So Long, London? Not Yet — A Taylor Swift Travel Guide to England’s Capital
“We can go drivin’ in, on my scooter. Uh, you know, just ‘round London”
Curious to see London through Taylor Swift’s eyes? Then London Boy is the perfect place to start. This playful song from the Lover album is basically a love letter to the city—packed with charming neighborhoods, adventures, and local spots. From Hampstead Heath to Camden Market, Highgate to the West End, Taylor name-drops some of London’s most iconic spots.
When this song came out, a lot of Londoners joked that there’s no way to visit all these places in one day. Honestly, I’m not sure where that story started—Taylor never said it was meant to be done in a single day. But I’m here to guarantee you there’s absolutely no way to do it all in one day (and you shouldn’t try!). Instead, take your time and enjoy each spot.
This guide focuses mostly on London Boy, but I’ve also included other spots Taylor mentions in her songs. I’ll take you through each location, share tips on what to do there, and help you explore London from a Swiftie’s perspective. Whether you’ve been a fan forever or just want a fun way to see the city, this guide is your chance to walk in Taylor’s footsteps and find your own magic along the way. Plus, at the end, I’ll share a suggested itinerary to help you get the most out of your trip and hit all these great spots without missing a beat.
Ready for it?! Let’s first take a look at the lyrics and the spots we will cover in this guide:
We can go drivin' in, on my scooter
Uh, you know, just riding in London
Alright
I love my hometown as much as Motown, I love SoCal
And you know I love Springsteen, faded blue jeans, Tennessee whiskey
But something happened, I heard him laughing
I saw the dimples first and then I heard the accent
They say home is where the heart is
But that's not where mine lives
You know I love a London boy
I enjoy walking Camden Market in the afternoon
He likes my American smile
Like a child when our eyes meet, darling, I fancy you
Took me back to Highgate, met all of his best mates
So I guess all the rumors are true
You know I love a London boy
Boy, I fancy you (ooh)
And now I love high tea, stories from uni, and the West End
You can find me in the pub, we are watching rugby with his school friends
Show me a gray sky, a rainy cab ride
Babe, don't threaten me with a good time
They say home is where the heart is
But God, I love the English
You know I love a London boy
I enjoy nights in Brixton, Shoreditch in the afternoon
He likes my American smile
Like a child when our eyes meet, darling, I fancy you
Took me back to Highgate, met all of his best mates
So I guess all the rumors are true
You know I love a London boy
Boy, I fancy you
So please show me Hackney
Doesn't have to be Louis V up on Bond Street
Just wanna be with you
Wanna be with you
Stick with me, I'm your queen
Like a Tennessee Stella McCartney on the Heath
Just wanna be with you (wanna be with you)
Wanna be with you (oh)
You know I love a London boy
I enjoy walking Soho, drinking in the afternoon (yeah)
He likes my American smile
Like a child when our eyes meet, darling, I fancy you (you)
Took me back to Highgate, met all of his best mates
So I guess all the rumors are true (yeah)
You know I love a London boy (oh)
Boy (oh), I fancy you (I fancy you, ooh)
So please show me Hackney
Doesn't have to be Louis V up on Bond Street
Just wanna be with you
I, I, I fancy you, oh
Stick with me, I'm your queen
Like a Tennessee Stella McCartney on the Heath
Just wanna be with you (ooh)
Wanna be with you
I fancy you (yeah), fancy you
Oh, ah
Vibrant stalls and street food in Camden
Let’s kick things off in Camden—one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods and a perfect fit for a laid-back. With its market stalls, vintage shops, street food from every corner of the world, and live music drifting from pubs and canal-side stages, Camden captures that effortless vibe Taylor’s singing about. Whether you're shopping for vinyl, grabbing a bite, or people-watching with a drink in hand, it's easy to see why a stroll through Camden made the cut. That said, with the crowds these days, it’s a bit doubtful Taylor recently wandered the market in the afternoon—but that’s beside the point.
If you’re a true Swiftie, take your time exploring the market — you’ll find stalls selling Taylor-themed merch like shirts, denim jackets, and pins. For a real gem, head to Soul Look or Miss Sunshine (just turn left by the iconic bridge that says Camden Lock), where you’ll discover some nice Taylor Swift gear.
