Things Tourists Do That Immediately Give Them Away in London

(And How to Blend In Like You’ve Been Here for Years)

There’s a funny moment that happens to almost everyone in London.

You think you’re moving through the city quite confidently Oyster card ready, Google Maps open, walking with purpose and yet somehow, Londoners still know. Not in a mean way. Just in that quiet, subtle way the city has of clocking who’s new and who’s not.

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and because of that, it has developed its own unspoken rhythm. Once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. And if you’re visiting (or even newly living here), understanding these small day-to-day habits can genuinely change your experience.

So here’s a friendly, fully accurate guide to the things tourists often do that immediately give them away in London and what locals tend to do instead.

Stopping Suddenly in the Middle of the Pavement

This is probably the biggest giveaway.

London pavements especially in places like Covent Garden, Soho, and Oxford Circus move fast. People are commuting, late for meetings, or simply trying to get somewhere without zig-zagging through crowds.

Tourists often pause abruptly to check directions, take photos, or figure out where to go next. Locals, on the other hand, almost always step to the side before stopping.

If you want to blend in quickly, just remember one simple habit: move first, stop second.

Standing on the Left Side of the Escalator

If there is one rule London takes very seriously, it’s this one.

On London Underground escalators, the standard etiquette is:

• Stand on the right

• Walk on the left

You’ll hear occasional announcements reminding passengers, especially at busy stations like King’s Cross St. Pancras, Canary Wharf, and Waterloo. Blocking the left side instantly marks someone as unfamiliar with the city’s flow.

This isn’t just politeness it’s about keeping one of the world’s busiest transport systems moving efficiently.

Looking the Wrong Way When Crossing the Road

Even though the UK drives on the left, many visitors still instinctively look the opposite direction first when crossing.

London actually helps with this by painting “LOOK RIGHT” and “LOOK LEFT” on many pedestrian crossings in central areas. Still, it’s one of the quickest visual tells.

Locals tend to do a quick double-check and cross confidently when it’s safe. Tourists often hesitate longer or look unsure at junctions, especially around busy roads near Trafalgar Square or Westminster.

Queuing in the Wrong Place

Londoners love an orderly queue. It’s practically a cultural institution.

But what confuses many visitors is that queues in London aren’t always obvious. At bus stops, coffee shops, and even some market stalls, the line may form in a very specific (and sometimes invisible) order.

Tourists sometimes walk straight to the counter or hover uncertainly, while locals quietly know where the line begins.

A good rule of thumb in London: if in doubt, pause for two seconds and observe. The queue will reveal itself.

Wearing Everything “London” at Once

There is absolutely nothing wrong with souvenir shopping but Londoners rarely wear multiple tourist items at the same time.

The classic giveaway look tends to be:

• “I ❤️ London” hoodie

• Union Jack accessories

• brand-new souvenir bag

• camera worn openly

Locals dress in a much more low-key, layered way, especially in winter months. London style leans practical and understated rather than obviously themed.

If blending in matters to you, think neutral layers and comfortable shoes rather than head-to-toe souvenir mode.

Underestimating How Big London Really Is

This one catches almost everyone at first.

On the map, London attractions can look quite close together. In reality, the city is vast, and travel between areas often takes longer than expected.

Tourists frequently plan to “quickly pop” between places like:

• Camden to Greenwich

• Notting Hill to Tower Bridge

• Hampstead to Westminster

Locals instinctively check travel times before committing. The Tube network is excellent, but London distances are very real.

Once you start thinking in travel time rather than map distance, you instantly move through the city more like a local.

Only Using the Tube (and Ignoring Buses)

The Underground is iconic but Londoners use buses far more than many visitors realise.

Tourists often default to the Tube for every journey. Locals, especially in central London, frequently choose buses because they can be:

• cheaper for short hops

• less crowded off-peak

• better for seeing the city above ground

Routes through areas like Holborn, Westminster, and Shoreditch can be surprisingly efficient by bus.

If you want to experience London more naturally, try mixing Tube journeys with bus rides when it makes sense.

Expecting London to Be Constantly Loud

Many first-time visitors expect London to feel like a non-stop rush everywhere.

Central tourist areas absolutely can be busy. But one of London’s defining features is how quickly the atmosphere changes street by street.

Locals know that just a few minutes’ walk can take you from:

• packed Oxford Street
  to

• quiet residential Bloomsbury

Tourists often stay on the busiest main roads. Londoners naturally drift into side streets, small squares, and quieter neighbourhood pockets.

This is one of the biggest mindset shifts that helps people feel more at home in the city.

Taking Photos in the Middle of Busy Roads

Everyone wants the perfect London photo completely understandable.

But one behaviour that instantly signals “visitor” is stepping into busy pedestrian flow or road edges for long photo setups, especially around:

• Tower Bridge

• Westminster Bridge

• Piccadilly Circus

• Covent Garden

Locals tend to snap quickly and move, or step well out of the main flow before stopping.

You’ll still get your photo just without disrupting the London rhythm around you.

Treating Every Pub Like a Sit-Down Restaurant

London pubs can be confusing at first because the system isn’t always obvious.

Many visitors wait to be seated automatically or expect full table service everywhere. In reality, a large number of traditional pubs still work on an order-at-the-bar basis.

Locals usually:

• find a table first (if possible)

• order food and drinks at the bar

• give their table number if required

It’s a small thing, but knowing the flow makes the whole experience smoother.

The Real Secret: London Isn’t About Perfect
Blending In

Here’s the thing most people realise eventually.

Londoners are very used to visitors. This is one of the world’s most international cities, and nobody expects you to behave like you were born in Zone 2.

What actually helps you enjoy London more is simply understanding the city’s pace and small social rhythms. Once you do, everything from commuting to café hopping starts to feel easier and more natural.

And honestly? A little bit of wide-eyed London curiosity is part of the magic anyway.

Final Thoughts: Visit Like a Tourist, Move Like a Local

If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this:

You don’t need to stop being a tourist to enjoy London fully. You just need to understand the city’s flow.

Step aside before stopping.
Stand right on escalators.
Give yourself more travel time than you think you need.
And don’t be afraid to explore beyond the obvious streets.

London rewards people who move with it rather than against it.

For more honest London tips, local behaviour guides, and real-world travel advice that actually helps once you’re here, and explore more practical city guides on Londonyaar.com I’ll keep helping you experience London the way it’s meant to be felt.