Ah, London—a city of iconic landmarks, endless charm, and enough cultural quirks to baffle even the savviest traveler.
While it’s tempting to focus on all the things you should do, let’s talk about the pitfalls that could turn your British escapade into a comedy of errors.
It’s easy to make a misstep or be overwhelmed. So, if you want an A+ trip, you have to plan in an A+ way.
So, grab your umbrella (you’ll need it) and a stiff upper lip as we dive into the ultimate guide of what not to do in London to have a seamless trip.

What Not To Do In London
Avoid Overloading Your Itinerary
First off, don’t underestimate London’s size! It’s a massive city.
You won’t be able to see everything on one trip, unless you’re camping out or moving in. So don’t try to cram too many things on your schedule.
Choose some things that you really must see and then consider booking a tour to see other spots or neighborhoods.
And try to center your sightseeing each day in one geographical area. Or pick the areas you just can’t miss.
Maybe Notting Hill tickets your fancy. Or maybe you like the edginess of East London. Or maybe you want to stroll on Hampstead Heath in north London.
For more tips, you can check out my article about how many days to spend in London, with sample itineraries.

Don’t Underestimate The Weather
London’s weather is famously unpredictable. Many travelers underestimate how hot it gets in summer and how cold it gets in winter.
During other seasons, it’s best to wear layers and be prepared to strip off or put on a jacket.
And don’t forget your umbrella for the random downpour. Sometimes they only last a few minutes. Other times, it can be an all day drizzle.
That said, I think many folks excessively complain about London weather being too dreary. It’s really not that bad, and I’ve generally had quite good luck on my visit.
Just be prepared and keep your expectations in check. It’s not Greece, after all. London is pretty far north.

Pre-Booking Tickets
If you want to save time standing in line, you’ll need to pre-book some attractions. Otherwise, you’ll waste valuable time queueing or miss out altogether if tickets are sold out.
I recommend pre-booking tickets in advance for the following attractions:
- London Eye
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Churchill War Rooms
Many of them are covered by the London Pass, which can save you money and can be purchased in 1-10 day increments.
If you have a very specific type of tour in mind, I would book that in advance as well. For example, you might be interested in one of these niche tours:
- tour of royal London
- guided food tour
- guided tour of historic pubs
- guided tour of the British Museum
- Harry Potter walking tour
- Beatles walking tour

Don’t Go To Only Paid Attractions
London has wonderful attractions, and some of them aren’t cheap. But it’s also an easy city to visit on a budget because there are so many free things to do.
For example, maybe of London’s top museums are perfectly free to visit — the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, Victoria & Albert, Tate Britain, the British Museum, Wallace Collection, Tate Modern, etc.
(I’ve linked my articles to these museums, so you can check them out.)
London also has gorgeous parks to roam in, beautiful neighborhoods to stroll through, or visit an iconic market.

Don’t Drive: Oyster Card
London is not a place where you want a rental car. Really, it isn’t unless you like living dangerously (and expensively).
It’s tricky getting around if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road or the omnipresent round abouts. And speed limits are listed in kilometers, not miles.
Plus, London is so congested and traffic-y. Much faster and easier to walk or take the tube to get around. And you don’t want to waste precious sightseeing time just sitting in gridlock.
I highly recommend getting the Oyster Card. It’s an electronic smart card used to pay for transportation in London, including the tube and buses.
You can also always hop in one of London’s iconic black cabs. I like to take one at least once or twice when I’m in London.
The driver’s know the streets of London well, and will likely regal you with tales of this and that and historical bits and bobs. And the hop on hop off bus is an easy way to get around as well.
Pro Tip: The tube is great, but I would avoid taking it during rush hour when it is obscenely crowded.
Don’t Fall For Tourist Scams
Every major city in Europe has people willing to try to scam you. Don’t fall for it.
One scam unique to London is the fake theater tickets scam. If you go to Leicester Square, where many of the theaters are, you will find guys trying to sell you fake tickets to a West End show with tickets below market price.
Forget it. Buy tickets through the official online sites, at the box office, or at the TKTS booth in the Clocktower Building of Leicester Square.
Beware Of Pickpockets
And of course, there are always pickpockets on the lookout for naive or unsuspecting tourists.
They love to hang out in crowded tourist spots like Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus in London, Oxford Circus, and of course on the tube.
Always watch your belongings. Never leave them unattended.
Put your bag in front of you or even tuck it under your coat. Or put credit cards and passport in a pouch that tucks inside your top or blouse.

