London Travel Tips: What NOT to Do from a Londoner
Planning a trip and want some London Travel tips? As an American who’s lived here for over a decade (and married a Londoner) I’ve seen a lot of people’s mistakes when visiting London. The range includes awkwardness on the Tube, cringey attempts at British accents and suffering from eating really bad food while here.
This isn’t just another “Top 10” list. These are real London travel tips based on what locals actually want you to know. It comes from years of experience learning from my own mistakes and helping people plan their dream London trip.
Here’s what not to do if you want to experience London properly, and not take the chance of offending anyone along the way.
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1. Don’t Talk on Public Transport
The London Underground isn’t a social club. People are reading, scrolling or mentally preparing for their day. They aren’t swapping life stories. Want to chat? Save it for the pub and your mates.
2. stand on the right (always)
This might be the most sacred rule in town. On Tube escalators, stand on the right. Walk on the left. No exceptions. Block the fast lane and you’ll earn yourself an audible sigh. Or worse, a passive-aggressive “excuse me” or even a stomp or two behind you.
3. Don’t Tip Too Much
Londoners know that Americans are used to tipping 20% or more. But in London, tipping is more restrained. At restaurants, 10–12.5% is standard (and often included in the bill). No need to tip taxi drivers, bar staff or your coffee barista unless the service was exceptional.
And if the service wasn’t impressive, feel free to have the charge removed from your bill before you pay.
4. London is Big. You Won’t See It All.
Don’t try to cram everything into one trip. London isn’t like Disney World. It’s far from being a small world. London is a very, very big city.
For help, read my Guide for Americans visiting London for the first time to focus your time and energy on what truly matters.
Pick a few key neighbourhoods or themes. Examples are: history, food or theatre- and explore them well. Doing this will help you really enjoy the vibe here.
5. Only Eating at Chains
Sure, Pret and Nando’s are fine in a pinch between London attractions. But this means you’ll miss the fantastic opportunities available for British cuisine.
Yes, I said fantastic.
If you skip the familiar names and explore Borough Market or dive into the popular British foods to eat, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I promise!
Here’s a list of British Foods You Must Eat in London to get you started.
6. Assuming Free = No Planning Required
Yes, many of London’s best museums and galleries are free. But you can’t just rock up and expect a quick entry. Nearly all London attractions now require advance booking, even if they’re free.
I’ve written about What You Must Book in Advance and Free Things to Do in London that are Worth It to get you started.
Hint: Sky Garden and Horizon 22 are great alternatives to the London Eye. But you do need to reserve your time weeks ahead!
7. Taking Unlicensed Taxis
Never get into a random car claiming to be a taxi. Only use black cabs or book through a licensed app like Uber or Bolt. If someone offers you a cheap ride at Heathrow, it’s a scam. Don’t risk it.
And the rickshaws are not reliable. Please avoid them.
8. Imitating a British Accent
No. Just no. It’s cringey, you won’t pull it off and it can come across as patronising. English people have endless regional accents. So, save the Captain Jack Sparrow impersonation for your mates in the States!
9. Putting Your Pinky Up with Tea
This weird stereotype doesn’t exist in real life. No one does this. Ever. It makes you look like you’re silly and haven’t been to a proper tea. If you have any questions about the expectations, read my Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide.
10. Not Looking at a Map First
If this is your first ‘trip to Europe’ it will be well worth your time to review a map. Actually, a globe would be best. It’s helpful to understand how far London is to the continent. And, knowing that the United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is smart too.
Why? This means you will understand the geographic range of the Pound Sterling. You probably won’t be using that much cash, but knowing where the currency is accepted and the fees that might apply shows you’re a smart traveller.
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Final Thought: London Travel Tips
London rewards the prepared traveller who understands British culture. Be respectful, be curious and don’t try to enforce your customs from home. The more you adapt to the local rhythm, the easier your trip will be.
If you live in London, what tips can you add as a local? And visitors- what questions do you have?
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Skygarden is wonderful and its on my tour hahaha What is the best time to go there?
Very good tips, I must see the Sky Garden, it is looking magnificent. Thank you for the article.
We are planning our next trip to London and surely your guide is going to be more helpful for us. I bookmarked your post for my future reference. Thanks for sharing this blog with us.
Great information! This post would be very useful for first-time travelers to London. I am planning to visit London next week and these tips would certainly help me in my journey.