16 HUGE Mistakes Tourists Always Make in London
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London is one of the world’s most iconic capitals, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to navigate. First-timers often fall into traps that cost them hours in queues, wasted cash, and a few awkward moments with unimpressed locals.
We made plenty of tourist mistakes on our first London visit, too. And after more than a decade of living here, we’ve seen tourists (and visiting friends) run into the same issues again and again. Like mixing up London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Or queueing for hours when you could’ve booked ahead in seconds. Or tipping twice when you don’t need to.
This post rounds up the biggest mistakes we see over and over, plus a few simple tips we wish we’d known ourselves.
Mistake #1: Paying for London’s observation decks
Getting a view over the city is always a highlight, especially at sunset. But in London, you really don’t need to splash out on pricey observation decks.
Spots like the Shard and the London Eye might be well-known, but honestly, we think they’re overrated tourist traps in London. They’re expensive, crowded, and there are far better ways to see the city.
Our favourites? The Sky Garden, The Garden at 120, and Horizon 22. These lesser-known London attractions are free to visit, and each one gives you a different angle on the city. Just make sure to book ahead, especially for the Sky Garden, as it fills up quickly.
Mistake #2: Not booking in advance for major attractions
London’s top attractions get ridiculously busy, especially during holidays and summer weekends. We’ve seen people turn up without tickets and end up queuing for ages (or missing out altogether!).
If you’re planning to visit one of the city’s heavy-hitters, it’s worth booking ahead. Not only does it save time, but you’ll often find better prices online, too.
These are some of the attractions we always recommend booking in advance – either to skip the queues or because tickets often sell out:
You can check our full guide on what to book in advance in London (and what doesn’t) for more details. It also includes tips on how far in advance you really need to book.
Not sure where to book tickets?
We usually use GetYourGuide. Most of their tickets can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is handy if your plans change (or the London weather acts up). Plus, they offer a Best Price Guarantee.
Mistake #3: Standing on the left side of the escalator
ALWAYS, and we mean ALWAYS, stand on the right! The left side is for walking, and if you block it, Londoners will let you know (often not very politely!).
We’ve seen people get shoved past or nearly knocked over just for standing on the left. It may seem small, but escalator etiquette is crucial here.
So when you’re using the Tube or any escalator in the city, keep right if you’re standing still, and leave the left clear for people in a rush.
Mistake #4: Not using contactless on public transport
Whatever you do, don’t buy paper tickets for the Tube. They’re more expensive and a total faff. And unless you’re commuting every day, you don’t need an Oyster card either.
As a visitor, all you need is a contactless debit or credit card, or Apple Pay / Google Wallet. It’s cheaper, quicker, and you won’t have to queue at machines.
Transport for London (TfL) automatically applies daily and weekly caps, so you’ll never pay more than a set amount no matter how much you travel. Just tap in and out with the same card, and you’re sorted. You can find more info on the fare caps on the TfL website.
Mistake #5: Mixing up London Bridge with Tower Bridge
A lot of tourists make this one. London Bridge is not the pretty one with the towers and views. That’s Tower Bridge, and it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
London Bridge is just a standard road bridge, great for getting from A to B, but not exactly a showstopper. If you’re heading there expecting something grand, you’ll be disappointed.
Mistake #6: Skipping London’s free experiences
We’ve heard plenty of people say London is expensive – and they’re not wrong! But what a lot of visitors don’t realise is just how much you can do here without spending a penny.
Some of the city’s best experiences are entirely free, and they’re not just filler. These are genuinely world-class spots that locals love too.
Here are a few of our favourite free experiences in London:
So don’t assume something isn’t worth seeing just because it’s free. In London, that’s often when you find the real gems.
Mistake #7: Falling for tourist trap restaurants
London has some brilliant food, but there are a few places that seem made just for tourists. Locals steer clear, and for good reason.
Spots like Rainforest Cafe (Piccadilly Circus), Hard Rock Cafe (Mayfair), Planet Hollywood (Haymarket), and the Angus Steakhouse chain in the West End are more about the theme than the food. You’ll pay over the odds and leave underwhelmed.
You’ll find much better food across the city without the inflated prices. Honestly, this is one of the biggest things to avoid if you want to eat well in London.
Mistake #8: Taking a pricey taxi from the airport
London’s airports aren’t exactly close to the centre, but they’re all well connected by public transport. Taking a black cab or private taxi into town can cost a fortune, especially from Heathrow or Gatwick.
Instead, look at the Elizabeth Line or Gatwick Express, or even regular trains and Tube options. They’re quicker than you’d expect and much cheaper.
Mistake #9: Being an Easy Target for Phone Thieves
We’ve had a fair few friends lose their phones in London, and phone snatching is becoming a real problem. In 2024 alone, over 70,000 phones were taken in London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Thieves on bikes or mopeds often grab them while you’re texting or calling, especially near stations, shopping areas or concert venues. They tend to come from behind and can even mount the pavement. If it’s a moped, it’s usually the passenger doing the snatching.
