10 Rude Things Tourists Do in London Without Realising

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10 Rude Things Tourists Do in London Without Realising

Visiting London can be an exciting experience, full of history, culture, and iconic landmarks. However, there’s a way to blend in better with the locals and avoid those awkward moments. Here, we talk about some common mistakes tourists make without even realising they’re being a bit rude. From standing in the wrong spot on escalators to tipping awkwardly, let’s smooth out those travel wrinkles for your next trip!

1. Standing on the left side of escalators

In London, escalator etiquette is quite a big deal, especially in the Tube stations. Always stand on the right hand side. The left side? That’s for people in a hurry who want to walk up. Standing on the left can block the flow and frustrate the locals trying to get past. Just remember: stand right, walk left. It keeps everything moving smoothly and you won’t get any annoyed looks or tuts from busy Londoners!

2. Blocking the Tube doors

When riding the Tube, always be mindful of where you’re standing. Blocking the doors during busy times can slow everyone down. It’s best to step to the side and allow others to get off before you hop on. Think of it as a little dance we all have to participate in to keep things moving efficiently. Plus, it makes the ride more pleasant for everyone!

3. Talking loudly on public transport

Londoners tend to keep it pretty quiet on public transport. Loud conversations can be seen as a bit intrusive. Keep your talking volume low, especially when chatting on your phone. This way, you respect everyone’s space and quiet time, particularly during those early morning commutes.

4. Feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square

It might be tempting to feed the pigeons when you see them flocking around tourist spots like Trafalgar Square, but it’s actually frowned upon. Feeding pigeons can attract more birds, which means more mess and sometimes damage to historic sites. Enjoy watching them, but keep your snacks to yourself!

5. Taking photos in the middle of crowded streets

London’s streets can be pretty packed, and stopping suddenly to take a photo can cause a bit of a pedestrian jam. Try to step to the side, or find a less crowded spot to snap your shots. This way, you get a great photo and don’t disrupt the flow of foot traffic.

6. Ignoring queue etiquette

Queuing is almost a sport in the UK. Jumping the queue or not realizing there is a queue can really upset the locals. Always check if there’s a line and take your place at the end. It’s seen as polite and fair.

7. Complaining about the rain

Rain is pretty standard in London, so complaining about it can seem a bit pointless to the locals. It’s best to come prepared with an umbrella and a good coat. Embrace the drizzle and enjoy London’s splendor, rain or shine!

8. Tipping too much or at the wrong places

In London, tipping isn’t as big as it is in some other countries. Around 10-12% is typical in restaurants, and you usually don’t need to tip in bars or taxis. Over-tipping can sometimes lead to awkward situations or misunderstandings.

9. Walking on the cycle lanes

Cycle lanes are for bikes, not for walking. Keep an eye out for marked lanes so you don’t find yourself in the path of a fast-moving cyclist. It keeps you safe and keeps the traffic flowing properly!

10. Calling the Tube the “subway”

In London, the underground train system is known as the “Tube” not the “subway”. Calling it the subway might confuse some locals or simply signal that you’re a tourist. When in London, do as the Londoners do, and you’ll fit right in!