London Do's and Don'ts, According to a Local

Here's the lay of the land, as told by a true Londoner! Watch Amy, Tammy, and their siblings take London on 1000-lb Sisters, Tuesdays at 9/8c.

By: Josie Wilkins

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Best London Travel Tips

A certain amount of preparation is required for seamless traveling. Once you’ve overcome the hurdle of checks, controls, and crowds, it’s simply a matter of observing your surroundings and exploring new grounds. Or so you might think. When visiting a place like London, there are a few unspoken rules that, if followed, will help your trip run a little smoother.

When Amy, Tammy, and their family travel to London on 1000-lb Sisters, we see them encounter a few unexpected cultural differences. So, consider this your guide to avoiding any unwanted surprises. Check out these London do’s and don’ts to follow in the footsteps of our favorite dynamic duo and experience the trip of your dreams across the pond!

DO: Use Public Transport

No matter what airport you touch down in, there will always be a queue of black cabs ready and waiting for you outside. However, many London airports are a lengthy car journey from the city centre, resulting in a hefty fee to welcome you into the city. Instead, opt for London’s speedy public transport to bring you into and around the city. Many of the airports have direct access to the underground, or if not, there are trains that go directly into the city.

DON’T: Stand on the Left

If you do choose to venture down into the tube, be sure to follow the first rule of London’s underground: never, ever stand on the left of the escalator. A rule taken very seriously by busy Londoners; the left side of the escalator should always be left vacant for those to hurry past to catch their tube (despite one arriving every two to three minutes).

DO: Familiarize Yourself with Tube Etiquette

Speaking of tube etiquette, there are some other typical rules of thumb. First, no matter how excited and over-stimulated you may be feeling, always remember to allow people to get off the carriage before you eagerly embark. Failing to do so is every Londoner’s pet peeve. Also, don’t forget to tap in and tap out with the same card, held at the ready before approaching the turnstile.

DON’T: Travel During Rush Hour

If you have any say in the matter, try and avoid the tube during rush hours. Those peak hours from eight to nine in the morning and five until seven in the evening, are simply chaotic. If you do travel during these times, be prepared for a complete invasion of personal space, alongside pushes and shoves by over-tired commuters.

DO: Explore Beyond Zone One

While Big Ben is certainly a sight to behold, as is the London Eye, there’s a world to explore outside of the city centre (Zone One). Venture west to explore Kew Gardens and spot the deer of Richmond, and have a pint in the cozy local pubs of Highgate and Hampstead Heath. You might even bump into a few of your favourite British singers that live in the area.

DON’T: Confuse the Bridges

Having said this, when you are visiting the popular sights of London, make sure to do it properly. In other words, don’t confuse the bridges. If you’ve planned to take in the grand spectacle of London Bridge, prepare to be disappointed. While it may be the star of Fergie’s hit song, visually, this bridge is nothing much more than a functional passageway across the Thames River. However, Tower Bridge (pictured here) is one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks of London, and it is this bridge that deserves a place in your itinerary!

DO: Befriend The Locals

Finally, it may not always seem like the friendliest city in the world, where a smile from a stranger can be more concerning than contagious. Despite this, you can, in fact, befriend the locals. Once 5pm strikes and they have escaped the fluorescent office lights, most Londoners are friendly and more than happy to have a chat! Spark up a conversation in the pub over a pint of Guinness. You’ll be sure to get a welcoming response.

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