While it is a wonderful city, there are some mistakes to avoid in London if you want to have a wonderful time. I’ll give you the low down in this article based on the many times I have visited and what locals tell me.
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, it is a treasure trove of history, culture, and modern attractions. However, planning a trip to London requires careful consideration to make sure you enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Whether it’s your first time in London or you’re a seasoned visitor, avoiding common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress.
So let’s dive into some of the biggest mistakes to avoid in London, so you can get the best out of your trip.
15 Big Mistakes To Avoid In London
Mistake #1: Spending Too Much OR Too Little Time In London
First-time visitors to London often struggle to allocate the right amount of time for their trip. Spending just a day or two can leave you feeling rushed and unsatisfied, unable to see even a fraction of what the city has to offer. Conversely, staying too long without proper planning can lead to boredom and unnecessary expenses.
Assess your interests and create an itinerary from a London travel guide that allows you to enjoy both the iconic landmarks and the lesser-known gems. I personally feel like four/five days is the perfect amount of time but this does depend on what you want to do, your budget, and your tolerance to crowds.
Planning a trip to London does take a bit of thought so take you time and get it right. Here is my three day London itinerary which could easily be spread out over five days at a slower pace. And my two-day itinerary if you really are short on time.
Mistake #2: Not Booking Tickets In Advance To Major Attractions
London is packed with must-see attractions like the Tower of London, the British Museum, and the London Eye. These places get incredibly busy, especially during peak seasons.
To avoid long queues or, worse, sold-out tickets, make sure to book your tickets in advance. This not only secures your entry but also often offers the chance to get better deals.
I also suggest if you get there at about 3 pm as the crowds seem to always die down my then.
This is one of my do’s and dont’s of London traveling.
Mistake #3: Not Being Aware Of Common Scams/Watching For Pickpockets
Like any major city, London has its share of scams and pickpockets. Being aware of these can help you avoid unpleasant situations.
What I will say though is in all my trips to London I have never fallen foul to any of these. If you walk purposely like you belong there you are likely to be left alone.
Like any city you will find distractions scams and fake luxury products scams and pickpockets in busy areas especially Covent Garden.
Bike and moped snatches do happen so never walk with your phone out and have a cross-over body bag. Never buy tickets for attractions or transport from someone on the street and be careful if stopped by charity workers, legit ones will have identification on them you can check.
It is illegal for any taxi other than a black licensed cab to pick you up on the street without a booking so never get into a taxi you haven’t booked or is a licensed minicab.
By staying vigilant and mindful of these common scams, you can help ensure your trip remains enjoyable and stress-free. Remember, a few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping you and your belongings safe in London.
One of my London tips for travelers is to just be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Weather Conditions
London’s weather can be unpredictable. Even in summer, rain is common, so pack an umbrella and layer your clothing. Avoid only focusing on the forecast for your travel dates.
The weather in London can change quickly and it’s not uncommon to have every weather condition in one day. I’ve been there and the day started off in winter and ended up as a delightful spring day.
Layering is the key and a packable waterproof jacket is always a good idea. One of the things to avoid in London is getting soaked for sure.
Not carrying an umbrella or raincoat is what not to do in London as a tourist. One of the mistakes to avoid in London if you want to stay dry and comfy.
Find out when is the best time to visit London.
Mistake #5: Underestimating Travel Times
London is a sprawling city. Traveling from one tourist attraction to another can take time, especially during rush hour. Plan your itinerary realistically and allow extra time for travel.
Some tube journeys can take 40 to 50 minutes so check the times before you go and expect everything to take longer than you think. This is definitely on of the things not to do in London.
Mistake #6: Not Using Contactless Payments or Oyster Cards
Using cash for every transaction slows you down and can be more costly. Get an Oyster card or use contactless payment for public transport to save both money and time.
This will allow you to effortlessly move with the flow of people traffic and not cause disruption.
One of my top do’s and don’t of London.
Mistake #7: Visiting Only the Major Landmarks
While landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye are must-sees, don’t skip lesser-known gems like Greenwich, Shoreditch, or the Borough Market for a more authentic experience. A London travel guide will help with this.
