Local’s Tips London 2026: 91 London Tips You Have to Know

London is calling, but don’t get caught off guard! Ah, London! The city thrums with history, where iconic red buses zip past black cabs, and Big Ben’s chime echoes through the ages. It’s no wonder this dazzling metropolis tops so many travel bucket lists.

But hold on to a bobby’s helmet, just a tick, my lovely travel-anxious adventurer! Just like that charmingly chaotic flatmate you once had (or perhaps that’s just me!), London has its quirks and customs. And let’s be honest, even the most intrepid explorer can feel anxiety when navigating a new city.

As a travel blogger with a touch of wanderlust (and a healthy dose of super-organizational skills!), I’ve explored my fair share of countries, each with its unique charm. But London holds a special place in my heart. It buzzes with history, a vibrant tapestry woven from ancient traditions and cutting-edge energy.

Imagine you’ve meticulously planned your trip, booked the dream hotel, and circled all the “must-see” sights on your map. Armed with a guidebook and a camera, you’re ready to conquer London. But then, wham! You get caught in a tourist trap, spend hours navigating the Underground during rush hour, or (horror of horrors) miss the last afternoon tea service because you underestimated the line.

Travel anxiety can creep in, transforming your dream vacation into a stressful scramble.

Here’s where a dash of insider knowledge comes in, sprinkled with a generous dollop of “been-there-done-that” confessions from yours truly. In 2011, I, Valentina, fell head over heels for London’s magic.

So much so that by 2013, I’d upped sticks and made this vibrant city my home. But guess what? Even a wide-eyed tourist like a (slightly less wide-eyed) London resident and I can stumble upon a travel faux pas or two.

The good news? Those stumbles became valuable lessons, and that’s precisely why I’m here. This isn’t your average “don’t do this” list. This is a friendly, first-hand guide to 91 essential London tips and mistakes that could throw a spanner in the works of your London adventure.

By learning from my tips and understanding these little pitfalls, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to navigate the city confidently. Imagine it! No more scrambling for an Oyster card on the Tube, no more overpriced tourist traps, just pure, unadulterated London bliss.

So, grab your metaphorical cup of tea and settle in because we’re about to turn potential travel hiccups into hilarious anecdotes (well, maybe not hilarious for me at the time, but definitely for you now!).

Heads up! Remember to download the excellent Citymapper app for London. It will show you all the possible ways to reach every corner of the city, transport prices, and much more.

Save this article, which contains tips for traveling to London for the first time, and plan the best trip to the English capital of your life.

Let’s be honest, my lovely anxious travelers; even the most fabulous vacations can hit a snag if you’re unprepared. With all its grandeur and charm, London can be a whirlwind for the uninitiated.

But fear not! Because let’s face it, wouldn’t you rather be sipping afternoon tea in a charming little tea shop than wrestling with a malfunctioning Oyster card on the Tube? (or a Pimms in a lovely pub garden, your choice!) Absolutely!

So, instead of picturing your trip as a montage of travel mishaps (although some of mine might make for hilarious stories later!), let’s focus on the good stuff.

With these essential London tips, we can transform your London adventure into a smooth, stress-free extravaganza! Think of it as your cheat sheet for navigating this incredible city. Now, put your feet up, grab a cuppa (or a cheeky G&T, no judgment here!), and let’s unveil those potential travel terrors, shall we?

91 London tips travelers need to know!

Planning your visit to London tips

Here are all the tips you need to plan a trip to London.

1. Plan a more significant budget: 

If you are wondering what to avoid in London, one of the worst London travel mistakes is visiting it without enough money. London is very expensive for tourists (and also for locals). There are too many places to visit and too many activities to do.  

Heads up! Remember to book all your activities in advance: Get a skip-the-line ticket to avoid spending hours queuing for each attraction. Some attraction queues can be hours long; I’m not joking! See all the ticket prices and availability!

2. Plan to stay longer than a weekend: 

Unless this won’t be your first time in London (many people come back to experience the city, party, and shop), try to stay at least one week if you can. Two weeks would be even better, as I did when I visited London for the first time.

London is a big city. There are too many places to see, and the distances are considerable (even if public transport is fast).

3. Don’t think there are only expensive Hotels in the city center: 

There are some beautiful hotels on a budget and very affordable Hostels in London where you can stay in the middle of the action and save money. Just make sure to book yours in advance. Budget accommodations in London go sold out pretty fast.

4. Don’t book accommodation in zone 6 to save money:

Staying in the city center (zones 1 and 2) will allow you to be right in the middle of the action. You won’t have to spend too much time using public transport because you can walk around.  

