Since I moved here in the US, I’ve been planning on visiting some of my friends in the UK. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them. I missed hanging out with them and also I missed my goddaughter – Lilylingin! I’ve been working my ass off since I moved here years ago and to give myself a break I decided to book flight to UK and spent weeks there visiting beautiful places in UK.
Arrived in London after an 8-hour flight. Twas a long flight but not as bad as flight to the Philippines from Chicago O’hare! I remember when I went back home after a year staying here in the US because I was starting to get homesick, it was 22-hour flight (including layovers). Can you imagine going home as an OFW, it truly awesome to see hardworking Filipinos across the world, working hard and sacrificing their time and effort just to provide food on the table to those who where left at home.
I saved a lot for this trip—both money and credit card points. Having cards with good introductory bonuses, high points multipliers, and low interest rates really helped. The points I’ve built up over the years covered my plane ticket and even some hotel stays. I also love how cards like Capital One and Chase offer great cashback deals when booking hotels through their travel portals. Traveling from Chicago to London was surprisingly smooth, and the direct eight‑hour flight wasn’t bad at all.
I flew out of Chicago O’Hare on British Airways in the late afternoon and landed at Heathrow early in the morning. I thought arriving early would mean shorter immigration lines, but it was the complete opposite. A long queue greeted me the moment I stepped in. I stood there for about an hour. What surprised me, though, was how the immigration officers—while not exactly friendly—felt far less intimidating than the ones in the US.
Flights Chicago to London
There are plenty of direct flights from Chicago to London, so it really depends on your preferred schedule. Generally, the longer the travel time and the more layovers you’re willing to take, the cheaper the fare. Since my time was limited, I wanted to make the most of it. Thankfully, I had saved enough travel points to book a comfortable round‑trip ticket. British Airways flies direct between Chicago and London through its partnership with American Airlines, making the trip convenient and straightforward.
I love comparing flights and prices so I highly recommend to use google flights which I hyperlinked below or just search on the google search bar “google flights.”
Other sites to compare with is through expedia.com and priceline.com. I just prefer google flights because I can really compare prices.
Other route if do not like flying out to Heathrow Airport
You actually have six major airport options when flying into the London area, each with different strengths depending on price, convenience, and airline choice. These are all recognized as London‑area airports, even though some are outside the city.
✈️ The Main Airports You Can Fly Into for London
1. Heathrow Airport (LHR) — Best for convenience & long‑haul flights
- Largest and busiest airport in the UK.
- Easiest for travelers from the US (tons of direct flights).
- Fastest into central London via the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express.
- Best if you want comfort, lounges, and smooth connections.
2. Gatwick Airport (LGW) — Great for affordability & good transport links
- Second‑largest airport serving London.
- Many international and European flights, often cheaper than Heathrow.
- Direct trains to London Victoria and London Bridge.
3. London City Airport (LCY) — Closest to central London
- Very small, very efficient, and right inside the city.
- Mostly business routes and short‑haul flights.
- Not many US flights, but great if connecting from Europe.
4. Stansted Airport (STN) — Best for low‑cost airlines (Ryanair, etc.)
- Popular for budget flights from Europe.
- Farther from central London, but has an express train to Liverpool Street.
- Good if you’re prioritizing cheap fares.
5. Luton Airport (LTN) — Another budget‑friendly option
- Serves many low‑cost carriers like easyJet and Wizz Air.
- Slightly farther out, but still manageable with trains + shuttle.
6. Southend Airport (SEN) — Smallest & quietest
- Limited flights, mostly seasonal or European.
- Very easy and calm airport experience.
- Only worth considering if your airline flies there.
🧭 Which Airport Should You Choose?
Here’s the quick breakdown based on your travel style:
| Priority | Best Airport |
|---|---|
| Direct flights from the US | Heathrow |
| Cheapest fares | Gatwick, Stansted, Luton |
| Fastest into central London | London City or Heathrow |
| Easiest overall experience | Heathrow |
| Flying with points (BA/AA) | Heathrow or Gatwick |
It will really depend on where are you coming from, but as for me, flying to Heahrow would make my trip a lot more easier and convenient since I have limited time. Ya girl’s gotta work! PTO ain’t free!
Heathrow International Airport to Central London
Luckily, my good friend Samantha picked me up at the airport. And thank goodness she did — I was hauling two big suitcases and two small ones! Since it was spring when I flew to London, my friends warned me about the unpredictable weather, so I packed a mix of winter and spring clothes to be safe.
What surprised me most was how easy it actually is to commute from Heathrow to Central London. Their subway system — the Tube — is miles better than the systems in Chicago and NYC. It’s cleaner, more efficient, and incredibly easy to navigate. I honestly wish NYC and the rest of the US would adopt something similar so people who don’t drive, can’t drive, or don’t own a car would have more reliable public transportation options.
From Heathrow, you can choose from several train services depending on where you’re headed. Most Tube lines connect directly to Central London. The Heathrow Express is the fastest option, taking only 15–21 minutes to reach London Paddington, as long as there are no service disruptions. If you prefer a more affordable route, the Elizabeth Line and the Piccadilly Line are great alternatives and still get you into Central London comfortably.
You can check this out for Heathrow express line: https://www.heathrowexpress.com/
Four Days in London — A Trip With a Plot Twist!