Skip The Tourist Traps
Like any large city, London has its fair share of tourist traps.
t’s crucial to assess whether the hyped-up attractions in London truly warrant your time, money, and energy.
Here are some of the things that I personally feel like are tourist traps, and you can read my article about them here:
- London Eye
- Buckingham Palace
- Changing of the Guard
- Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Oxford Street
- Piccadilly Circus
- Shard

Don’t Just Sightsee In Central London
London is so much more than Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the hustle of Oxford Street.
If you are in London for more than just a day or two, you should venture out of the city center, beguiling though it is. Because London’s neighborhoods are splendid and like mini cities.
Head north for the green expanses of Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. Nearby, Camden Market buzzes with energy, offering vintage finds, street food, and a punk rock edge.
West London exudes sophistication and charm. Wander the pastel-colored streets of Notting Hill, Kensington, Chelsea, and Belgravia.
>>> Click here to book a Notting Hill walking tour
Or head to Richmond, where you can stroll along the Thames, lose yourself in the vast beauty of Richmond Park, and feel like you’ve left the city entirely.

Over in East London, creativity reigns supreme. Shoreditch is a hotspot for street art, quirky cafes, and buzzing nightlife, while Hackney offers trendy bars and waterside walks along Regent’s Canal.
And don’t forget the markets — Old Spitalfields Market, Old Brick Lane Market, and the Columbia Road Flower Market.
South London offers a mix of historic charm and vibrant culture. Explore the stunning Greenwich Park for sweeping views of the city and visit the Royal Observatory to stand on the Prime Meridian.
Head to Brixton for its buzzing food scene and markets or take a stroll along the South Bank, where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.
>>> Click here for a guided tour of Shakespeare’s Globe

Don’t Ignore Etiquette Rules
The Brits have manners, and you should act respectfully when you visit. So there are a few etiquette rules to follow.
First, don’t be that person who rushes onto a tube train. Wait for the passengers to disembark before boarding.
And remember that eating and drinking on London’s public transportation is forbidden! It simply keeps the trains and buses less smelly and more clean.
Second, don’t start an unwanted conversation or stare. The Brits are reserved. The last thing they want to do is talk to a random stranger about a random subject (especially politics!).

But if you’re a pub? Well, then those rules are relaxed.
When you’re dining, for example at a bed and breakfast, the Brits always wait for everyone to be eaten before they start eating.
And don’t be surprised when you see that the Brits don’t switch their hands after they cut into their food to use their dominant hand.
And should you tip? It’s not mandatory, but is encouraged.
The rule of thumb is 10-15%. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge, so be sure to check your bill.

Don’t Forget To Try Different Cuisines
London is not just about fish and chips. Far from it. London has a diverse culinary scene and a slew of top notch restaurants. Make reservations!
In general, you can find any type of cuisine you can imagine. But there are a couple food experiences you shouldn’t miss.
At least once, you should indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea. You can sample a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a temping array of pastries and cakes.
There are classic venues like the Ritz, Claridge’s and Fortnum and Mason. But you can also go to trendy places like Sketch. Or even have afternoon tea on a Thames cruise.

You can have a themed tea that matches up with your interests and quirks. Some options include:
- Alice in Wonderland Tea at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
- Harry Potter-Inspired Tea at Cutter & Squidge
- Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
- Fashionista Tea at The Berkeley
- Sherlock Holmes Tea at The Mind Palace
You can’t miss the quintessential British Sunday roast either, however artery clogging it may be. Typically served on Sunday evening at a pub, this hearty meal includes roasted meats, roast potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding.
And London is also known for its street food. You can indulge in some at Borough Market or Spitalfield’s Market.

Don’t Shop On Oxford Street
Oxford Street is really overrated for shopping. It does have the big retail names that many shopping enthusiasts love.
But you know them all. You can shop at Urban Outfitters at home.
This area is also very, very busy. So if you hate crowds, that’s another reason to avoid it.
Instead, you can check out shops on Carnaby Street or Brick Lane. For more refined options, West London is full of exclusive boutiques and shops.

Don’t Skip London’s Hidden Gems
London is packed with iconic landmarks and world-famous attractions. But here’s the truth: battling crowds at overrun tourist spots isn’t always the best way to experience the city.
Instead, why not seek out the London hidden gems that most visitors miss? The city is brimming with off-the-beaten-path treasures, offering a more relaxed and unique way to explore its rich history and culture.
You might be skeptical and wonder, “Are there really hidden gems in a city as popular as London?” Absolutely!
Tucked away from the bustling streets are overlooked landmarks, underrated museums, and newly unveiled attractions that haven’t yet hit the radar.
You’ll find gems where mass tourism hasn’t taken over, queues are nonexistent, and there’s no need for expensive “skip the line” tickets. It’s a chance to enjoy a more intimate side of London—one that feels like your own little discovery.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to what not to do in London. You may find these other London travel guides useful:
- 3 Day Itinerary for London
- 5 Day Itinerary for London
- Day Trips From London
- Best Museums in London
- Harry Potter Places in London
- Guide to the Tower of London
- Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
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