If you go out at night, I advise hiring a cab to return home. London is relatively safe during the day, but don’t risk it at night if you are a solo female traveler visiting London. Call an Uber and get home safely. 

5. Check the safety of an area before booking your accommodation: 

Many readers ask me if London is dangerous and safe for tourists. Bad things happen everywhere, and you must know which areas of London to avoid. One mistake that can ruin your trip to London is booking accommodation in a not-so-safe area.

The most dangerous neighborhoods in London are:

• Lambeth
• Newham
• Southwark
• Brixton
• Haringey
• Islington
• Camden
• Hackney
• Hammersmith and Fulham
• Kensington and Chelsea
• Westminster

You are probably wondering how Camden, Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster can be among the most dangerous neighborhoods in London. They are famous and full of hotels, restaurants/pubs, clubs full of pickpockets, and people with bad intentions, so avoid them at night, especially if you are a female solo traveler.

NEED SOME LONDON TIPS?  Check out “The Ultimate London Travel Guide “and read all my articles. 

6. Sesearch how to get to your hotel: 

Researching how to reach your hotel in London from the airport is something you have to check even before booking your accommodation. Look for a hotel/apartment you can easily reach without changing too many tube lines and buses. And remember that many tube stations don’t have an elevator/lift.

7. Don’t avoid booking an airport transfer: 

Booking a private transfer to reach your accommodation from any London airport is an excellent way to save time and energy if you don’t travel on a budget. Remember that if you are in 3 or 4 people, it is also cheaper than a coach or train. 

See my favorite airport transfers in London.

Heads up! Do you need help planning your London visit? I wrote an article titled “How to Plan Your Stress-Free Trip to London,” where you will find all the tips and info you need to plan the best vacation in London. 

8. Plan for jet lag: 

One thing to avoid when traveling to London from far away is forgetting you might have jet lag. Most people must fly for many hours to visit London (unless you come from Europe).

Remember that you will be tired and experience all the annoying symptoms of jet lag, so take it easy on your first days in London.

9. Book a day trip outside of London: 

If you plan to stay in London for more than a week, remember there are so many beautiful places outside of London, like Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, and Bath; they are worth visiting if you have time.  

London Travel Tips: I advise you to book a day trip that allows you to see more places on the same day. I did one of these tours on holiday when I first came to London. On the same day, I went to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford. That is a perfect way to invest money and save time. See this tour price and availability. 

10. Don’t book a day trip to Paris just because there is a direct train: 

I wanted to do it once because many people started to say that you can go to Paris for a day trip and how fantastic it would be to go to Paris in the morning and return in the evening. But it could take 4,5 hours to get from your London accommodations to Paris, which means 9 hours of journey.

Absolutely no! I went to Paris from London with Eurostar for a weekend, which was great because I went there for two days (from Friday evening after work and back to London on Monday morning). Otherwise, it could have been my most tiering day trip!

See prices and availability for the Eurostar to Paris. 

11. It is impossible to visit London on a Budget: 

Visiting London on a budget is possible if you plan your trip correctly. I know because the first time I visited London, I spent two weeks exploring the city and did it on a budget.   

Once you are in London tips

12. Don’t exchange money in London:

In London, you can pay by card almost everywhere, so you don’t need to exchange money. Just make sure to always travel with more than one credit/debit card and leave one at your accommodation in a safe place.

13. Plan to see more than the most touristic places: 

I know there are some famous places in London that you cannot miss visiting, like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, etc., but London is more than that! And this is a mistake tourists always make in London.

There are many beautiful places to discover, like hidden gems, parks, shops, and much more. If you are confused about what to see and do, check out some Top Sightseeing Tours to Explore London. If you are short on time, booking a guided tour is the best way to explore London.

14. There are Free Museums to visit: 

Most of the principal museums in London are free to visit, so if you love art and culture, add them to your itinerary:

• British Museums
• Natural History Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Science Museum
• Museum of London
• National Maritime Museum
• National Gallery
• Tate Modern
• Tate Britain
• Whitechapel Gallery
• Serpentine Gallery
• Imperial War Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• British Library
• Wallace Collection
• Camden Art Center
• Sir John Soane’s Museum
• Bank of England Museum
• Design Museum
• Museum of London Docklands
• Horniman Museum
• Wellcome Collection
• Royal Air Force Museum London
• V&A Museum of Childhood
• National Army Museum
• Grant Museum of Zoology
• London Mithraeum
• Royal Academy of Music Museum

Don’t forget to add some of them to your itinerary; they are all fascinating.

