eyes. Nodded. It was small—but powerful. Proof that we’re everywhere. That we’re thriving in places we were once excluded from.
7. Sitting Alone by the Thames at Night
Final night. City lights reflecting off the river. That moment wasn’t loud or dramatic—it was grounding. Travel changes you in stillness, too.
What I Wish I Knew Beforehand
• Pack layers. London weather shifts hourly—don’t trust the forecast.
• Eating out adds up fast. Grab groceries or try street food to save money.
• Not all “Black London” is the same. Explore beyond tourist hubs for deeper cultural connection—Brixton, Peckham, and Dalston are full of soul.
• Museums are free—but emotional. If you’re melanated, some exhibits may move you deeply. Give yourself space to process.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes — especially if you’re:
• A melanated solo traveler seeking identity and reflection
• Someone who wants both comfort and complexity
• Into history, street style, and cross-cultural Blackness
• Looking for a first international city that’s easy to navigate
London is layered. You won’t “see it all” in one trip. But you’ll feel a lot. And maybe, like me, you’ll leave with new eyes.
Final Travel Tips
• Buy an Oyster Card or use Apple Pay for Tube access — it’s the most efficient way to get around.
• Pack a stylish coat — Londoners will be dressed.
• Explore Black-owned restaurants and cafés — it’ll ground you in culture.
• Skip the London Eye and spend that time in Brixton or a quiet garden instead.
• Walk with a playlist — the city has its own soundtrack, and yours should match.
