I was born and raised in London. Here are the 9 biggest mistakes I see tourists make.

If you have no intention of walking down or climbing an escalator, make sure you stand on the right side. That way, those who don’t want to stand still have the option to pass you on the left, keeping you from running into a scorned Londoner.

It’s an unwritten rule in the city, and everyone, visitors and locals alike, must follow it. 

Keep this in mind when you’re getting on the London Underground (also known as the Tube), especially if you want to avoid strangers angrily telling you to move as they rush to make their train.

Going to the pub is a rite of passage during any trip to the UK, let alone a visit to its capital city. It is steeped in history and home to some of the country’s oldest and finest watering holes.

But many tourists don’t realize pubs serve some of the city’s best food, too. 

No trip to London is complete without trying a Sunday roast, a traditional meal typically made up of roasted meat (or a meatless alternative), roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and a variety of vegetables.

Oxford Street is one of the best places to go shopping in London, but it’s also one of the city’s busiest streets. It’s often a bit chaotic, but the activity level really ramps up on weekends. 

For a more peaceful shopping experience with options just as good as those on Oxford Street, visit stores on King’s Road in Chelsea or Marylebone. You can also explore the high streets in areas like Camden Town and Hampstead. 

Branching out beyond Central London will increase your chances of finding local, independently-owned businesses selling goods you can’t get outside the UK.

Tourists often spend a fortune on taxi rides from the airport to wherever they’re staying, which is a big no-no. Sadly, London’s iconic black cabs are usually overpriced, and rideshare apps tend to be no different when it comes to the trek from the airport to the city. 

Alternatives — such as coaches (buses) and railways, including the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Elizabeth line — are cheaper and will usually get you where you need to go in less time than a car.

Local tip: The Elizabeth line is an air-conditioned rail service that leaves from the same platform as the Heathrow Express and costs about half the price.

From the Tate Modern to The British Museum, London is home to some of the world’s finest museums and galleries, and many of them are free to visit. 

Visiting the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum is a great way to spend an entire day, as all three museums are within walking distance of each other.

They’re also located right by the Royal Albert Hall, meaning you can end a day of museum-hopping by watching a fabulous show at the historic concert hall. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.

It’s also worth noting that some museum exhibitions, even the free ones, require you to reserve slots ahead of time. So take a look at the places you’re interested in visiting before your trip to ensure you don’t miss out.

This story was originally published on May 12, 2023, and most recently updated on September 6, 2024.