London Travel Tip: If you arrive in London too early for your check-in or your departure time is too many hours after your check-out, and you need a place to store your luggage, check out Radical Storage in London, a website that shows you all the safe places to keep your bags while still exploring London.

15. Look right before looking left: 

This is the United Kingdom, so cars come first from the right and then from the left when crossing the road. Not looking in the right direction when crossing the road is one of those things that could ruin your trip to London and the United Kingdom.

Check the floor before crossing the road; it is written on the street where you must look first. I always look at both sides, just in case. 

16. Don’t stand in the middle of the pavement:

When visiting London, remember you are a tourist in a big city where people live, work, and spend 2 to 3 hours a day commuting. Respect that people must get to work or run back home, and you and your friends are standing in the middle, blocking the passage.

17. You can’t pay by cash everywhere:

One of the mistakes to avoid in London is leaving your accommodation without your debit/credit card. In some countries, it is the opposite; most shops don’t accept card payments, but London is different.

In London, some shops ONLY accept card payments, so always have your card with you. 

Exploring London mistakes

18. Plan a suitable itinerary:

One of the worst mistakes in London is not planning a good travel itinerary. London is a vast city, so you must prepare a good itinerary. You need to know where you want to go and which area of the city you wish to visit. 

Having an itinerary is also an excellent way to see everything you wish and avoid forgetting to see something essential for you. If you travel with your family, check out how to visit London with kids to make the most of your time in the capital.

19. Don’t over-plan: 

Distances in London are more significant than you think. Places are busier than you could imagine, and you will walk so much that your legs implore you to stop at the end of each day.  

Avoid planning to see places on opposite sides of the city, like in the morning in Canary Wharf and visiting Richmond in the afternoon (they are more than 1 hour by train from each other).  I advise you to plan wisely and finish your exploring around 4 pm. This way, you can return to your accommodation for a shower and rest before getting ready for dinner. 

20. Don’t plan too much for your first day: 

You will arrive tired after the flight (maybe you woke up mid-night to get to the airport or had to fly for more than five hours to get to London).  It can take up to 5 hours to get from the airplane to when you are ready to leave your accommodation to explore.

On your first day, I advise you to walk around Westminster, see the Westminster Parliament and Big Ben, and walk along the Thames. The day after, you will be energized to explore the famous London. 

21. Purchase everything in advance:

Some people hate buying tickets in advance because they think it will cost them more and nothing else. This is far from the truth. Buying your skip-the-line tickets in advance will guarantee you a fast entrance instead of spending 1 hour or more in a line waiting to see an attraction, and most of the time, a 24-hour cancellation policy is included.

Imagine if you want to see three attractions that day. This is why it sometimes is worth spending a little bit more, but make sure to visit the attractions you can’t wait to see, and save time you can spend to see this fabulous city.

See London’s top attractions’ skip-the-line ticket prices.

If you are looking for some London top attractions bundle to save money and visit your favorite London spots, these are the best ones and most popular:

London City Card: a discounted London combined ticket to visit the Tower of London, the London Eye, 24-hour hop-on hop-off, and audio guide app: the Royal London walking tour, plus an additional 10% discount on any other attractions tickets. See prices and availabilities. 

London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and London Dungeon combined ticket: If you want to ride the famous London panoramic wheel and see life-size wax replicas of celebrities and historic icons, see prices and availability.  

The Shard + Thames Cruise: The chance to enjoy a fantastic view of London from the highest point in London and a Thames cruise to see all the best spots along the river. See prices and availabilities.  

22. Don’t spend too much time in Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus:

You have probably heard of the famous Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, where everyone goes. Well, spending too much time in these places is a big mistake to avoid in London. 

Do yourself a favor and don’t spend too much time there. They are just tourist places, always very crowded, and all the shops and restaurants are traps. 

23. Don’t underestimate the walking distance:

On the map, London seems small, like any city map. However, London is huge, and going from A to B might sometimes take hours. Plan and do your research to find out what your best option is to get to a place.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LONDON?
Check out “The Complete London Travel Guide “and read all the articles I wrote about it. 

24. Don’t plan to see sights in different areas on the same day: 

The best way to explore London (and any other big city) is to divide the city into areas and focus on one of them each day. This way, you get to that area (by Bus or Tube), walk around, and explore everything the area offers. 

25. Avoid trying to see all the top attractions:

London has so many attractions to see that, trust me, it adds up. You could quickly spend up to £300 on attractions you might not even care to visit.

Unless you have 1 month to spend in London, write down a list of all the attractions you want to see and add them to your itinerary when you visit that specific area (yes, I know, me and my areas, but honestly, if you divide the city map into areas and decide to visit one each day of your stay, you will save a lot of time that you would otherwise spend on transports).

