London is huge and she kisses. Just say that, whatever your interest and your budget, you will find something that corresponds to London. Our main tips for new visitors is to put aside the lists of “essential” for a while and spend your time looking for things that you will personally appreciate – you will never be able to see everything in a single trip anyway.
However, there are general advice that will facilitate your trip to London a little (and a little cheaper). Take note of the following advice to explore the city and enjoy your trip!
Related: our favorite London hotels for low -budget travelers
London advice for a better trip
The basics
1. Remember your “please” and “thank you”.
The British sometimes have the reputation of being more polite. Although it is not always strictly true, we like to pepper our speech with “please” and “thank you”. Adopt this habit and you will win our thanks! And if you accidentally come across someone, you still excuse – even if it was not your fault. (It’s a bit weird, but you will see people doing it everywhere!))
2. Keep it down.
Londoners tend to be alone – and this also means maintaining the volume. You will notice that streets, public transport and even restaurants are relatively calm (especially according to American standards). Talking hard is a sure way to draw attention to the fact that you are a tourist.
3. Do not block the path.
It is a lively city, and people are generally on a mission to arrive somewhere. It is really appreciated when visitors do not block the release of a tube train or do not stop in the middle of the street to check their card.
The greatest sin for Londoners, however? Standing on the left side of the escalator, preventing others from passing. Always, always hold up to the right. You were notified!
Clothes
4. Bring comfortable shoes.
You will walk in London, so bring shoes for comfort. Unless you go in a particularly high -end location, the dress codes tend to be quite relaxed.
5. Do not forget your umbrella.
There is a good chance that it will cry while you are in London (even at the height of summer). Come prepare.
Do … Take part in the full breakfast experience in English. Photo: Ewan Munro
Eat and drink
6. Try the British favorites.
You will find many of us, channels here, but it would not be a good trip to London without sampling of dishes such as a complete English breakfast, a roasted Sunday dinner, fish and fries or a Tikka Masala. An equally British tradition is our cosmopolitanism and our diversity. You will find a large cuisine from all over the world in the city. Do like a Londonian and try as much as you can!
Related: five classic British dishes to try in London
7. Spend time in a traditional British pub.
You did not experience London before you have seen it through a glass of pint (and you can always have a pint of lemonade if you don’t want to try bitter). Here are advice on navigation on the culture of British advertising.
8. Do not tip as you would in the United States
The British do not switch to an ad or a bar, or even when ordering advertising food if it is not a table service. Save these money for additional drinks! Here is our tilting guide in London.
9. Eat and drink elsewhere than Leicester Square.
The restaurants surrounding this tourist area are expensive and bad, and you will only hang out with its colleagues visitors. Consult our London nightlife guide for some advice on certain alternatives.
10. Do not pay your water in restaurants and ads.
Sure -to -drink tap water should always be available for free.
Celtic Hotel is one of our favorite budget summits in the heart of London. Photo: Craig Nelson
Housing
11. Choose a hotel located in the center.
There are many hotel options at a reasonable price listed on Eurocheapo. Being able to walk towards more places will save you time and money. Here are our favorite budgetary hotels in London.
12. Do not jump your hotel breakfast.
Breakfast is included in the price of many hotels in London and will help you save considerably on catering costs. If this rate includes an English breakfast (as at the Celtic hotel), eat!
Security
13. Do not get all your valuables.
It should not be necessary to withdraw your passport with you (leave it instead in the hotel safely). Be reasonable on how you carry things too, and opt for zipped bags rather than pants of pants. Unfortunately, there are opportunistic thieves in a city – why make life easier for them?
14. Do not leave your bags or your luggage unattended in public places.
Aside from the fact that someone is likely to run away with him, he is treated very seriously. An unattended bag can trigger the evacuation of an entire station, so keep your tight goods.
Get tickets in advance for animated sites like the London Eye to mark good discounts. Photo: Phil Dolby
Sightseeing
15. Do not underestimate the size of London.
This city is huge! And you will never see everything in one trip. Rather than creating a crazy route where you rush from one show to another, take it a little more easily and focus on your essential absolute. Discover these budget routes for 1, 2 and 3 days.
16. Have ahead in advance for major views.
Once you’ve made your unmissable list, take an eye online and see if you can book in advance. Many places, such as the London Eye, offer discounts for booking in advance online.
17. Put the best party of London’s free attractions.
Remember that most of the main museums in London are free, which makes people like the British Museum and the accessible tate on the tightest budget. Take advantage!
18. Visit at least one of the London markets.
Whether you choose to visit the Columbia Road flower market or Portobello antiques, the London market offers unique and cheap entertainment.
19. Do not ignore the green space of London.
Book a little time to walk around Hyde Park, or to make a trip to Primrose Hill. You will have a much more relaxing side of the city. These green spaces are also excellent places to have impromptu picnics.
Related: 10 free things that will make you fall in love with London
20. Laying.
We, the British, love the queue! If there is a tourist attraction, a popular coffee or an ATM, there is a good chance that we are making your tail in front of it. We expect the visitors to also kiss our love for the queue. So apply patience and certainly do not think of making your way forward.
Transportation
21. Try to walk it.
If you are staying in the center of London, most important sites will be from walking distance. It is a much better way to see the city that packed in the tube.
22. Kiss all forms of public transport.
This is not all about the tube. Catrimer A bus can be a much more pleasant way to move around town. Or there are bikes, river buses and land trains that all help keep our city in motion.
Related: how to save on London public transport
23. Get an oyster card.
Whatever public transport you take, an Oyster card will help you get the cheapest prices. (Learn more about them here.) Seriously, this can considerably reduce the cost of a conduct.
24. Do not browse public transport during peak hours, if possible.
It is before 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the evening. It is when buses and trains are the most busy and the inhabitants are the most grumpy. It is certainly better to spend time walking (or in a coffee or a bar!), If possible.
25. Do not count on the tube after midnight.
Night transport in London is completely different from the day, so plan in advance if you are going to go out late. There are more details in our London nightlife guide.
Your advice?
Do you have one or not to visit London? Share with us in our comments section below.
