June 22, 2022, 4:04 am | Read time: 4 minutes
When visiting a metropolis like London, Rome, or Paris for the first time, one not only wonders which highlights must be on the itinerary but also what to avoid in each city. TRAVELBOOK offers tips for London and what things tourists should steer clear of.
First, a few London tips from TRAVELBOOK author Sonja Koller–in the podcast “Around the World in 5 Minutes”!
Find all episodes of “Around the World in 5 Minutes–the daily travel podcast from TRAVELBOOK” here.
1. Don’t go to London completely unplanned!
The British capital is huge, with so many sights to offer that it’s best to decide in advance what you really want to see–and how to get from A to B.
2. Never be late!
Brits are very punctual and don’t appreciate it when you arrive late at a restaurant or for booked tours.
3. Don’t forget the power adapter!
In England, type G sockets with three openings are used, and our power cables don’t fit in them.
4. Don’t go to the restaurant too late!
The English eat early–after 10 p.m., most proper restaurants are closed.
5. Don’t forget to reserve tickets online in advance!
Buying tickets for museums or other attractions online in advance, preferably from home, saves waiting time on-site and sometimes a lot of money.
Also interesting: Why ravens must always live in the Tower of London
6. Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator!
In England, it’s “stand on the right, walk on the left”–the left side is kept free for people in a hurry. Londoners take this very seriously, especially during rush hour.
7. Don’t leave London without enjoying the legendary “Afternoon Tea”!
The British tea culture is legendary, and the tea bread served with it–often on a tiered stand–is incredibly delicious.
Also interesting: Broomway–England’s path of doom
8. Don’t make silly jokes about the royal family!
The royals are very popular in their homeland, and hardly anyone speaks ill of them.
9. Don’t forget to always say “Thank you,” “please,” and “sorry” when appropriate!
Londoners are very polite and respectful and like to be treated the same way.
10. Never cut in line!
Whether at the supermarket, boarding the subway, or at the bus stop–in England, people always queue up properly, which isn’t always the case in Germany.
Also interesting: The best tips for making the most of 3 days in London
11. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions!
Londoners are friendly and always happy to help.
12. Don’t forget to visit a proper English pub at least once!
Food and drinks are usually ordered and paid for at the bar, and the waiter brings them to the table later.
13. Don’t forget to always have an umbrella with you!
London is known for its unpredictable weather, which can sometimes be quite unpleasant.
14. Don’t miss out on having Indian food!
London has some of the best Indian restaurants outside of India. Pakistani and Bangladeshi food is also excellent. Brick Lane (photo) in the Tower Hamlets district is considered the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. There’s also a street market here.
15. Better not make the victory sign!
The well-intentioned symbol, where the index and middle fingers are extended in a “V,” can quickly be taken as an insult if you show the back of your hand. The British interpret this gesture as a kind of double middle finger. Be careful, too, when ordering two drinks in a pub and indicating this to the waiter with your fingers…
12 Things Real Londoners Would Never Do in London
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16. Don’t look left first when crossing a two-lane street!
This habit should be quickly forgotten in England, where they drive on the left. In heavily trafficked London, some streets even have special signs for tourists indicating where to look first.
Also interesting: Expanded environmental zone in central London–what travelers with cars need to know
17. Don’t take the subway during rush hour!
As a tourist, you should avoid weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.–especially if you suffer from claustrophobia.