26. The weather might change throughout the day:

London weather is crazy. It might be sunny in Camden Town and raining in Westminster simultaneously. You might leave home with heavy rain, but it could be sunny and warm around lunchtime. So avoid one of the worst travel mistakes tourists make in London, always check the weather forecast, and bring a travel umbrella.

27. Check the weather forecast before leaving your hotel:

The weather forecast for London is pretty accurate. I usually check the BBC weather website to know how to dress up before leaving home. 

28. Don’t plan too much on Sunday morning: 

Many road and train line maintenance works are done on Sunday morning because most Londoners are home sleeping, so I highly advise you not to book a flight or an activity on Sunday morning. 

29. Remember this is a multicultural city: 

As an Italian speaker, I would be rich if I got a penny whenever Italian people talk about their private things on the Tube. 

London is a multicultural city. More than 250 languages are spoken here, so if you have to say something about someone next to you or tell your friend an intimate secret, please don’t do it publicly.

There is a high chance that someone will understand you. 

30. Don’t confuse Tower Bridge with London Bridge: 

I never understood why many people call the Tower Bridge the London Bridge. They are two completely different bridges. The Tower Bridge has two enormous towers on each side, and the London Bridge is just a simple flat bridge.  

31. Visit more than the central area:

London’s central area is zone 1 on the tube map. Most attractions are in Zone 1, but many other beautiful places are in Zone 2 or 3, so don’t get stuck in the city center; go and explore.

Do your research and plan what you wish to see; I can guarantee there is much more than Zone 1 in London.

32. Avoid famous tourist traps if on a budget:

London is full of attractions made for tourists, like Shrek Adventure, Madam Tussauds, the London Eye, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. You can visit them if you want to; I would NEVER tell you what to see; remember that they are expensive and not an authentic London attraction. They have been made for tourists.

33. Don’t pay for the shard view if on a budget:

The Shard is a very famous skyscraper. I have been there for dinner a couple of times (if you book a table, a window table on the north side is pretty amazing at sunset), but it can be expensive.

If you prefer to skip the dinner, you can visit the top floor of The Shard while enjoying a good glass of Champagne on the top of London and have a romantic moment with your loved one.

See the Shard ticket prices and availability.

34. Don’t miss the free city viewpoints: 

You can enjoy a free view of the city in many places. After all, London has plenty of tall buildings.

Some of the best free views of London:

• Primrose Hill
• Sky Garden
• Tate Modern
• Alexandra palace
• One New Change’s sixth-floor roof terrace next to St Paul’s Cathedral

See how to book your free Sky Garden ticket. You can book it up to 1 month in advance; new dates and times are usually released on Monday morning. Please don’t wait too long; it sells out pretty fast.

35. Don’t waste hours waiting in lines to see top attractions:

London has so many attractions you could spend half of your vacation in line. I’m not joking. So decide what you want to see and book all your tickets in advance. 

36. Plan more than 1 hour to visit a museum:

London museums are so big; you can spend a whole day in one. I recommend visiting one museum daily to avoid spending too much time indoors.

 How to move around London tips

37. Don’t Ride a Bike in London: 

I know many people advise renting a bike to visit London. Yes, it would be a fantastic experience, maybe during the Covid lockdown, but not on a typical day. London traffic is crazy, and you don’t know the streets. You have no idea how many cyclists die every year in London.  

If you want to rent a bike, stay in the bike lanes.

38. Don’t take the Tube to move by one stop: 

Many Tube Stations look very far from each other on the Tube Map but remember that what you see on the map is not how it is in reality. I read an article that says tourists waste millions of pounds yearly riding the Tube for one stop when they could walk for five minutes. 

Download Citymapper, the best free app for moving around London. 

39. Don’t use black cabs to go everywhere:

Black cabs are fabulous and one of London’s symbols, but they are expensive, and London traffic is crazy. The Tube is cheaper and much faster.

40. Don’t think your daily trip will go smoothly:

London roads are always under renovation or maintenance, London traffic is crazy, and there are always some problems with tube trains. If you must be somewhere at a particular time, leave your accommodation in advance and always check the best and fastest way to get there on Citymapper.

41. Don’t use Google Maps in London:

Unfortunately, Google Maps is not very accurate in London; it doesn’t tell you how much your journey to your destination will cost and doesn’t let you know if a tube line is not working.

Every Londoner uses Citymapper, the best app for walking, taking a bus, using the tube, or taking a train.

42. Don’t ignore the signs in London:

Everywhere in London, there are signs to show tourists the directions to the attractions, and at every corner, you will find a map of the area you are in, so you cannot get lost. 

