I was born and raised in London. Here are the nine mistakes that tourists most often make
As a Londonian by birth, I have been a witness to how tourists with the best intentions do things that seem inconceivable, such as ignoring one of the most iconic British dishes or a complete lack of understanding of the principles prevailing on the escalator.
Fortunately, a bit of preparation is enough to avoid these mishaps, better use time in the capital and save some money.
Here are the most common mistakes made by visitors to London and ways to avoid them.
Read also at Business Insider
Paying for views that you can have for free
Admission to the observation terraces or a drink in a bar on the roof in a large city usually costs its own. London is no exception.
Many tourists go to The Shard, measuring 310 m skyscraper with a panoramic view of the whole city. The admission ticket starts from 28 pounds (approx. 132 PLN).
Meanwhile, only on the other side of the Thames awaits Sky Garden, which is the highest public garden in London. From its terraces there is also a breathtaking panorama, and there are restaurants, bars and tropical vegetation. Most importantly – the entrance is free.
However, it is worth booking a place in advance because the tickets diverge quickly.
Stand on the wrong side on the escalator
In the London subway there is a rule: you stand on the right, you go on the left. Failure to comply with this unwritten rule is to ask for unpleasantness and look full of disapproval.
This applies especially to busy stations, where people literally run to trains. If you block the transition, you will hear it right away.
It's best to remember: You stand – it's on the right.
Visit to London without Sunday roast in the pub
Pubs are not only a place for beer. In many of them you can eat good dishes, and the classics you need to try is Sunday roast.
This traditional dish consists of baked meat (or vegetarian alternative), potatoes, yorkshire pudding, vegetables, stuffing and of course sauce.
Many tourists don't even know that pubs serve more than alcohol on Sundayit's a pity, because you can eat well there.
Focusing on rain instead of preparing for any weather
Yes, it rains in London, but not without a break. The weather changes here like a kaleidoscope, so it's best to pack on different conditions.
You don't need a winter jacket if you come in July, but an additional layer for cooler evenings will be useful. Even in the summer it can be brisk.
The universal wardrobe works best, which is easy to match the aura.
See also: American cities literally slowly fall underground. Here is 13 that disappear the fastest
Driving by metro by the center instead of walking on foot
In the center of London, many attractions are located close to each other. Much closer than the metro map shows.
Example? Leicester Square and Covent Garden are one station. The passage lasts a minute, but reaching the platform and leaving the station much longer. Especially since there is no escalator in Covent Garden, only an elevator or long stairs.
Instead, it is better to take a walk along Long Acre Street. It's only five minutes on foot and a lot of interesting places along the way.
Issuing a fortune on access to a taxi airport
This is one of the classic mistakes. After a long flight, it's easy to tempt and order a taxi to the center. However, this is an expensive choice.
Black London taxis are expensive, and transport applications do not fall out better, especially in traffic jams.
The trains – Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express or the Elizabeth line are a much better option. The latter is a modern, air -conditioned composition that moves from the same platform as Heathrow Express, but costs half the less (about PLN 70).
Shopping only at Oxford Street
Oxford Street is a classic, but from crowds, especially on weekends, you can get crazy there.
Instead, it's worth looking at King's Road in Chelsea or Marylebone or to Camden Town. Less people, equally interesting shops and a greater chance to find something local, unique and British.
Going outside the center of London will increase the chances of finding local, independent companies selling goods that you can't get outside of Great Britain.
Booking accommodation in the very center
A luxurious hotel in the heart of London is a tempting option, but often completely unprofitable.
Thanks to great public transport, basically each district is well connected to the center. Instead of spending a fortune, it is better to stop at Camden, Islington or Stratford, where it is cheaper, more interesting and more authentic.
Ignoring free museums and galleries
Tate Modern, British Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum or Victoria and Albert Museum – all these institutions have one common feature: free admission.
You can spend the whole day there and don't spend a poundand then finish the evening with a concert in nearby Royal Albert Hall (here tickets are better to book in advance).
Some exhibitions require prior registration, so before leaving it is worth checking websites and booking tickets. Thanks to this you will not miss any opportunity.
The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition
