After visiting London many times and living there for a couple of years, I have become accustomed to the unique features of this amazing city. I have also realised how many mistakes I made when I was still a novice to London, and how many other visitors keep making the same mistakes. There are definitely things that I wish I’d known before I went, which could have made my visits more enjoyable and saved me money. In this article, I summarise the most common mistakes that people make when visiting London and what to do instead.
Hopefully these tips will help you have a great stay and enjoy this fascinating city to its fullest!
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Using the tube when you don’t need to
The iconic London Underground, known locally as the ‘tube’, is something that visitors will use regularly to get around the city. It’s convenient to reach plenty of locations within central London, or even in the suburbs, quickly and efficiently. The pay-as-you-go system also makes it incredibly easy to pay for your trips, as you can simply tap in and out with your debit or credit card.
However, tourists waste large amounts of money by using the tube when they don’t need to. This is definitely one of the most common mistakes people make in London.
It’s important to remember that many attractions are located only a short distance from one another. When this is the case, you should avoid taking the tube and simply walk to your destination. Not only will it save you a large sum, but you will also be able to better enjoy London’s charming streets.
Only taking the tube instead of the bus
The tube is efficient and easy to use, so it’s no wonder it’s so popular with visitors. However, it’s not always the best way to get around. Aside from the short distances that you can cover on foot, as mentioned previously, you can travel medium distances by bus.
London’s iconic, red, double-decker buses can take you between places without direct links via the underground. Moreover, buses are significantly cheaper to ride than the tube, making them a potential money-saver.
Admittedly, the complex bus network can be harder to navigate for visitors compared to the tube. Luckily though, platforms like Google Maps or the Transport for London website make planning a journey and locating bus lines and stops convenient and straightforward.
Remember that you only need to tap in when getting into a bus, as they charge a flat fee. There’s no need to tap out like on the tube, and if you do you’ll be double charged.
Buying travelcards instead of using pay-as-you-go
Travelcards for one or several days are popular among visitors to use London’s public transport. They can be convenient if you prefer to purchase one ticket that will last for the whole visit. However, in London they often cost more than the pay-as-you-go system.
The pay-as-you-go differs between the tube and buses, as explained above, but generally you pay for individual rides. For buses it’s a flat fee each ride, whereas for the tube it will cost more for longer distances. This is calculated based on zones that the city is organised in. You can pay by using an Oyster Card, which you can buy at any tube station, and top it up. Alternatively, you can simply pay with your credit and debit card.
The reason why this system is cheaper than the travelcards is that the cost is capped per day. Therefore, you will not pay more than a set amount each day. The maximum amount you’ll pay depends on the zones you travel through, with longer distances resulting in higher charges. For more information on this system and to see the current charges, visit the Transport for London website.
Remember to always use the same payment method to ensure you pay the correct amount. Also, remember to always tap in and out at tube and train stations. For buses, you only need to tap in. If you don’t follow these rules, you may be overcharged.
Not standing on the right side of escalators
This is not only one of the most common mistakes people make in London, but also one of the most noticeable. In London it’s customary to stand on the right hand side of escalators, especially in tube stations. The local authority cares about this so much that they’ve placed several signs along the escalators reminding people of it!
The reasoning is simple: if you’re not in a hurry, you can stand on the right and leave the left hand side free for people who need to race down or up the escalators. This custom often puzzles tourists because it’s quite unique to London. But if you spend enough time in the city you’ll get used to it and won’t even think about it.
It’s a useful habit though, as it allows locals in a hurry to quickly get to the platforms without being stuck in congested stations. So if you want to avoid angering the locals, remember to stand on the right hand side!
Only visiting central London
Most tourists in London only visit locations within the centre of the city. There are definitely plenty of attractions in central London, such as Westminster, the Tower of London and the numerous museums and parks. It’s also incredibly easy to get around central London, with a network of buses and underground trains that can get you anywhere quickly.