Also, after every tube station gate, there are indications of all the exits available with the attractions nearby.  

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

43. Don’t rely on the underground:

Depending on the time of the day, London tube trains can be so crowded you have to wait for more than one train to get on board (remember, there is a train almost every 2 minutes). Also, different reasons sometimes cause some delays, so always leave earlier.

44. Avoid forming a wall with your friends while walking on the pavement: 

Walking with your friend and standing together in the same line can be nice while exploring the city (I used to do it all the time when I was young). 

Still, you are not the only person going somewhere. You cannot force others to risk their lives by walking in the street just because you form a wall and no one else can overtake you. 

45. Don’t stop in the middle of a walkway: 

London is a bustling city, and you will notice that people don’t walk in a relaxing way (only tourists do it). You could end up being pushed or getting the devil’s eye from locals by stooping in the middle of the pavement with your friends.

Londoners run; we always have a place to be. We have to spend an average of one hour going from home to work, so we try to do it as quickly as possible. So please, don’t stop right in the middle; thank you.

London Transport mistakes

46. Don’t avoid public transport: 

I often hear that tourists in small cities are scared to use public transport like the Tube (Metro in London) because they fear getting lost. London tube network is easier than you think to understand.

My mom is 67. She doesn’t know a single word of English, and she spends her time hiking mountains instead of in the city. But as soon as I explained to her how to use the Tube network, she took me around like a local. You can do it, too; grab a tube map from one of the tube stations and follow the directions signs. 

 London Transport Tip: If you want to move around London by bus, use the app City Mapper to see the best option to go from A to B. It will also tell you when to get off the bus in real time. Just leave the GPS on.

47. Don’t buy a day travel card: 

There is no need to buy a day travel card. Get an Oyster Card and top it up with the money you know you will spend or a weekly pass. You will save a lot of money. 

Remember, you can also use your debit/credit card for public transport. You only need to make sure to use the same card all day; even if you take 100 rides, you won’t get charged more than the daily cap.

Travel Tip: You can purchase an Oyster Card at any Tube Station for £5, which you can return before leaving the city. You can also return the money left on the card up to £10. 

48. Don’t buy an individual ticket for the Tube:

By buying individual tickets for the Tube, you will spend more than paying with an Oyster Card.  

The bus fare is £1,75, and you can have unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of first touching. The maximum you can spend a day is £5.25 (after this amount, you will travel for free).

The fare for the Tube depends on the zone you are traveling, and the daily caps are:

• zone 1: £8.50
• zone 1 and 2: £8.50
• zone 1, 2, and 3: £10.00
• zone 1,2,3, and 4: £12.30

That means you can top up your Oyster card with as much money as you wish, and you will never be charged more than the daily cap. 

See London Tube fares from 1 March 2024. 

49. Remember you can use the oyster card also on trains: 

Oyster cards are for buses, every tube line, underground trains inside London, the DLR, and trams in south London. 

You can also use the Oyster Card to pay for the Emirates Cables Car. It is not included in the weekly pass, but if you top it up to move around London, you can pay with it.  

50. Always tap your Oyster card when you get in and out of a Tube Station: 

Most Tube Stations have gates to enter and exit, so if you don’t tap your Oyster Card, you won’t be able to get in or out. 

But some of them might have the gates open for maintenance, or some overground stations don’t have gates at all. So if you catch the Tube and forget to tap in or out, you will be charged as a daily pass, which is £14.90.  

51. Don’t stand too close to the edge of the platform:

Unfortunately, someone falls from the tube station platform daily or gets pushed (by mistake or not). Always wait for your train by standing near the wall. During peak time, tube station platforms get so overcrowded that you cannot even move up and down the platform. 

52. Avoid traveling during peak time: 

Peak time in London goes from Monday to Friday (not public holidays) between 6.30 am to 9.30 am and 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Avoid traveling during these times of the day if you can. 

It is when Londoners go to work and when they go back home, so I highly advise you not to travel during these times. Buses and Tube lines can be so crowded you will feel like a sardine inside a can. 

London Travel Tip: Get out of your accommodation after 9 am (or before 8 am) and return to rest before 4 pm, so you will have time to shower and sleep before going out for dinner or seeing a musical while the rest of London is stuck inside a train. 

53. Stay on the right side of the escalator: 

The first rule of the escalator on the London Tube is “stay on the right side.” The left side is for people in a rush or who don’t want to stand still while waiting to get to the end of it.

Please don’t put your luggage on the left side; keep it at your back (so it will be easier to get off the escalator and avoid falling on it), and leave the left side free. 

