I recently met a friend for a drink who had just visited three galleries. She was having a cultural day out, all curated for her by AI. Based on what it knew about her, it suggested exhibitions she’d enjoy, places to eat, and even the best routes between stops. I was stunned. (Was I part of the itinerary?)
As part of my skeptical AI diary, I decided to use it to rediscover my hometown. I asked ChatGPT to plan a full day out in London, packed with activities I might not normally choose. I told the AI to ask me a few questions first to gauge what I’d enjoy and to steer clear of neighborhoods I already know well. I also asked it to check in after each stop, to vibe-check what came next and offer backup options.
The schedule was sent to me in pieces throughout the day, so it felt like a kind of treasure hunt. I have to admit, I was excited.
“I’ve selected the Postal Museum in Farringdon as the first stop,” the AI confirmed. It was a brilliant choice. I left home at 11 a.m., and within an hour, I was riding through narrow, pre-war tunnels that crisscross London in a tiny carriage designed to transport sacks of mail. Stalactites everywhere—it felt like Gringotts bank. Magical.
Next, the AI sent me to the wetlands in Walthamstow, East London. It was a rare glimpse of wilderness in the city: rare birds, fishing lakes, crisp air. I crunched through mud in white trainers and read the information boards about what was in front of me. I came to the same conclusion about ornithology that I always do: someone is having a monumental laugh, and none of these birds are real. Yeah, yeah, I’ll keep an eye out for a … tufted pochard? A goldeneye? Why would they name a James Bond film after a mid-size duck?
It was a lovely walk, but there were a lot of pylons in the marshes—I was convinced I could feel electricity in the air. Maybe I’ll bring a date next time.
I realized I was weak with hunger. I hadn’t visited the bathroom or fed myself because the schedule didn’t tell me to. A quietly harrowing moment.
Things got weird when the AI sent me to … the lobby of the Bloomberg building in the financial district. Was it showing me its home? I was astonished to descend the stairs and enter a Roman temple. It was the Mithraeum, discovered on this very site after wartime bombing. The dark, hushed remains are open to the public, with a chanting soundscape that felt like an Illuminati induction. Extraordinary. But why did I keep being sent underground?
Next, I was to walk south for 15 minutes to see the Golden Hinde, Francis Drake’s ship tucked into a narrow lane in Borough. “Walk the external hull, paying attention to the creaking rigging and riverside shadows.” By then, I’d had enough. I drank a tiramisu hot chocolate in the café next to it, wondering what I was doing at a 16th-century warship.
When making our plans, I’d told ChatGPT my vibe was sensual pleasure. (I’d hoped to nudge the machine into sending me to a spa. Instead, it sent me to a flotation tank experience, but they were booked up. They did have plenty of light therapy pods that “simulate a full body massage using state-of-the-art AI robotics … and airbag systems.” I don’t think anyone wants AI in massage, the same way I hate that my dishwasher is connected to an app.)
Next, I refused to attend a Jamón bodega in Maltby Market. It sounded amazing, but I didn’t want to eat ham alone because a robot told me to, no matter how haunting the alcoves.
I fired up RhikGPT—an AI chatbot I’ve programmed to sound like me—to understand my ennui. “A ChatGPT itinerary tends to smooth the edges, so you move through London like a ghost with contactless,” my machine self reflected. It was true; I’d felt oddly cocooned all day. So what should I do?
“Pick a purpose, not a vibe,” it advised. “Make micro-connections, maybe build in friction. Jump off the bus early, or follow a dog?”
I can’t spend the day following a dog, I wrote. That would be functionally no different from having a mental breakdown. I would like to meet people.
“Hit up a”Then, a comedy club, and make friends at the bar afterward,” it suggests. I’m not sure if I’m being short with myself, but it’s a good idea.
The comedy night it sends me to is for first-time standup performers who’ve just finished a short course. Essentially, I’m attending a graduation show for strangers. It turns out to be a great time: they’re all more nervous than I am, so I end up cheering everyone on.
By the end of the night, I’ve made 15 new friends and earned a new nickname: Ham Solo.
Rhik Samadder is a columnist, playwright, and performer who co-runs the Tuscan Table, a creative writing retreat in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs AI Trip Planning Londons Tube
Beginner General Questions
Q1 What does it mean to let AI plan your route
A It means using an app or website that uses artificial intelligence to calculate the fastest or most efficient way to get from point A to point B in a city
Q2 Why does the AI always suggest the London Underground
A The AIs main goal is usually efficiency For longer distances across London the Tube is often the fastest option because it avoids streetlevel traffic making it a reliable default for the algorithm
Q3 Are there benefits to following the AIs Tubeheavy route
A Yes primarily speed and predictability Youll often reach your destination in the estimated time and its easy to follow stepbystep instructions underground
Q4 I want to see the city not just tunnels How do I get the AI to suggest buses or walking
A Most apps have settings to customize your route Look for options like Prefer walking Bus only or Avoid subways You can also manually drag the route on the map to force it to recalculate above ground
Common Problems Frustrations
Q5 The AI sent me to a Tube station but the line was closed for maintenance Why didnt it know
A While most apps use realtime data service disruptions can occur suddenly Always doublecheck for live service updates on the app itself or the official Transport for London website before you travel
Q6 The route had me change Tube lines 3 times in a short distance Isnt walking between stations sometimes faster
A Absolutely AI can sometimes overoptimize for the fewest minutes on paper missing the time and hassle of changing lines Use your judgmentif stations are close check the walking time between them on the map
Q7 Why does it keep suggesting the Tube for just one or two stops
A The AI might prioritize a single continuous mode of transport For very short hops walking or a bus is often more pleasant and just as quick You can adjust the maximum walking distance in settings to fix this