I suggest getting out of central London if you can and exploring some of the less touristy places. London is such a diverse city so make sure you get to see it all. This is one of the biggest tourist mistakes in London.
Some of the places to avoid in London are Elephant and Castle, Brixton, Peckham, Lewisham, and Tottenham. However, London is strange in that there are perhaps pockets of residential inner city areas not to go rather than whole places but I wouldn’t say anywhere is a no-go area. General good advice is to stay within the circle line boundary if you are a tourist.
I would also avoid Oxford Street unless you love shopping it’s always busy here, everything is overpriced and the shops aren’t as brilliant as you might be led to believe. Also, miss the London Eye and head to St Paul’s Cathedral or The Sky Garden for great views. I wouldn’t go on a dinner cruise down the Thames and just a boat ride, the food tends to not be that great. I’d also give Madam Tussauds a miss.
Mistake #8: Eating in Tourist Restaurants
Dining in restaurants near major tourist attractions can be expensive and underwhelming. Explore local neighborhoods for better and more affordable dining options.
London is one of those places where you can get any type of food at any time so be brave and try places you may not have been before.
London also has some of the best takeaways and all UK food places have food hygiene inspections and you can find the results online if you want to check out a place.
This is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid in London I feel.
Mistake #9: Attempting to See Everything
If this is your first time in London you might fall foul of this one.
There’s far too much to see in one trip. Focus on a few key attractions and experiences rather than trying to cram everything in. This will make your trip far more enjoyable and less stressful.
You could go 100 times and still not see everything so be brutal with your to-do list.
Here are some of the prettiest places in London and some of the prettiest streets.
Mistake #10: Not Respecting Escalator Etiquette
I know this one might seem strange but it’s the number one complaint from locals so listen up.
In London, it’s customary to stand on the right side of the escalator to allow people in a hurry to pass on the left.
Ignoring this can annoy locals and cause unnecessary delays. Similarly you will notice on busy streets there seems to be a certain flow and going against the flow or stopping suddenly can make you unpopular.
Maybe one of the odder London tips for travelers but believe me you will thank me for it. One of the mistakes to avoid in London if you don’t want to annoy people.
Mistake #11: Forgetting To Carry Reusable Bags
London charges for plastic bags at stores, so carrying a reusable bag can save you a few pounds and is better for the environment.
If you are planning a trip to London pack a reusable bag you will thank me for it.
Mistake #12: Assuming All Museums Have Free Entry
While many museums like the British Museum have free entry, some special exhibitions do charge admission fees. Always check in advance.
What you might not know if this is your first time to London is if there is a certain exhibition on in a museum there may be an extra charge for this. It’s quite common for touring or roaming exhibitions to have a cost.
Mistake #13: Skipping Local Markets
Local markets such as Portobello Road Market offer unique items and a chance to interact with locals. They’re great for souvenirs and a more authentic London experience.
Get away from the tourist shops and get into the markets. London has some of the best markets in the world and I would spend some time exploring some if you can. Skipping these markets is definitely one of the what not to dos in London.
Some areas to avoid in London for markets are Brixton and Tottenham.
Mistake #14: Not Walking Anywhere.
If this is your first time trip to London let me tell you some of the London tourist attractions are closer than you think and often the walk is beautiful and will allow you to see more of this amazing city.
If your destination is a few tube stops away look on your phone to see how far it would be to talk, you might be shocked. Sometimes walking to a destination will take you less time than getting the tube and will be much more enjoyable.
Mistake #15: Not Getting On The Water
One of the biggest tourist mistakes in London is not getting on the water, in my opinion.
When people tell me about their trips to London I always ask them if they took a trip down the Thames and often they say No. This is a mistake.
Seeing London from the water is one of the best ways to see it, it is also one of the least stressful. There are so many options from large boats that go all the way to Greenwich, to speedboats, to water taxis there are even amphibious vehicles.
So pick the water transport you prefer and make time to see London from
the water you won’t regret it.
If this is going to be your first time trip to London I hope this article has helped you. I have a London vacation guide if you need more help.
While I have covered things to avoid in London I want you to know I love London and have never had any problem when visiting. If you follow these tips I am sure you will have a wonderful time too.
These mistakes to avoid in London will help you have a wonderful time.
12 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Planning A Trip To Europe