London Transport Tip: Some tube Stations have an elevator, so look for the “lift” sign. Getting on an escalator with a big suitcase can be dangerous. 

54. You cannot pay by cash on the bus:

It is no longer possible to pay by cash on the bus. You will need an Oyster Card, or you can use your contactless debit/credit card. 

PLAN YOUR VACATION TO LONDON. Check out all my articles in the “London Travel Guide” and get all the information you need to make your next travel a reality. 

55. There is phone service on the London Tube:

Having a phone network on the Tube is fantastic, and they finally added it. I always used to get so bored traveling by tube in London while going to work. There is also free Wi-Fi in every tube station and on the platforms.

56. Don’t pay for touristy boat trips if you are on a budget:

Taking a boat trip along the Thames can be a good experience if there is a sunny day and you wish to take some stunning pictures of London from the river. Otherwise, they can be expensive if you want to book one with an open top.

If you only need to go (for example) from Westminster to Greenwich, you can easily use your Oyster Card to pay the cheapest price on the regular ferries.

Eating out in London tips

57. Research where to eat: 

Lunch and dinner in London can be costly if you don’t know where to eat. Avoid tourist traps, where you will pay double the price and the food will be average. Do your research and know where to eat in every area you will explore. 

58. Don’t believe English food is terrible as they say:

English food is delicious. It is mainly full of meat and veggies, and most sauces are made with beer, so how can it not be good?

My favorite English foods are:

• Meat pies (my favorite one is with chicken, bacon, and leeks)
• Sunday roast
• Beef Wellington
• Chicken Tikka Masala (it was invented in London, not in India, did you know it?)
• Cornish Pastry
• Bangers and mash
• A Delicious Afternoon Tea 
• The Eaton Mess

59. Don’t eat only at the Pub: 

I love London pubs; the atmosphere and the food are mostly excellent, but London restaurants are not only pubs. There are so many places where you can eat. Research and plan your travel in the best possible way. 

You won’t regret it. 

60. Don’t expect table service in pubs:

Pubs are not restaurants. You will find the menu at the table to choose what to order, and then you will have to go to the bar counter to order your meal and drinks (don’t forget to check your table number; it is written on the table).

There are some two-floors pubs where you can just enjoy a drink downstairs, while the floor upstairs has table service but you have to dine to sit there.

61. British food is more than fish and chips: 

I think fish and chips is a delicious meal; the fish is soft on the inside but crunchy on the outside, and they give you mushy peas and chips with it, but hey, British food is not only this.  

There are so many other great and delicious choices:

• Burgers, 
• Meat Pies, 
• Shepherd’s Pie, 
• Beef Roast, 
• Soups, 
• Ribs, 
• Pudding Wine, 
• Black Pudding, 
• Gammon, 
• Bangers and Mash (sausages and mashed potatoes with delicious gravy), 
• Jugged (can be a game animal stew or fish cooked in a casserole with veggies), 
• Toad in the hole (meat or sausages cooked in batter), 
• Scotch eggs (absolutely worth trying because they are delicious, even better when warm). 

Give it a try; you will love it. British food is a bit heavy, but you will walk all day, so don’t worry; you will digest everything in a couple of hours (hopefully). 

62. Don’t eat fish and chips in a pub:

You can find good fish and chips in most pubs, but the best places to eat authentic fish and chips are Fish and Chip Shops because they specialize in them. You can find them made with cod, halibut, and hake. 

The best places to eat fish and chips in London are:

• Poppies (in Spitalfield, Camden, and Soho)
• Seventeen fish and chips 
• Toff’s 
• Golden Union Fish Bar
• Nautilus
• The friers delight
• Golden Hind

63. Don’t be afraid to try different cuisines: 

In London, you can eat everything you want and find every possible cuisine worldwide. Don’t be afraid to try them. You can eat Korean for lunch and Persian for dinner, Mexican, Peruvian, Italian, Turkish, Ethiopian (I love it), Japanese, Chinese, French, Hungarian, etc. 

I can go on and name every country in the world. So give it a try. 

64. Don’t eat in Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus:

Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are the tourist areas most popular in London. Everything is overpriced there, so avoid it at all costs. There are so many lovely places to have a better meal nearby at the most affordable price. Remember that Chinatown is a short walk from there, with plenty of good restaurants and takeaway shops.

65. Don’t eat only in restaurants:

Restaurants in London are excellent, but when exploring the city, mostly at lunchtime, there are so many incredible local food markets and halls where you can eat everything your belly is craving.

