Remember your first visit to a big city as a youngster? The noise, the smells, the traffic, bright lights, crowds of people. and the tall buildings pointing toward the sky.
Well, I was short, so everything seemed big back then! Those are the thoughts that I remember from first visiting London. It was a different world from the one I grew up in. A landscape so vastly different. Luckily I had my Mum and Dad to guide me through the maze of streets, and the London do’s and don’ts to keep me safe. Looking back now it all seemed so different and exciting.
Jump forward a few years and even now, visiting a new city can be a daunting experience. This post then is for those of you about to head to London for the first time or are returning after a long period away.
London is a very different place now, so how can you ensure your stay is safe and as fun as possible? Here we offer our London do’s and don’ts on how to get the most out of visiting the capital.
Do take the London Underground
The Tube can seem a daunting prospect. The number of stations, the different lines, the winding, interconnecting tunnels. Then you have the crowded platforms and carriages. It’s actually best to embrace the network and use it to your advantage.
Don’t be daunted, the system will take you to within a few footsteps of all the major attractions. What’s more, there are often multiple ways to get there, and you will find staff on hand to help when needed. In fact, you’ll find there are plenty of things to find underground. Take a look at our article highlighting some of the best things you can do.
Try the tube a few times, and you’ll soon find it’s the best way to get from A to B to C.
Don’t stand on the left side of the escalators!
Ok, so you’re negotiating the Underground.It’s a busy time of day, and people are rushing from place to place. The long escalators are coming up, so what should you do?
Just don’t forget to stand on the right side of the escalators. Otherwise, you’ll likely to be the annoyance of local commuters! Left side is the fast lane, so keep right, and all your worries will be forgotten.
Do visit a London pub
You might need to pick and choose, but a visit to a pub is a must. They each have their own unique atmosphere, and likely some interesting beers to taste.
They are often joyous places to visit! Look out for those that have stages, as gigs will often take place during the evenings. Some pibs will brew their own beer or at least have local varieties to try. At the end of the day, they are the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploring.
Don’t leave valuables visible
It may seem obvious, but on the busy shopping streets of London, you’ll find there are those looking for an opportunity to have a new phone! People riding around on motorbikes, and snatching items from you, is one such way they operate.
Keep your valuables close and hidden, and always be aware of where you are. You don’t want to lose those memories you have snapped or videoed?
Do bring a brolly!
It rains, sometimes cats and dogs! It snows, and it drizzles. Sometimes all on the same day! A typical London day can be hard to predict. Just be prepared for all weather, and that’s even during the brighter, warmer days of spring and summer.
Saying that, it doesn’t rain as much as people think, but best to have an umbrella or raincoat on hand or close by. Just in case.
Don’t jump the queue
Standing on the wrong side of the escalator is probably number one! Queue jumping is possibly Londoners’ second biggest annoyance.
We like a queue here in the UK, and generally, we do it respectfully. Jump the line, and you could find yourself potentially getting a mouthful. It’s really not worth it! Wait in line and you’ll get to your attraction or destination soon enough.
Do visit London’s Museums
Think London is an expensive city? Well, yes and no! You’ll find that many of London’s museums are actually free! And we’re talking internationally known ones. You can make a donation on entry, but that’s entirely your decision, although do bear in mind that the donations help towards maintaining them.
I can’t list them all, but for here are a few for starters, The British Museum, Tate Gallery, National Art Gallery, Science Museum and Natural History Museum. Yep, they are all free! Consider your rainy-day activities sorted.
Don’t forget to look left and right!
London may not be New Delhi or Rome but the streets are still busy, and you need to take care.
In the UK we drive on the left side of the road, so approaching from your right side when you’re looking to cross the road. The opposite to most! Look both ways before stepping out. And with an increasing number of cycle lanes, watch for bikes too.
Ok, so it’s not an exhaustive list, but follow these London do’s and don’ts, and you’ll find your trip will be a whole more pleasant. You can kick ‘being daunted’ in the butt and well into touch! Happy travels.
