Heading off on a trip to London? Want to make sure that, as well as soaking up all of the culture on the ground, whether it’s jellied eels at a local eaterie, the atmosphere of a pub on match day or the historical importance of the Houses of Parliament and the culture that has been created by Londoners over the years? You need an awesome playlist that’s louder than Big Ben and great for keeping you company on the Tube. Read on for just that. London Calling…
1. Arrival Energy: Songs for Landing at Heathrow or Gatwick
If you want to get yourself pumped up for your trip from the moment your plane touches down and you find yourself in a huge, bustling city that you are not used to, and you want to pump yourself up so you stop feeling so sluggish from the trip, then here’s the British energy you need.
Start with:
- London Calling – The Clash
It’s the only acceptable way to announce your arrival. The aggressive guitar riff, the chaotic vocals—this is punk rock patriotism, and it’s perfect.
Follow up with:
- West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys
Because nothing says “I’m in a stylish, rainy dystopia” quite like this synthy masterpiece. It’s sleek, strange, and very British.
Optional mood-setter:
- Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks
If you’re feeling a little sentimental about the skyline, this one will hit you right in the travel feels.
2. Tube Tunes: Songs to Get Lost to Underground
Off the plane and wondering how the Oyster card works and which tube station you will need to get to if you want to check in to your hotel? You need songs that will see you through the London Underground journey with lots of aplomb and plenty of good old British spirit. Pro tip: make peace with the fact that you will go the wrong way at least once.
Underground essentials:
- A-Punk – Vampire Weekend
It’s fast, frantic, and will match your energy as you accidentally switch from the Jubilee Line to the Bakerloo. - Electric Feel – MGMT
A hypnotic distraction while you awkwardly try not to make eye contact with the guy chewing aggressively across from you. - Parklife – Blur
Because this is your Tube theme song now. Embrace the chaos, the eccentric locals, and the fact that no one actually understands how to transfer at Bank station.
3. Tourist Mode: Songs for Walking Like You Know Where You’re Going
You’ve got your coffee (probably Pret), you’ve got a suspiciously overpriced croissant, and you’re determined to do All The Things. Time to soundtrack your “confident local” strut.
Walking bangers:
- Walking on Broken Glass – Annie Lennox
It’s dramatic, it’s theatrical, and it makes any cobblestoned street feel like a West End stage. - Temptation – New Order
If you’re wandering around Shoreditch, this synth-laden number feels weirdly appropriate. Bonus points if you pretend you’re in an indie movie. - Royals – Lorde
Not British, but the energy is exactly right for staring at Buckingham Palace and pretending you’re above all that monarchy business.
4. Museum Vibes: Songs for Feeling Deeply Cultured
Whether you’re wandering the British Museum judging the stolen artifacts or pretending to understand modern art at Tate Modern, you need a refined but cool vibe.
Museum picks:
- Breathe Me – Sia
Perfect for dramatic staircases, existential pondering, and looking at broken statues like they hold the secrets to life. - Reckoner – Radiohead
This is your cue to pause in front of something abstract and nod slowly, like you definitely understand what it means. - No Surprises – Radiohead
Because two Radiohead songs are better than one, and this one matches the quiet gloom of London weather with haunting perfection.
5. Pub Energy: Songs for Sipping Pints and People-Watching
Eventually, you’re going to need a break from walking 20,000 steps a day. The answer, as always in London, is a pub. Time to grab a pint, wedge yourself into a tiny booth, and vibe.
Pub-ready tracks:
- Golden Brown – The Stranglers
It’s got harpsichords, mystery, and the kind of swagger that pairs beautifully with warm lager. - Lazarus – David Bowie
You’re in Bowie territory now. It’s moody and magnetic and ideal for solo pint introspection. - There She Goes – The La’s
Because everyone in London has at least once tried to fall in love with someone they saw for five seconds in a pub and never spoke to again.
6. Night Owls: Songs for After-Dark Wanders
London after dark is a whole different story. Neon lights, foxes rummaging through bins, and streets that somehow manage to be both lively and eerie. Your soundtrack should lean into that magical weirdness.
For late-night adventures:
- Midnight City – M83
Sure, it’s French, but it slaps. This one’s for walking across bridges and pretending the skyline is applauding you. - Ghosts – Japan
Because you need something weird, ambient, and vaguely spooky for wandering through quiet alleyways at 1 a.m. - I Wanna Be Adored – The Stone Roses
Perfect for feeling like the misunderstood anti-hero in a film that ends with you catching a flight back home.
7. Going Home: Songs for the Heathrow Sadness
London is one of those cities that, once you’re there. You never want to leave, but at some point your city adventure is going to come to an end, and when that happens, and your souvenirs are all packed up and ready to go (anf your feet have most probably given up too) there are a few parting songs you are going to want to listen to that will help you look bck and mourn the ending of your adventure.
Farewell anthems:
- Someone Great – LCD Soundsystem
It’s the goodbye song you didn’t know you needed. Bittersweet and beautiful. - Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Cliché? Maybe. But it hits different when you’re watching the clouds over London fade into the distance. - Home Again – Michael Kiwanuka
Soulful, emotional, and perfect for your final moments as a fake Londoner.
One Final Note Before You Press Play
Now that you have the killer playlist that will make you feel really at home in London, all you need is somewhere to drop off your bags (Radical Storage Kings Cross is a great place to leave your stuff while you head off on foot to explore) and a good set of noise-cancelling headphones that will see you through your trip.
Just make sure you turn the music off once in a while, so you can soak up the sounds of he city, as well as the sites. Because this city doesn’t just deserve a soundtrack. It demands one. It makes one.