However, the rest of the city has plenty to offer. You’ll find so many beautiful locations that are rarely visited by tourists just a train ride away from the centre. So, sticking to central London is one of the most common mistakes people make.
If you’d like a break from London’s hustle-and-bustle, you can visit one of the parks located away from the centre. Visit Richmond Park, Bushy Park or Hampton Court Park for relaxing long walks and to see majestic deer. Or visit Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park or Wimbledon Park for spectacular views. The Kew Botanical Gardens, one of the finest of its kind in the world, is also located a short train ride from the centre.
If you’d like to explore more corners of the sprawling city, check out Richmond and Kingston-Upon-Thames for interesting town centres and relaxing walks along the river Thames.
You can also visit many other locations outside of London with a train ride from the city. Enjoy a beach break in Brighton, or soak in the history of Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury and more. For more information and inspiration, check out my article on the best day trips from London!
Eating out near famous landmarks
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes located in touristy areas and near famous landmarks throughout London. They are a popular choice for visitors, mostly due to their convenience. However, like in many other cities, these establishments tend to be crowded, overpriced and offer substandard service and food.
For these reasons, it’s usually best to avoid eating near famous landmarks or in touristy areas. This is one of the most common mistakes people make not just in London, but in other cities too.
You should try to explore the neighbouring streets instead: they’ll be way less crowded and you’ll find many hidden gems. Small, family-run businesses are usually the best choice. Many chain restaurants offer great food and service too, but always try to avoid them in touristy areas.
Only eating out at fast food restaurants
London has developed a reputation for having mediocre food. However, this seems to be because many visitors mostly eat at chain coffee shops and fast food restaurants. The first time I visited London, I made this mistake too and deeply regretted it.
It’s easy to understand why tourists tend to eat at these establishments. They are usually located in touristy areas, they offer a familiar look and menu, and are usually cheaper and offer a quicker service. While there’s nothing wrong with having some meals at fast food restaurants, London has so much more culinary culture to offer.
You can find restaurants serving any type of cuisine from all corners of the world in London, and I’d highly recommend trying out as many as possible. Have a look on Tripadvisor or Google Maps for a cuisine you’d like to try, and check the reviews to find the best restaurants. You’ll find plenty of excellent Italian, French and Spanish restaurants in London, but also Indian and Mexican specialties. You can also find restaurants serving lesser-known cuisines: I have recently tried Georgian food and absolutely loved it!
Moreover, don’t forget to try some British food. You can easily find fish and chips in restaurants and pubs, and pubs will serve Sunday roasts at lunchtime on Sundays. You can also try an afternoon tea for a taste of a unique British tradition. This will include tea of course, some small sandwiches and plenty of sweets, including butter scones.
Not bringing clothes for any weather
One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting London is underestimating the weather. While London enjoys many glorious sunny days, the weather can still be unpredictable. While summers are generally mild and less rainy than the rest of the year, unstable days with rain and wind can still happen. On particularly unstable days, the weather can change many times during a single day.
Therefore, it’s important to always pack clothes for any weather when visiting London. If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to pack plenty of t-shirts and some shorts, but also long trousers and a light, windproof jacket. It’s also generally a good idea to have an umbrella and a pair of sunglasses with you, just in case the weather decides not to behave!
Bringing too much cash
Many tourists from outside the UK will exchange some of their currency for British Pounds to use during their visit to London. While having some cash with you can be helpful, it’s best to keep it at a minimum.
Card and mobile payments are accepted pretty much everywhere in London, making cash a less convenient option. Moreover, many establishments, including restaurants and street-food stands, have gone cashless, so they wouldn’t even accept cash payments. As mentioned earlier in the article, the public transport network is also completely cashless. Overall, you will barely ever need cash during your visit to London, except for small purchases at corner shops.
Therefore, you should only exchange or withdraw a small amount of cash to keep with you in case you need it, but avoid overspending in exchange fees.