Head to Highgate for a Quiet, Scenic Walk
From the crowds in Camden, things slow down in Highgate—a leafy, upscale neighborhood that feels worlds away from the chaos of central London. With its tree-lined streets and cozy cafés, it’s easy to imagine this being the setting for one of those quieter moments.
One of the area’s spots that you can’t miss is Highgate Cemetery, a beautiful Victorian burial ground. Overgrown ivy, winding paths, and crumbling tombstones—it’s atmospheric in all the right ways. It's also the final resting place of Karl Marx, George Eliot, and other notable figures. Whether you're into literary legends or just want a unique, peaceful walk away from the crowds, Highgate Cemetery is definitely worth your time. Pair that with a quiet stroll through nearby Waterlow Park, and you’ve got the perfect contrast to the city’s faster pace.
And while you're in the area, you're not far from Hampstead Heath, another place Taylor has name-dropped. But more on that later...
Sip on High Tea with a Touch of Magic
No London-inspired guide is complete without a nod to one of England’s most delightful traditions—high tea. Originally a working-class evening meal in the 19th century, high tea evolved into the elegant affair we know today, complete with finger sandwiches, warm scones, and pastel-hued pastries served on delicate china.
If you want to stay in step with the Taylor Swift vibe, consider booking the Peter Pan-themed tea at Aqua Shard. Sitting 31 floors above the city, it’s playful, imaginative, and filled with nods to Neverland. It also feels like a little Easter egg to Taylor's track Peter. To be completely honest, the food isn’t exactly great, but the experience is. Between the skyline views and magical touches, it’s a fun, unique moment worth making time for.
Head to Royal Holloway to Hear Stories from Uni
When Taylor sings about “stories from uni,” she’s probably hinting at the University of Bristol—Joe Alwyn studied there, and he’s the inspiration behind London Boy. But if you're not heading that far out, Royal Holloway is a great spot closer to London that still gives you that classic campus feel. The Victorian-era buildings are nothing but impressive, and you’ll probably recognize it from the Netflix series You, which includes several of Taylor’s songs on the soundtrack.
It’s about 40 minutes from Waterloo Station, so a bit of a trip—but perfect for a day outside of the busy streets of London. Oh, and while you’re there, you can also visit Windsor Castle. It’s a win-win!
Catch a Show at the West End for Musical Tunes
The West End is where London really shines—think bright lights, buzzing theaters, and endless entertainment. It’s no surprise Taylor mentions it, especially since she starred in the Cats movie. Ideally, to keep the Taylor theme going, you’d catch Cats live in London, but unfortunately, the musical doesn’t run there anymore.
That said, the West End is always packed with amazing shows, from timeless classics like The Phantom of the Opera—a must-see in my opinion, to popular hits like Wicked, one of Taylor’s favorites.
Find Yourself Drinking in the Afternoon in The Black Dog Pub
In my opinion, there’s only one place to head for the “you can find me in the pub” part of the song —The Black Dog in Vauxhall. Swifties will know it’s also the title of one of the most talked-about tracks on The Tortured Poets Department, with the lyric “I hope it’s shitty in The Black Dog.” In reality, though? You probably won’t have a shitty time here. The pub is actually a great spot for lunch or a bite late in the afternoon, especially if you’re in the mood for a laid-back atmosphere and decent pub food.
Ever since TTPD dropped, it’s become a bit of a Swiftie hotspot, so if you want to grab a table, definitely book ahead.
Make Your Way to Brixton for Street Food and Lively Markets
You can easily spend some time walking through Brixton Market, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to international eats. For lunch, here’s a little tip from me: check out Temaki, a counter-seat temakeri where sushi hand rolls are made fresh right in front of you. They’re a bit on the pricey side but absolutely worth the splurge.
Afterward, if you want to keep the Taylor vibes going, head over to the O2 Academy Brixton, a legendary music venue where you can catch some live shows, soak up the local scene and have fun.
Dig Through Vinyl and Vintage Finds in Hackney and Shoreditch
If you’re into vintage shopping and vinyl hunting, this part of London won’t disappoint. You’ll find plenty of cool record stores, quirky vintage shops, and hidden gems where you can score classic leather jackets, retro tees, or rare vinyl finds. There are tons of stores with 2000s clothing too, perfect for a little nostalgia trip. The whole area has a creative, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to lose track of time. Every side street has something new to discover so just wander through the markets and boutiques—you never know what treasures you’ll uncover.