One of the biggest highlights of my trip was London. I stayed for four days and three nights, and I had an amazing time. But in true “me” fashion, the universe added a little plot twist: I slipped in the bathtub and completely wiped out—blaming it on my short legs, of course. I ended up spraining my right ankle pretty badly. For a moment, I thought about getting an X‑ray since I had travel insurance, but based on my past emergency room experience, I knew a non‑urgent visit would probably mean a long wait and a hefty bill. They’d definitely do an X‑ray just to rule out a fracture.
I still want to gently say: when an injury is swollen or painful, it’s always best to have a healthcare professional take a look. But in the moment, you did what many travelers do—assess the situation and try to manage it. You wrapped it, took ibuprofen, iced it, elevated it, and prepared for the swelling. And yes… it really swelled.
Once I got myself together, my friends and I spent the day strolling around Central London and exploring museums. What amazed me was that most of their museums are free—thanks to taxpayers, of course. But honestly, imagine if museums everywhere were free. They’re educational spaces, and I truly believe they should be accessible to everyone.
Walking around London was still fun, even with my ankle situation. My friends were shocked that the weather was sunny and warmer than usual. They told me I was lucky to experience such rare London weather. Maybe I really was lucky, because the UK definitely didn’t give me the gloomy, rainy stereotype they’re known for.
🌟 London’s Highlights
London is packed with iconic landmarks, rich history, and world‑class museums. These were some of the standout places worth exploring:
🏰 Tower of London
A historic fortress with a dramatic past, once used as a royal palace, prison, and execution site. It’s also home to the Crown Jewels, one of the most dazzling collections in the world.
👑 Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. If you time your visit right, you can witness the Changing of the Guard, a classic London experience. I was so happy that I happened to be there at the perfect moment to see it in person. The atmosphere around the palace was even more lively than usual because the area was busy preparing for Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Seeing the ceremony while the city was gearing up for such a historic commemoration made the whole experience feel even more special.
🕰️ Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Two of London’s most recognizable symbols. Big Ben’s clock tower and the Gothic architecture of Parliament make this area perfect for photos and riverside walks.
🌉 Tower Bridge
Often mistaken for London Bridge, this iconic structure lets you walk across its glass walkways or visit the Victorian engine rooms that once powered the bridge.
🎡 London Eye
A giant observation wheel offering panoramic views of the city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or after dark when the skyline lights up.
🖼️Museums & Culture (Free entry… courtesy of UK taxes!)
🏺 British Museum
Home to global treasures like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and artifacts from civilizations around the world.
🎨 National Gallery
Located in Trafalgar Square, this museum houses masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci.
Trafalgar Square fronting the National Gallery
🦕 Natural History Museum
Famous for its dinosaur exhibits, stunning architecture, and interactive science displays.
🪡 Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
A massive collection dedicated to art, design, fashion, and decorative arts. You can easily spend hours wandering through its galleries.
Market and Food!
Borough Market: Food Paradise! I went here and though it was weekdays but it was fully packed during lunch. Amazing variety of foods and drinks!
Other options would also be – Portobello Road Market which is known for antiques and near Notting Hill. Next one is the Camden Market which they are known for trendy stalls and vintage finds.
Side Trip to Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace was one of those places that felt both grand and surprisingly peaceful. Tucked inside Kensington Gardens, the palace has this quiet charm that makes you forget you’re still in the middle of London. The walk leading up to it is lined with trees, open lawns, and locals enjoying their day—very different from the busy crowds around Buckingham Palace or Westminster.
Inside, the palace blends royal history with beautifully curated exhibits. Some rooms feel like stepping into the lives of past monarchs, while others highlight modern royal stories. It’s also famously associated with Princess Diana, and being there adds a layer of emotion knowing how much of her life was connected to this place.
What I loved most was how calm everything felt. Even with tourists around, the atmosphere was slower, softer, almost reflective. Maybe it was the gardens, maybe it was the architecture, or maybe it was just the contrast from the rest of my busy London itinerary—but Kensington Palace felt like a breath of fresh air.
After exploring the palace, wandering through Kensington Gardens was the perfect way to unwind. The ponds, the flowers, the open space—it all made the visit feel like a mini escape within the city.
Fun fact!
While parts of Kensington Palace is open to public, don’t you know that part of it is also occupied by “Working Royal?” Prince William and Princess Catherine uses Apartment 1A as their official London residence for work and engagements, even though their primary home is now Windsor. It is also said that Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew, also resides in one of the private apartments surrounding Kensington Palace.
Closing Out My London Chapter
London gave me more than I expected—sunshine I wasn’t prepared for, history that felt alive on every corner, and laughter that made the long flight worth it. Even with a sprained ankle and my usual clumsy moments, I still found myself smiling through every museum visit, every Tube ride, and every stroll with friends I’ve missed for years. There’s something about this city that makes you feel both small and connected at the same time, like you’re walking through stories much bigger than your own.
What surprised me most was how at home I felt. Maybe it was the familiar faces, maybe it was the rare good weather everyone kept teasing me about, or maybe it was just the reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments—the swollen ankle, the long queues, the spontaneous laughs, the quiet views by the Thames.
And the best part? My UK adventure didn’t end in London. This was only the first chapter. With my bags repacked (and my ankle wrapped), I headed off to my next destination—ready for whatever surprises the rest of the trip had in store.
hasytraveldiaries 
Leave a comment