20 Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting London: Avoid These!
If you’re planning a trip to London, you’re probably searching for the best ways to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. But let’s face it, visiting London can come with its own set of challenges, especially if you’re not prepared for some of the quirks that make the city unique. As someone who lived in London for two years, I know the biggest mistakes tourists make—and I’m here to help you avoid them so you can have an amazing time in the city.
London has a lot to offer, but tourists often stumble into some common pitfalls: navigating the Tube, choosing the right places to visit, or even ordering food at a pub. I’ve seen it all, and I want to make sure you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did. Whether it’s understanding the public transit system, avoiding costly attractions, or just blending in with Londoners, these tips will help you feel like a seasoned traveler rather than a first-time visitor.
So, let’s dive in and make sure your visit to London is smooth, enjoyable, and free from the usual rookie errors!
Here are 5 things you won’t want to forget when travelling to London
- UK Travel Adapter
- A small umbrella
- Theft proof backpack
- London Guidebook
- Your kindle loaded up with some good books
1. Standing on the Left Side of Escalators
Tourists should never stand on the left side of escalators, especially in London Underground stations.
The left side is for people walking up or down, and standing there will make locals annoyed. Trust me, I lived in London as an expat for two years, and nothing gets a Londoner more riled up than a tourist blocking the left side of the escalator.
Stand on the right if you want to stand still—unless you enjoy getting huffed at by people in a rush!
- Mind the Gap: Always pay attention to the ‘Mind the Gap’ signs when stepping on or off the train. Falling into the gap is not a great way to kick off your London adventure.
- Keep Conversations Quiet: The Tube isn’t a place for loud conversations. Most people keep to themselves, so try to do the same and keep noise levels low.
- Move Away from the Doors: Once you step onto the train, move away from the doors. Blocking the doors makes it hard for others to get on and off, and you’ll definitely get some annoyed looks.
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2. Paying for Expensive Views (The Shard vs. Sky Garden)
While The Shard is a famous spot for a view, many visitors don’t realize that the Sky Garden offers fantastic views for free. Book your slot in advance and enjoy a similar experience without the hefty price tag.
Seriously, why pay £30 for The Shard when you can get almost the same view for free at the Sky Garden?
It’s one of the biggest mistakes tourists make in London, and it just doesn’t make sense. Plus, the Sky Garden has plants—you can feel like you’re in a posh greenhouse.
Tip: Other great places to get a fantastic view of London include Primrose Hill, the Tate Modern viewing terrace, and the One New Change rooftop near St. Paul’s Cathedral. These spots are free and provide amazing perspectives of the city!
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3. Taking the Tube Short Distances
Central London is very walkable. Many tourists take the Tube for short distances, not realizing that walking is often quicker and allows you to see more of the city.
If you want to explore parts of the city like Covent Garden, Soho, or even across the river to South Bank, walking is a great way to take in the sights and atmosphere.
Plus, you avoid that awkward moment of trying to figure out which exit you need at the Tube station—there’s always about twenty of them.
Table of Tube Stations Close Enough to Walk
| Tube Station 1 | Tube Station 2 | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester Square | Covent Garden | 4 minutes |
| Charing Cross | Embankment | 3 minutes |
| Mansion House | Cannon Street | 4 minutes |
| Green Park | Piccadilly Circus | 8 minutes |
| Holborn | Covent Garden | 9 minutes |
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4. Shopping Only on Oxford Street
Oxford Street is famous, but it’s not the only place to shop. Other areas like Covent Garden, Shoreditch, and Camden Town offer wonderful shops and restaurants without the overwhelming crowds.
Don’t make the mistake of missing out on these more eclectic areas!
I always tell people: if you want to go shopping in London, try the markets—Camden Market is wild, and you’ll find everything from vintage clothes to quirky art.
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5. Using Black Cabs for Every Journey
Black cabs are iconic but pricey.
Public transport, including buses and the Tube, is much more economical and efficient for getting around the city.
Taking the bus, especially a double-decker, is a great way to see the best sights while saving money.