The Best Food Markets in London are:

• Borough Market
• Bang Bang Oriental
• Broadway Market
• Camden Market
• Greenwich Market

 Drinking in London mistakes

66. Drink coffee at small coffee shops:

If you are a coffee lover like me and want to drink delicious coffee, avoid big coffee chains on the main roads that sell mediocre coffee that becomes drinkable only if you add tons of sugar or syrup.

Try some more local and independent coffee shops on secondary roads instead. The coffee there is usually delicious, like in Italy. And you will also help a small business instead of giving money to a big company.

67. There is a 12.5% service charge included in your bill:

You don’t need to give any tips when in London. You will see a fee of 12.5% extra to pay on your bill, which is the service charge that goes to the employees’ pockets. Remember that according to UK law, the service charge added by a restaurant is entirely optional.

If you are unhappy with the service, you can ask it to be removed and leave as much tip as you wish.

68. Drink local beers:

English beer is delicious, and many London breweries make tasty beer you can find in pubs or supermarkets, so drink it instead of an imported beer you can easily find at home.

Ask the bartender for advice if you don’t know which beer to order. This is how I do when I fancy a beer. I’m not a big beer drinker. I prefer wine, but when in a pub, I always ask for advice on beer to order.

69. Don’t underestimate how strong English Ales are:

English beers are usually dark brown and contain between 4% and 6% alcohol by volume. They tend to be bitter and hoppy. More than in America or other countries, England serves beer in an oversized glass. A pint volume is 90 ml so that you might get drunk faster. 

70. Take advantage of happy hours:

There are plenty of bars that offer a Happy Hour discount. If you are on a budget, you should go for a drink between 5.00 to 7.00 pm. 

See the best happy hours in London.

71. Always bring with you an ID card:

If you plan to go out at night to spend some time in a pub or club, don’t forget to bring your ID card. Securities might ask for it even if you are in your forties like me (I try to take it as a compliment, even if I know they ask anyone). 

Shopping in London mistakes

72. Don’t shop in Oxford Street or Regent’s Street: 

Oxford Street and Regent’s Street are so overcrowded in the afternoon and during weekends, with tourists that think they are the best shopping streets, that you won’t enjoy your shopping time.

You can find the same shops in other areas of London where you will shop peacefully, far from the crowds. Look for them on Google.

73. Always shop on the weekdays:

Shopping on weekends is one of those things to avoid in London if you visit it as a tourist. You are on holiday in London, after all, so you can go shopping every day of the week. Please avoid doing it over the weekend when also Londoners are doing it. 

Shops can get so crowded you won’t be able to enjoy the shopping in London you dreamed about. The best time to have all the shops empty for you, to shop in peace, is from Monday to Friday in the morning when Londoners are at work. 

74. Don’t only shop at big chains and famous shops:

London has so many independent shops where you find little treasures that if you shop only at big chains, you will make a big mistake.

75. There are many outlets in London:

If you want to buy some world-leading fashion and lifestyle brands at extraordinary prices, you should check out some Outlets in London.

Here are the most famous London Designer Outlets:

• London Designer Outlet Wembley is my favorite because it’s not far from where I live. Here I buy all my GUESS and Kurt Geiger clothes and shoes.
• TK MAXX: From beauty and fashion to homeware and food gifts, here you can find luxury articles at an affordable price
• The Box: in Hackney, you can access their incredible pop-up sample sales and retail events from luxury labels and famous fashion designers
• ICON Outlet at the O2: fantastic fashion brands and lifestyle items

Simple etiquette and misconceptions

76. If meeting with a British person, don’t be late: 

British people are very on time and don’t like it when someone is late, so remember if you must meet someone. 

77. Avoid touching the King’s Guards: 

This is absolutely one of those things not to do in London! Taking a picture standing next to a King’s guard is fine, but don’t try to get too close. 

And please, never try to touch them. They are very silent, but you don’t want to hear them shouting at you in front of everyone because they will do it if they have to. They are guards, not a tourist attraction.  

78. Don’t make the opposite of the peace sign:

Making the opposite of the peace sign is one of those things to avoid doing in the United Kingdom. I did it once when I moved to London. I was taking a picture with my colleagues. I had no idea it meant a very different thing (f— off). So please don’t do it!

79. Don’t think Londoners are rude:

I heard tourists saying that Londoners are rude, but that is far from the truth.  If you need some indications, don’t stop someone on the street who might be late for work; enter a shop or ask a police officer for directions. They will be pleased to help you if they have the time.

80. London is not England:

London is a big metropolis, and the people who live here (like me) come from every country. So if you wish to see real England, you should visit some minor cities outside the capital. My favorite ones are Cambridge, Oxford, and Canterbury.

