10 Things Tourists Keep Doing in London That Locals Hate

Save to Find It Later!

If you’re planning a trip to London, you might want to know a few things to avoid doing, unless you’re keen on getting some eye rolls from the locals. London is a bustling city with its own set of unspoken rules, and breaking them can sometimes cause a bit of annoyance. Here’s a list of 10 common tourist actions that tend to frustrate the people who live there. Let’s try to keep things smooth for everyone, shall we?

1. Stopping suddenly in the middle of busy pavements

Imagine you’re rushing to get to work and someone just stops right in front of you to check their phone or map. That’s a day-to-day reality in London. The busy pavements aren’t just pathways; they’re like highways for people on the go. When tourists stop abruptly, it disrupts the flow and can even cause a few accidental bumps!

2. Blocking Tube entrances while checking maps

The Tube is the lifeblood of London travel. When tourists block the entrances while trying to figure out their route, it can be really frustrating for locals trying to get in or out. The best thing to do is step aside or find a spot where you’re not in the way to check your map.

3. Standing on the left side of escalators

In London, escalator etiquette is simple: stand on the right, walk on the left. It keeps things moving smoothly. Tourists standing on the left can block those who are in a hurry and need to pass by, causing a bit of a jam on the escalator stairs.

4. Using phones openly near roads and crossings

Safety first, right? When tourists focus more on their phones than their surroundings, especially near roads and crossings, it’s not just unsafe for them, but for everyone around. It can be quite nerve-wracking for locals to watch!

5. Walking slowly in rush-hour areas

Rush hour in London is exactly what it sounds like—a rush. Locals are usually hurrying to get to work or home, and slow-moving tourists can make the commute even more stressful. It helps to be mindful of the pace of the crowd around you.

6. Treating normal streets like film sets

London’s streets may be picturesque, but they are also real places where people live and work. When tourists treat these spaces like personal film sets, it can be disruptive. Always try to be respectful and considerate when capturing your memories.

7. Taking photos in the middle of busy walkways

It’s great to take photos to remember your trip, but try to avoid stopping suddenly in the middle of busy walkways to snap those shots. This can block the path for others and might also lead to some frustrated sighs from those trying to get past.

8. Not letting passengers off the Tube first

Here’s a golden rule for the Tube: let people off before you get on. It makes everything smoother and faster for everyone. When tourists don’t follow this, it can clog up the exits and entrances, making the Tube experience a bit more chaotic for everyone.

9. Wearing backpacks on crowded trains

Crowded trains are tough enough without extra bulk. When tourists wear large backpacks on crowded trains, it takes up space and sometimes accidentally bumps into other passengers. A good tip is to take your backpack off and hold it by your side instead.

10. Assuming everyone in London works in tourism

London is a diverse city with a wide range of professions. Not everyone is a tour guide or hotel concierge. When tourists assume so, it can be a bit amusing but mostly just awkward. Asking politely if someone can help is a much better approach.