Just don’t make the mistake of trying to pay with cash—London buses haven’t accepted cash for years. Trust me, I learned that the hard way!
Table of Public Transport Fares in London
| Transport Type | Fare with Oyster Card/Contactless | Fare with Paper Ticket |
| Bus | £1.75 per journey (daily cap £5.25) | N/A |
| Tube (Zone 1-2) | £2.80 | £6.70 |
| Tube (Zone 1-6) | £3.50 – £5.60 depending on zones | £13.50 |
| DLR | £2.80 | £6.70 |
| Overground | £2.80 | £6.70 |
| Thames Clippers | £4.60 with Oyster Card | £7.70 |
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6. Expecting Table Service in Pubs
Unlike restaurants, pubs often require you to order both your food and your drinks at the bar. Don’t sit down and wait for someone to come over—you could be waiting a long time!
This is one of those things tourists should never do when visiting London. If you want table service for your drinks, look for a restaurant instead of a traditional pub.
If you do try to get table service in a pub, you might just end up getting stared at by a very confused bartender who has no idea what you’re waiting for.
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7. Visiting Only the Top Attractions
London has a lot of free attractions, including galleries and museums. Tourists often overlook them in favor of paid spots, but these free options are just as fascinating.
The British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern are all free to visit and offer incredible experiences. You could spend an entire week in London just visiting free museums and still not get through them all. Plus, they’re great for escaping the rain—which, let’s face it, you’ll need at some point.
5 Off the Beaten Path Attractions in London:
- God’s Own Junkyard: A vibrant collection of neon signs and artwork in Walthamstow.
- Little Venice: A picturesque canal area with colorful boats and charming cafes.
- Leighton House Museum: A stunning 19th-century home filled with art and unique interiors.
- Eel Pie Island: A quirky artist community on a small island in the Thames, accessible by footbridge.
- Wilton’s Music Hall: The world’s oldest surviving music hall, offering a unique glimpse into London’s theatrical history.
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8. Confusing London Bridge with Tower Bridge
Many tourists mix up these two famous bridges. Tower Bridge is the one with the towers, while London Bridge is more understated. Don’t miss out on the iconic Tower Bridge, especially when it’s illuminated at night.
I get it—London Bridge just sounds like it should be impressive, right? But it’s really just a regular bridge. If you want to see the beautiful one, Tower Bridge is your guy.
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9. Taking the Tube During Rush Hour
Rush hour is hectic, and the Tube gets very crowded. If possible, avoid traveling between 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM, especially with luggage. Londoners are in a rush during these times, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
I once made the mistake of getting on the Tube during rush hour with a suitcase. Spoiler alert: I got a lot of glares and a very bruised ankle.
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10. Forgetting to Tap Your Oyster Card In and Out
Whether you use an Oyster card or contactless, always remember to tap in and out at Tube stations. Forgetting this can result in a hefty penalty fare. This mistake can easily make your trip to London more expensive than necessary.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists looking puzzled at the barriers because they forgot to tap out—don’t be that person!
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11. Ordering Imported Beer in a Pub
Instead of going for the usual imported options, try a local beer.
There are plenty of great London-brewed ales that offer a more authentic experience. Many pubs have partnerships with local breweries, so you can find some truly unique beers.
Plus, you’ll look like you know what you’re doing if you ask for a pint of something local rather than a bottle of Heineken.
Tip: For a great craft beer experience, check out pubs like The Craft Beer Co. in Covent Garden or The Harp near Charing Cross. If you want to visit some breweries, head to Camden Town Brewery or Beavertown Brewery for a fantastic behind-the-scenes look and some delicious brews! There is even a Craft Brewery tour!
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12. Spending Too Much Time in Tourist Hotspots
Areas like Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are busy and not necessarily the most exciting places. Explore other parts of London like Camden, Greenwich, or Hampstead Heath for a more local vibe.
Spending all your time in London in these tourist-heavy areas can mean missing out on more authentic experiences.
I always tell people that Camden Town on a Sunday is one of the best places to soak up London’s quirky energy—just don’t fall into the canal while taking a selfie!
