10 Common Tourist Mistakes in London (And How to Avoid Them)
From navigating the Tube to choosing your sightseeing spots, London can confuse even seasoned travellers. Don’t worry—I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back. Here are the top 10 mistakes visitors make—and exactly how to steer clear of them.
1. Skipping the Oyster or Contactless Option
Many tourists still buy expensive single paper tickets. That’s paying more and losing time in ticket lines. Just get an Oyster card, a Visitor Oyster, or use tap-to-pay (contactless) for seamless travel with daily caps
Tip: Pre-order a Visitor Oyster before your trip or pick one up on arrival.
2. Standing Left on Tube Escalators
This little misstep gets Londoners tense fast! On escalators, always stand on the right, and walk on the left. It’s an unwritten rule locals stick to religiously
3. Riding the Tube for Short Journeys
Some stops in Central London are only minutes apart, but Tube rides eat time—stairs, crowds, exits. Often, walking is quicker, more scenic, and free .
4. Choosing The Shard Over Free Viewing Spots
The Shard charges nearly £30, yet there are free alternatives:
Sky Garden (free with advance booking)
Tate Modern viewing level
Green rooftop bars with paid-entry perks
5. Booking “Tourist Trap” Eats
Restaurants near major sights (like Leicester Square) often overcharge without substance. Instead, taste true local flavor in areas like Bermondsey, Shoreditch, or Camden
6. Overplanning Your Day
Trying to cram in too much? You’ll end up exhausted. Better to enjoy 2–3 experiences daily, with time to wander, snack, or nap .
7. Forgetting About Tube Etiquette
Londoners expect certain courtesies:
Let people off before boarding
Don’t block ticket barriers
Move inside carriages and remove backpacks at busy times
8. Overpaying for Transport
Black cabs are iconic—but Tube, buses, and rail are far cheaper and often faster (try Elizabeth Line to/from Heathrow). Don’t waste precious time in traffic
9. Not Booking Ahead for Top Attractions
Attractions like the London Eye, Tate exhibitions, and theatre shows can sell out. Booking in advance saves you money, secures entry, and skips queues .
10. Ignoring Weather Readiness
London weather changes fast—sunshine one minute, showers the next. Bring a compact umbrella, packable raincoat, and dress in layers to stay comfortable
Honorable Mentions:
Lesson: "Look right" before stepping off the curb—vehicles drive on the left here .
Keep small change for public toilets—often 50p–£1 entry
Use modern payments—many places are cashless; overcome card issues with Monzo or Starling
Skip overpriced bus tours by using real buses (e.g. route 9 or 15) for budget and authentic views
Visit varied neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Hampstead, Greenwich, and Little Venice to experience the London that locals actually love
Your Action Plan (No More Rookie Mistakes!)
Double-check station names: London has confusingly similar station names (e.g., Edgware vs Edgware Road). Always confirm your destination before hopping on a train.
Get an Oyster card or use contactless: Avoid paying more with paper tickets. Tap in and out with a contactless card or phone to save money and time.
Don’t try to “see it all” in one day: London is massive. Pick 2-3 areas per day and explore them properly rather than running around and missing the magic.
Always stand on the right on escalators: It’s not just a rule, it’s sacred. The left is for walking—standing there may earn you Londoners’ iconic passive-aggressive sighs.
Know pub hours: Many pubs close earlier than you’d expect, especially on Sundays. Don’t assume you’ll be out all night without checking closing times.
Don’t rely solely on taxis: The Tube is faster and often cheaper. Taxis are iconic, but for quick travel—go underground.
Avoid peak rush hours: If you're not commuting, skip the chaos. Travel after 9:30 AM and before 4:30 PM for a less packed experience.
Plan for British weather: Sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons. Always carry an umbrella or light jacket, even in July.
Book attractions in advance: Major spots like the London Eye or Sky Garden can sell out. Secure your tickets online ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Don’t just stick to Central London: Explore neighbourhoods like Hampstead, Richmond, or Peckham to see the real, vibrant sides of London locals love.
Final Thoughts
London is endlessly magical—but tourists can trip over small missteps. Avoid these common mistakes, and your trip not only saves ££, but feels more authentic, relaxed, and memorable.
Save this guide for your London adventure!
Follow @Londonyaar &
Share this with a friend planning a UK trip—you’ll thank us later