Go (Window) Shopping on Bond Street
If you’re in the mood to window shop—or treat yourself—head to Bond Street. Taylor drops both Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney in London Boy, and let’s be honest, she’s been spotted in both brands more times than we can count. Whether you’re just browsing or actually planning to splurge, this area is perfect for a bit of designer daydreaming.
Pop into Louis V for a look at the latest pieces or head to Stella McCartney for something more understated and effortlessly cool—very Taylor. Even if you're not buying, it’s fun to soak up the polished, high-fashion energy of the street.
Climb to the Top for City Views at Hampstead Heath
After all that city sightseeing in the crowds, it’s time to take a breather up at Hampstead Heath—one of the best places to soak up London from above. The views from Parliament Hill stretch right across the city, and there’s something about the open space and quiet that makes you forget you're still in the middle of it all. Once you've recharged, wander down the hill and past George Orwell’s former home for a little literary moment. And then, sneak to The Garden Gate. No one really knows if this is the gate Taylor was singing about in Cruel Summer, but it’s something we've definitely all been wondering…
Wrap Things Up in Soho with Yummy Bites and Late-Night Cocktails
End the day (or begin) with a cocktail (or two) in Soho. This part of town is packed with bars—from underground speakeasies to buzzy rooftops where you can soak up the city skyline when the sun decides to show up.
If you’re looking for a spot with a bit of character, I’d recommend Cahoots. It’s themed like a post-war subway station, and the cocktails are just as unique as the setting. Another great pick is Flute—a stylish spot with a Parisian vibe and live jazz in the evenings. Definitely make a reservation for either, as things can get pretty busy. Whether you’re winding down after a full day on the town or just getting started on your night out, Soho’s got plenty of spots to keep the vibe going.
No Rainy Cab Ride Needed: A Recommended Itinerary
I know, I know — London is a huge city and covering all these spots might seem a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you make the most of it without feeling rushed or lost. Here’s a suggested Taylor-inspired itinerary broken down over 4 days, so you’re not zigzagging all over the city and can take your time soaking it all in. I’ve done this myself in 4 days, and I have to say there’s quite a bit of walking involved — but it’s definitely doable.
Of course, feel free to tweak and add whatever spots or experiences you want to include on your London trip
Day 1: Luxury, West End & High Tea
Start your day on Bond Street for some luxury (window) shopping — Then head to The Shard for the Peter Pan-themed high tea brunch. End your day at the West End to soak up some theater vibes.
Day 2: North London Vibes
Explore Highgate and the cemetery, then walk down to Hampstead Heath for those unbeatable city views. Make your way toward the subway via George’s Orwell’s House and don’t forget to sneak by the Garden Gate.
Day 3: Markets & Music
Spend your morning wandering Camden market, hunting for Taylor merch. Then make your way to Brixton for lunch at Temaki and check out the local market vibe. If you’re up for it, catch a show or some live music at the O2 Academy Brixton.
Day 4: East London & Soho
Start with vintage and vinyl shopping in the East London neighborhoods. In the afternoon, head to The Black Dog in Vauxhall for a relaxed bite or drink. Finish your day in Soho with some dinner, drinks and rooftop views.
Day 5 (Optional):
If you’ve got a bit more time, take a trip out to Royal Holloway to get those “stories from uni” vibes. While you’re there, make sure to visit nearby Windsor Castle.
There you have it — all the Taylor-themed spots she mentions in her songs, plus why they’re worth a visit on your next trip to London.
If you have any questions or feel like I’ve missed something, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help! Now it’s time to say “So Long, London” — or maybe just see you later…
More posts about Taylor Swift
Curious to see London through Taylor Swift’s eyes? Then London Boy is the perfect place to start. This playful song from the Lover album is basically a love letter to the city. From Hampstead Heath to Camden Market, Soho to the West End, Taylor name-drops some of London’s most iconic spots. In this guide, I’ll take you through each location, share tips on what to do there, and help you explore London from a Swiftie’s perspective.