81. Don’t skip the queue: 

English people are very rigid about it, and they are right. If there is a queue, you must join it and wait like anybody else. Don’t even try to skip the line and pass in front of everyone (unless you got a skip-the-queue ticket, of course); otherwise, you will hear from them. 

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LONDON? Check out “The Complete Guide of London“and read all my articles.

82. English people call things differently from Americans:

If you come from America, you have to know that English people call some things differently from you. For example, in England, a jumper is a woolen pullover to wear in winter, not someone who committed suicide by jumping from a building.

Rubber is not a condom but an eraser for a pencil; the first floor is the floor above the ground and not the ground floor of a building. Blinkers are not car indicators but flaps attached to a racehorse, soccer is called football, and trainers don’t make you work out at the gym, but they are sneakers.

A casket is a jewelry box, not a coffin; the toilet is called the loo, and gravy is a thick brown sauce served with meat. If an English friend gives you a ring when they get home, they will call you to let you know they got home safely. A fancy dress is an informal party outfit when you want to look like a well-known person and not a formal party outfit, while a boot is not a type of footwear but the trunk of a car.

A flapjack is a trendy oatmeal snack, not a pancake, and a biscuit is a delicious and sweet baked treat to eat with tea or coffee. A geezer is not an older man but a gang member; a purse is a wallet, and a handbag is a purse. I live in a flat, while you guys live in an apartment.

When you hear the word “homely,” it doesn’t mean someone ugly, but it describes a comfy home. To go upstairs, English people take the lift, not the elevator, and the trolley is the shopping cart to shop at the supermarket. Pants are underwear, not trousers; the shag is not a type of carpet but means having sex. Crisps are thin-cut, deep-fried, packed potatoes, while chips are your fries.

If you know any other words called differently in English, please let me know so I can add them!

83. Respect the locals:

I know you are on holiday but remember that people live and work in London, so be nice and respect other people’s jobs.

84. Don’t be too loud in public:

I see this happening so often; you have no idea. Please, don’t start to speak too loud and shout in the middle of the street. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to have everybody around looking at you like you are crazy. 

85. Don’t use the Tube like a tourist:

This is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid to do in London. Follow the signs and the rules, and do as locals do. 

The Tube is not your private transport in London. Step aside when the doors open and let people get off the train before you get on. Don’t be too loud; leave a seat available for disabled or pregnant women.

86. Don’t wear a backpack on the Tube or a bus:

This very annoying thing happened to me last Saturday. 

I was on a pretty crowded train when a man wearing a big backpack stopped behind me and started moving his body from right to left and left to right, pushing my back every ten seconds with his backpack. It was pretty annoying, so please, on public transport, remove your backpack and avoid hurting people.

Remember always to carry an anti-theft backpack or a beautiful anti-theft purse while exploring London. Pickpockets are everywhere!

87. Avoid making fun of the Royal family:

English people love the royal family, so please avoid making fun of them at all costs in the United Kingdom, especially in London. 

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

88. Don’t stare at people on the Tube:

Staring at people on public transport can be a big mistake in London. 

Someone could take it as sexual harassment; unfortunately, someone else could take it as an invitation to follow you. So keep your eyes down, play with your phone, read the free metro newspaper, and mind your business. 

89. Don’t forget to say sorry:

English people are so polite you will be surprised. If they barely touch you by mistake, they will promptly tell you, “I’m sorry.” So if you touch someone in the street or on public transport by mistake, don’t forget to apologize. 

On your way back home, mistakes

90. You won’t be able to see everything in London:

London is such a big city with so many beautiful places to see and things to do that you could not do everything, even if you lived here. I know that because I still want to do so many things after so many years in London.

91. Plan a second trip to London:

Most travelers fall in love with London so much that they consider revisiting it as soon as they return home. If you are one of them, remember you can find all the necessary tips and info to plan the best trip to London in my London Travel Guide. Happy Planning!

Before you go…

There you have it, my lovelies! With these 91 travel hiccups out of the way, you’re practically a London pro (well, almost!). Remember, a little planning goes a long way. A well-organized itinerary with transportation options and a list of places to visit daily can be a lifesaver.

Now, combine that with the knowledge of what to avoid, and you’ve got the recipe for a stress-free, unforgettable adventure!

Please think of me as your travel fairy godmother, sprinkling a little organizational magic your way. Want to become a super-organized traveler like me and confidently conquer any destination? Then head to my website and download my fantastic guide, “How to Become a Super-Organized Traveler and Fight Travel Anxiety & Stress.”

With some planning and this handy guide by your side, London (or any city!) will be your oyster (and yes, the delicious kind you can eat!). Now, get out there and explore!