Luckily, we’ve never had ours snatched (yet), but we’re always careful. Don’t walk around texting, keep your phone close to your body, and if you need to check something, stand by a wall or shopfront. A cross-body bag also helps.
It’s not about being paranoid… just staying aware of what’s going on around you!
Mistake #10: Assuming the Tube is always the fastest option
The Tube map is famously misleading. Everything looks close together, but once you factor in line changes, walking between platforms and possible delays, your journey can end up taking much longer than expected.
Sometimes, walking is quicker and far more enjoyable.
For example, getting from Leicester Square to Covent Garden on the Tube takes just one stop, but by the time you’ve gone down the escalators and waited for a train, you could have walked it in under five minutes. And above ground, you’ll actually see something.
So before you hop on, check how far it really is on a map; you might save yourself time!
Mistake #11: Carrying unnecessary cash
London is almost entirely card-based now. You can pay by card just about everywhere, from cafes and pubs to market stalls and even public toilets. These days, even small vendors accept card or phone payments.
That’s why we barely carry a wallet when we’re in the city. All you need is your phone with Apple Pay or Google Wallet, and you’re sorted. It covers your shopping, meals, and even tapping in on public transport.
Mistake #12: Trying to cram in too much
If it’s your first time in London, it’s easy to fall into this trap. There’s way too much to see in one go. We’ve lived here for over a decade, and we’re still discovering new places.
London isn’t like a smaller city where you can tick everything off in a weekend. You could visit 100 times and still not see it all.
So don’t try to do everything. Prioritise a few London highlights and leave some space for the unexpected. It’ll make your trip far more enjoyable and much less stressful.
Mistake #13: Skipping London’s regular red buses
Most visitors stick to the Tube, but London buses are cheaper and often more scenic.
At just £1.75 per ride, they’re one of the best ways to get around and see the city while you’re at it – especially during Christmas in London when the streets are lit up with festive decorations.
You don’t need to pay for an expensive hop-on-hop-off tour either. Just grab a seat upstairs on a regular red bus and enjoy the view.
Some of the best routes that pass major landmarks include:
- Bus 11 (from Fulham to Liverpool Street via Westminster, Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s)
- Bus 24 (Hampstead Heath to Pimlico, passing Camden, Soho and Westminster)
- Bus 15 (Trafalgar Square to Tower Hill via St Paul’s and the Tower of London)
And yes, you still just tap in with your contactless card (just like on the Tube). No need to tap out.
Mistake #14: Tipping twice when service is already included
This one catches out many visitors, especially those from the US. In London, many restaurants already add a service charge to the bill, usually around 12.5%.
Make sure to check your receipt before adding an extra tip. And if the service charge is already there, you don’t need to tip again unless you really want to.
It’s also worth knowing that the service charge is optional. If you weren’t happy with the service, you can ask for it to be reduced or removed – simply mention it to your server.
Mistake #15: Stopping in the middle of the pavement
Want to annoy a Londoner in two seconds flat? Stop dead in the middle of the pavement. Especially in busy areas, it’s one of the quickest ways to get glared at (or bumped into).
Just be aware of who’s around you. If you need to check your phone or a map, move to the side so people can get past. A little bit of awareness goes a long way here.
Mistake #16: Jumping the queue
Never jump the queue. Ever. In the UK, queueing is essentially a national sport, and cutting in is often considered a serious offence.
Push ahead of someone and you’ll definitely get a few sharp looks – if not a passive-aggressive comment. It’s just not worth it. Wait your turn, and no one gets hurt.
Now You Know What Not to Do – Here’s What to Do Instead
Let’s be real: nobody gets everything right on their first trip to London! We definitely didn’t.
We showed up completely overwhelmed, suitcase in hand, and walked straight into half the mistakes on this list. But now, after more than ten years of living here, we’ve seen just how often visitors run into the same issues.
The good news? Once you know what to watch out for, things get a lot easier. You’ll save money, avoid the frustrating stuff, and actually have time to enjoy the parts of London people fall in love with.
If you’re still figuring out where to stay, our breakdown of popular London neighbourhoods can help you narrow things down without ending up in a spot that’s way out of the way or packed with tourist traps.
Trying to avoid long queues and sold-out tickets? Our guide to reservations worth making in London shows you exactly what you should book before you arrive.
And if your time in the city is limited, our [must-see attractions in London in 48 hours] gives you a smart way to see the big sights without spending all day underground or backtracking across town.
We still remember that feeling of stepping into Victoria Station and thinking, “What now?”. If this post saves you even one of those moments, we’re calling it a win.
Have fun out there. You’ve got this!
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