Table of Important Attractions in London and Recommended Visit Times
| Attraction | Recommended Time to Spend |
| British Museum | 2-3 hours |
| Tower of London | 2-3 hours |
| London Eye | 30-45 minutes |
| Tate Modern | 1-2 hours |
| Buckingham Palace | 1-2 hours |
| Natural History Museum | 2-3 hours |
| Westminster Abbey | 1-2 hours |
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13. Taking Expensive Bus Tours
Instead of a pricey sightseeing bus, take a regular double-decker bus like the number 11, which passes many iconic landmarks for a fraction of the price. This is a great way to see sights like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and the River Thames while sticking to a budget.
Plus, you get the full London experience, which may or may not include a friendly stranger trying to chat with you about the weather.
Table of Scenic Bus Routes in London
| Bus Line | Attractions Passed |
| Number 11 | Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral |
| Number 24 | Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Camden Market |
| Number 9 | Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, Trafalgar Square |
| Number 15 | Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Monument |
| Number 453 | Westminster, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus |
14. Wearing Backpacks on the Tube
Londoners generally dislike it when tourists wear large backpacks on the Tube, especially during busy times.
It’s better to carry it by your side or on the floor to save space. Standing on the right side of the escalator and removing your backpack are small actions that will make your time in London much more enjoyable.
And if you don’t, well, expect to get a few dirty looks—it’s nothing personal, just Tube etiquette.
15. Forgetting There’s a 12.5% Service Charge
In many restaurants, a 10 to 12.5% service charge is added to your bill automatically. Make sure to check before adding an extra tip.
This is a common mistake that tourists make when they’re unhappy with the service—always check your bill first! No one wants to be the person who just tipped 30% without realizing it.
Tip: In London, tipping around 10-15% is generally considered polite if a service charge hasn’t already been added. In pubs, it’s not necessary to tip, but rounding up to the nearest pound for exceptional service is appreciated.
16. Not Planning Your Itinerary Well
London is vast, and attractions are spread out. Planning to see sights in different areas on the same day can lead to a lot of unnecessary travel time. Try to group activities by location. A well-planned London itinerary will help you make the most of your days in London.
I learned the hard way that trying to see the British Museum and the Tower of London in one afternoon just doesn’t work out—you’ll end up exhausted and cranky.
17. Missing Out on Free Museums
London has some of the best museums in the world, many of which are free.
The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum should definitely be on your list. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking these incredible places that are free to visit. Plus, where else can you hang out with dinosaur skeletons and an enormous blue whale for absolutely no cost?
Table of Best Free Museums in London and What They’re About
| Museum | Description |
| British Museum | Artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. |
| Natural History Museum | Exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs, fossils, and an enormous blue whale. |
| Science Museum | Interactive exhibits on science, technology, and space exploration. |
| Tate Modern | Contemporary and modern art in a stunning riverside setting. |
| Victoria and Albert Museum | Decorative arts and design, with collections ranging from fashion to ceramics. |
18. Only Eating at Pubs
Pubs are great, but London is home to an amazing variety of cuisines from around the world.
Don’t limit yourself to just fish and chips—try some street food markets or ethnic restaurants too. Camden Market, Borough Market, and South Bank are all great spots to explore different cuisines. I promise, your trip won’t be complete without trying some proper Indian food—it’s practically a British tradition at this point.
19. Using Cash on the Bus
London buses don’t accept cash payments. Make sure you have an Oyster card, contactless card, or a contactless payment app ready. This is a mistake London tourists often make and can lead to unnecessary hassle when trying to get around London.
I’ve seen so many tourists trying to hand cash to a very unimpressed bus driver—save yourself the embarrassment and tap your card instead.
20. Thinking Londoners Are Rude
Londoners aren’t rude; they’re just busy!
During rush hour, people might seem brisk, but it’s mostly because they’re trying to get to work. Be polite, and you’ll find they’re generally friendly and helpful.
Remember, one of the common mistakes tourists make is misinterpreting this busy nature as rudeness. I once had a lovely chat with a stranger on the Tube—but only because it was after 8 PM and not during rush hour, of course.
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