As someone who was born and raised in London, I’ve seen tourists make their fair share of mistakes — from unwittingly missing out on one of the best British dishes to clogging up traffic on escalators.
However, with some planning and strategizing, newcomers can make the most of their time in London — and save some money while doing so.
Here are the major mistakes I see visitors make when exploring my home city, along with how to avoid them.
Paying to see panoramic skyline views that they can find for free
Whether you’re paying for admission to an observation deck or a rooftop bar, going to the top of a skyscraper in any major city will probably cost you money. For the most part, London is no exception.
Many people go to The Shard, a 1,016-foot skyscraper with panoramic views of the city. Tickets start at £32, or about $44.
However, visitors can get a similarly fantastic view at the Sky Garden, which is right across the River Thames from The Shard. London’s highest public garden offers some of the best views of the city’s skyline and comes complete with an indoor garden, restaurants, and bars. The best bit? Entry is free.
Time slots for Sky Garden can book up quickly, so plan ahead if you want to see the breathtaking views.
Standing on the left side of escalators — especially in London Underground stations
If you have no intention of walking down or climbing an escalator, make sure you stand on the right side. That way, those who don’t want to stand still have the option to pass you on the left, keeping you from running into a scorned Londoner.
It’s an unwritten rule in this city (and many other cities), and everyone — visitors and locals alike — should follow it.
Keep this in mind when you’re getting on the London Underground (also known as the Tube), especially if you want to avoid strangers angrily telling you to move as they rush to make their train.
Preparing only for rain and not other types of weather
One common misconception about London is that it always rains. It isn’t entirely wrong, but it isn’t exactly correct either.
The reality is that you need to prepare for all four seasons, regardless of the time of year.
You probably don’t need to bring a winter jacket if you’re visiting in July, but pack versatile clothing that will give you options in case you encounter unexpected temperatures.
If you’re planning to go out at night, note that the temperature tends to drop a fair bit, even in the summer, so bring a layer.
Taking the Tube around Central London instead of walking short distances
When you’re in Central London, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to take public transit everywhere you go. However, it can be a waste of time and money.
Take Leicester Square and Covent Garden, for example. They’re one Tube stop apart, so the ride between the two takes about one minute.
However, that doesn’t account for the time it takes to get in and out of the stations, especially since Covent Garden has stairs and an elevator instead of an escalator.
If you’re willing and able to walk, I recommend avoiding the chaos inside two of London’s busiest stations and instead enjoying a five-minute stroll down Long Acre, a street home to numerous shops and restaurants.
Overpaying for airport taxis and cars
Tourists often spend a fortune on taxi rides from the airport to wherever they’re staying, which is a big no-no.
Sadly, London’s iconic black cabs are usually overpriced, and rideshare apps tend to be no different when it comes to the trek from the airport to the city.
Alternatives — such as coaches (buses) and railways, including the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Elizabeth line — are cheaper and will usually get you where you need to go in less time than a car.
Local tip: The Elizabeth line is an air-conditioned rail service that leaves from the same platform as the Heathrow Express and costs about half the price.
Only shopping on Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the best places to shop in London, but it’s also one of the city’s busiest streets. It’s often a bit chaotic, but the activity level really ramps up on weekends.
For a more peaceful shopping experience with options just as good as those on Oxford Street, visit stores on King’s Road in Chelsea or Marylebone. You can also explore the high streets in areas like Camden Town and Hampstead.
Branching out beyond Central London will increase your chances of finding local, independently-owned businesses selling goods you can’t get outside the UK.
Overlooking London’s free museums and galleries
From the Tate Modern to the British Museum, London is home to some of the world’s finest museums and galleries, and many of them are free to visit.
Visiting the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum is a great way to spend an entire day, as all three museums are within walking distance of each other.
They’re also located right by the Royal Albert Hall, meaning you can end a day of museum-hopping by watching a fabulous show at the historic concert hall. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.
It’s also worth noting that some museum exhibitions, even the free ones, require you to reserve a time slot in advance. So take a look at the places you’re interested in visiting before your trip to ensure you don’t miss out.
Splurging to stay in the center of London
It can be tempting to book a luxurious hotel right in the heart of Central London, but in my opinion, that’s not the best way to spend your travel budget.
Thanks to London’s amazing public transportation system, almost anywhere you stay will have excellent connections to most parts of the city.
Staying in areas such as Camden, Islington, and Stratford will give you a more authentic experience and get you a lot more value for your money.
Leaving London without ordering a pub-made Sunday roast
Going to the pub is a rite of passage during any trip to the UK, let alone a visit to its capital city. It is steeped in history and home to some of the country’s oldest and finest watering holes.
But many tourists don’t realize pubs serve some of the best food in London, too.
No trip to London is complete without trying a Sunday roast, a traditional meal typically made up of roasted meat (or a meatless alternative), roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and a variety of vegetables.
This story was originally published on May 12, 2023, and most recently updated on August 19, 2026.
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