Planning a trip to London? Whether it’s a first time trip to London or the fifth, there is always something new to learn about this amazing city.
It’s full of iconic landmarks, charming neighbourhoods, incredible history, and loads of museums. But if you’re not careful, it’s also a city than can feel overwhelming and exhausting. From overplanning your itinerary to booking tickets too late, to wearing incorrect footwear, there are plenty of mistakes to avoid in London.
I’ve been lucky enough to explore London several times, and believe me, I’ve made a few of these errors myself. So here’s your London travel guide to what not to do, so you can enjoy your London vacation guide with fewer headaches. These London travel tips will help make your journey smoother and who doesn’t want that? These are essential London tips for travelers and offer practical travel planning tips for London.
Planning A Trip To London: 13 Big Mistakes To Avoid
Mistake #1: Trying to do too much in one day
Ok, so before you go make peace with the fact you will not see everything. London is far bigger, and busier than you probably imagine. I personally find it can be a very tiring city and an over packed schedule will just make you miserable.
It’s tempting to want to cram Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and Buckingham Palace all into one day. You can of coarse do this but I wouldn’t advise it. Pick one must do activity for the day and one secondary and see how you go.
The best experience I have had in London is when I have left time to just wander, sit in a park or enjoy a drink at a local pub.
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid in London is trying to do too much. You will thank me for this one.
This is my top tip when it comes to planning a trip to London.
Looking to spend a weekend in London? Steal my itinerary.
Mistake #2: Assuming the Tube is always the fastest option
You might be surprised how much time you can save if you just walk. Some places in London are closer together than you think. Covent Garden to Leicester Square is only a few minutes on foot, yet most get the tube.
If you pick sights that are close to each other you will save time walking to them and will get to see some cool stuff on the way.
Mistake #3: Only visiting the big-name sights
Yes I know you want to see all the main sights and you should but please don’t stop there. Some of the best London travel tips are about where not to follow the crowd.
Visit Greenwich, walk along Regent’s Canal, explore the vintage shops in Notting Hill or visit the vibrant Shoreditch area. You will be surprised how diverse and beautiful this city is once you get out of the main areas. And honestly, there are a few places to avoid in London if you want a more authentic experience.
Mistake #4: Wearing the wrong shoes
This is a classic mistake to avoid in London, in fact I have fallen foul of this a few times. Cute shoes and cobbled streets that destroy your feet.
You will walk. A lot. Even when taking the Tube, there are stairs, platforms, and long corridors. Choose shoes you can walk miles in, ideally waterproof and cushioned.
Mistake #5: Travelling during peak hours
Between 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM, tube stations are packed with commuters. Some tube stations have crowd control in the ticket stations and you will wait to even get in the station. Not only is it a little frightening and overwhelming but it makes travelling anywhere really slow.
If you can avoid travelling at this time do so. If you don’t know where you are going or have luggage it’s almost impossible to navigate during these busy periods.
This is one of my top tips for things not to do in London.
Mistake #6: Forgetting to check opening hours
One of the things that perplexes me still about London and the U.K. in general is opening times. In American I am use to things staying open late into the evening, this isn’t always so in London.
Unlike some cities, London attractions don’t all stay open late. Museums often close by 5 or 6 PM, and pubs stop serving earlier than you’d expect. Always check websites first, especially on Sundays or bank holidays.
One of the easiest travel planning tips for London is to double-check before heading out.
Mistake #7: Not preparing for the weather
You wake up look out the window and think what a lovely day it is, so you dress accordingly. Oh, have you got a lot to learn!
The U.K. has some of the most unpredictable weather you can imagine. I remember waking up to bright sunshine in the morning and pleasant temperatures, only to be hit by sleet and snow in the afternoon. London is famous for four-seasons-in-a-day, don’t ever judge the weather by how it looks out the window.
Always bring a waterproof coat, or an umbrella, even if the app says no rain. I also always take a sweatshirt or cardigan because it can turn cold pretty quickly.
I find spring can be the most unpredictable time so here are some Spring London Packing Tips.
Mistake #8: Not being aware of common scams
Like any major city, London has its fair share of scams targeting tourists. Watch out for fake charity petitions, bracelet scammers near tourist attractions, ticket touts and pickpockets on busy Tube lines. A good rule? If someone approaches you out of nowhere, be cautious.
Despite what people say I have always found London really safe. I have friends who lived there for years and never had any trouble. I think they key is to not look like a tourist, have a cross over of theft proof bag and have your phone attached to you in some way.
Be careful particularly when watching street performers in places like Covent Garden and anywhere where there are large crowds gathered.
Mistake #9: Not booking tickets in advance to major attractions
An oddity in London is how much people seem to like to queue, there are queue everywhere and belive me you don’t want to waste time in one. One of the biggest tourist mistakes in London is assuming you can just show up.
Popular sights like the Tower of London or the London Eye often book out or have long waits. Save yourself the hassle and book in advance. And never buy tickets from people on the streets, they are likely to be scams.
Get Tickets in advance for Tower of London, London Eye, Westminster Abbey
Mistake #10: Buying individual tube travel tickets
The cost of the tube trips can add up especially if you are buying tickets for every journey. The most effective way to travel is by purchasing a visitors Oyster card which allows for a daily cap, or you can just use a contactless card or apple pay.
Visitors Oyster cards can be purchased before you travel.
Mistake #10: Eating near major tourist attractions
Some of the worst food in London is located within a 2-minute walk of its most famous sights. Skip the overpriced cafes next to Big Ben or the London Eye. Instead, explore nearby neighbourhoods for better meals.
Head to Borough Market, find a cosy pub, or try a curry in Brick Lane. Cafes and restaurants near tourist attractions are definitely one of the things to avoid in London.
Mistake #12: Ignoring London’s neighbourhoods
I can’t say this enough, don’t just bounce from sight to sight. Make time for the villages within the city. Camden, Hampstead, Shoreditch, Richmond, each offers something unique.
Exploring different areas is one of the best London tips for travelers. Skipping them is one of the more subtle things to avoid in London. Get out of the tourist areas if you can, you might be surprised at what you find.
Planning a trip to London can feel overwhelming, but avoiding these common mistakes will set you up for success. Whether it’s your first or fifth time planning a trip to London, it always pays to slow down, do your research, and stay flexible
And remember London rewards curiosity. Wander down a side street, chat with locals, or hop on a random bus. With a little smart planning, your trip will be unforgettable.
Here is some advice on where to stay in London.
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