Don’ts of London: Tips for Your First Visit
Greetings from London, England! Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your trip. These are the “don’ts” of visiting London.
London Tip #1: Don’t Forget to Look Right When Crossing the Street
The biggest danger to tourists in London is stepping out into traffic. Because they drive on the left in England, pedestrians have to pay attention to this to avoid getting hit. Make sure to look to the right, not the left, when crossing the street.
London Tip #2: Don’t Forget to Tap Out the Oyster Card
Public transportation in London is expensive. An Oyster Card is a great way to save money on public transportation in London. However, the Oyster Card must be tapped in and tapped out when leaving the train, otherwise they charge a hefty fee.
London Tip #3: Don’t Think That London is the Only Place in England
London is a great international city, with people and cuisines from all over the world. People come and expect to see Downtown Abbey, classic England, but that’s not London at all. London is very cosmopolitan. To be fair, there are class English traditions still going on in London, such as afternoon tea and changing of the guard, but you might also want to check out the countryside to see classic England.
London Tip #4: Don’t Just Eat at the Pubs
As long as you’re in London, it’s a great place to experiment with some of the international cuisine that’s available. Of course, classic pub fare is part of any English experience, but London has an amazing array of international dining opportunities. From curries to dumplings to kabobs and more, you’ll be amazed at the different foods you can try in London.
Watch: Traditional English Food: What to Eat in England
London Tip #5: Don’t Expect a Cheap Trip to London
London is an expensive city. Hotels, restaurants, even public transportation in London can be expensive. Even some of the museums are expensive: Madame Tussaud’s can cost as much as $50 to get in! Spending in London adds up quickly, especially if you want to enjoy a pint or two between tourist sites.
London Tip #6: Don’t Forget About the Free Stuff
There are a lot of free things to do in London. The British Museum is free, and it’s one of the coolest museums in London. Seeing some of London’s most famous sights, like Big Bend, Parliament, and the Eye are all free to look at. With some research in advance, you can pick and choose the things you want to pay for and fill in the rest with free attractions.
London Tip #7: Don’t Count on Sunday Morning Public Transportation
Low-cost carriers offer great deals early on Sunday mornings, but it can be difficult to rely on public transportation on Sunday mornings. It seems to be when they do most of the maintenance and construction. Just to be safe, choose a later flight on Sunday so that you’ll have plenty of time to get to the airport.
London Tip #8: Don’t Mess Up the Queue
English people are very polite and mind their manners, and this is especially true when it comes to queuing up. The Brits love their lines, and will not tolerate anyone cutting the line. So, beware of this anytime you are queued up for something.
These are my “don’ts” of London. Feel free to add more in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: