12 things to know before visiting London

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Pack layers and a raincoat

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C (68°F) in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built way before air-conditioning and it can be stifling down there). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day. Switch to more indoor activities – there are plenty of museums, galleries and historic sites to visit.

2. Skip the car and take public transportation

London’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 (US$20) a day (expected to increase to £18/US$24 a day from 2026), while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 (US$17) and only certain energy-efficient or electric cars are exempt. This is before you factor in parking charges, which start at around £5 (US$6.75) per hour.

The best way to get around is on public transport. Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online. Check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action, closures and engineering works.  

3. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground (the Tube). Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers to minimize disruption and avoid creating a line. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to overtake you are able to pass on the left. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either side of the doors) before you board.

On board, offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, the elderly or someone with a disability. It's not always obvious who may need a seat, so look out for a "baby on board" badge to indicate a pregnancy or a green lanyard with sunflowers that represents a hidden disability. If you want to blend in, definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals, and if playing or watching something on your phone, please use headphones.

The Tube map does not reflect distances between stations accurately, so if you're only going one or two stops, it's definitely worth cross-checking with another map to see if it's easier and quicker to walk.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground on foot when exploring London, which features many different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and ancient cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue.

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to wait for the most popular joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse communities. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try the Bridge Club serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a soccer (football) match

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 professional men's football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and five Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "the Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged.

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube or train is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening.

12. Events take place throughout the year 

London plays host to events throughout the year, from niche performances in arts centers to large-scale music festivals, parades and sports tournaments. Trafalgar Square and Soho will be filled with rainbow flags on July 5 for Pride. The Notting Hill Carnival (August 24–25) celebrates Caribbean culture, arts, and heritage, filling the streets around Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove at the end of August. Hyde Park, Victoria Park and several others host huge open-air concerts throughout the summer months, which means large areas of parkland are inaccessible to visitors. Many football stadiums use the off-season to fill their pitches with music fans, and the final of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 will be hosted in September at Twickenham.

If you have tickets for any of London's major events, be prepared for incredibly busy journeys on public transport, particularly after the event when upwards of 50,000 people are trying to get on a train or tube at the same time. Don't be surprised to be held outside stations by police or security while some of the crowds clear. This is a safety measure, usually accompanied by a cheery atmosphere and even the occasional post-gig singalong.