London Travel Guide: A Gentle Start To My Solo Travel

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, set along the River Thames in southeastern England. While it’s known globally for its history, culture, and political influence, it’s equally defined by its neighborhoods, green spaces, local pubs, and long riverside walks — a city that truly rewards slower exploration.

I visited in late August, when daytime temperatures hovered in the upper 70s (°F) and evenings cooled to the mid-60s (°F). Expect a mix of sun and clouds, and always be prepared for rain. Always. A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential, even on days that begin bright and clear.

I booked a connecting flight to London via Dublin — a choice that turned out to be far more eventful than planned. A delayed departure from Chicago transformed what I assumed would be a comfortable layover into a full sprint through the Dublin airport, including passport control, which I didn’t even realize I’d passed until I later spotted the stamp in my passport (just before stamps were phased out).

I arrived in London in one piece. My checked bag did not.

Thankfully, I’d planned to stay in London for several days — advice I’d once heard and now wholeheartedly endorse. My luggage didn’t show up until the following day, and airline updates were minimal. The only visibility I had came from watching my bag’s slow tour of Ireland and England via my AirTag, until it finally appeared at my hotel.

Lesson learned: always pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on. Wearing the same travel outfit while logging nearly 40,000 steps on your first full day is… less than ideal — for you and everyone around you.

If you’re starting an international trip, building in a few buffer days at your first stop can save a lot of stress when (not if) luggage delays happen.

I stayed at room2 Chiswick, located in West London. Chiswick feels more like a village than a city neighborhood, with tree-lined streets, local cafés, and quiet stretches along the Thames — ideal if you’re looking for a slower, more residential London experience.

I chose it because it was more affordable than staying in the city center, offered easy walkable access to the River Thames and the Thames Path, and had straightforward transit connections while still being convenient to Heathrow Airport.

especially the bartender who took one look at me, clearly clocked my travel-worn state, and responded by pouring a very generous glass of wine while I waited for my room to be ready. Exactly the welcome I needed.

Rather than rushing from landmark to landmark, I let my days unfold more slowly — walking, seeking out green spaces, and easing into a new rhythm. London is an especially kind city if you’re adjusting to jet lag, and exploring on foot helped ground me early in the trip. I wandered through neighborhoods like Chiswick, Ravenscourt, Hammersmith, Earl’s Court, and Chelsea, letting distance and curiosity set the agenda.

One of London’s greatest strengths is how effortlessly nature weaves into the city. Some of the spaces that stood out most to me were Battersea Park, a calm stretch of green along the Thames; Chiswick House & Gardens, where expansive grounds invite lingering without any pressure to rush; and the WWT London Wetland Centre, a protected reserve filled with walking paths, wildlife, and quiet places to sit and simply be.

While spending time near Battersea Park, I also wandered over to Battersea Power Station — once a coal-fired power station, now reimagined as a lively neighborhood of shops, restaurants, and riverside paths, anchored by its iconic chimneys. If you’re comfortable with heights and enclosed spaces, the Chimney Lift, formerly known as Lift 109, offers panoramic views from inside one of those chimneys.

These quieter, greener spaces gave me balance and breathing room between more urban stretches — a reminder that London doesn’t need to be rushed to be fully experienced.

Traveling with celiac disease always requires extra planning, but London — and Chiswick in particular — made eating safely feel far more manageable than I expected. With a bit of research, I was able to relax and enjoy meals without constantly second-guessing ingredients or kitchens.

A few places stood out along the way: Honest Burgers - Chiswick, for dependable comfort food with gluten-free buns and knowledgeable staff; The Roebuck, where I found gluten-free fish and chips and a cozy covered beer garden; and Bronzo, which delivered excellent gluten-free Italian dishes — including prosciutto and burrata, and spinach-and-ricotta ravioli that felt like a real treat.

With a little preparation, eating well — and safely — was absolutely possible, and that peace of mind made settling into the trip much easier.

London was also my first introduction to European train travel. I departed from King’s Cross–St Pancras International and took the Eurostar to Paris — a process that felt closer to flying than I expected.

Before departure, there’s security screening, French border control, and a busy boarding rush once platforms are announced. It’s all very manageable, but it moves quickly.

The biggest lesson I learned: board early, especially if you’re traveling with a larger suitcase. Overhead and luggage rack space fills up fast, and starting that journey without the stress of hunting for storage is well worth it.