London Do’s and Don’ts: Top Tips for Looking Like a Local

Fewer things are more mortifying for a Brit than being “tutted” at in public, and with a population pushing 10 million residents, European cities don’t get much more public than London. 

London is the capital of British passive aggression, in which dignity, rather than safety, lies at the centre of the cultural crosshairs. From standing on the right(-hand) side of the escalator on the London Underground to firing off the “sorry” cannon like it’s going out of fashion, here are several cultural and practical do’s and don’ts, as well as things you can do to fit in with the locals.

All so you can navigate the city like a true Londoner.

London Don'ts - Faux Paus to Avoid

Don’t stand on the left side of escalators

On the London Underground, the left side of the escalator is for people walking up or down. Always stand on the right side to allow others to pass, unless you’re also in a hurry – in which case you join the physical activity junkies in the left-hand line. And remember: when you’re stuck behind someone on the left, sigh or “tutt” at them until they sheepishly make way. 

Cutting in line (or "queue")

Queuing is a national pastime throughout the United Kingdom. If standing in line were an Olympic sport, the British would be world-beaters. Whether you’re at the pub, waiting for a taxi, or buying a travel ticket, attempting to jump the queue is a surefire way to peeve people off.  

So respect the line, wait your turn, and, most importantly, mind the gap.

Looking the wrong way when crossing the street

Did you know that it wasn’t until 1792 that people first started driving on the right? For much of history, people marched and rode wagons on the left, in order to keep their sword hands free should anyone on the road start any funny business. The Brits still do — not because there’s much danger of anyone – apart from this guy – kicking off on British roads, but because we’re insufferable creatures of habit and see no reason why we should follow the damn French. 

Anyhow, remember that in the UK, cars drive on the left. So always look right first, then left, before crossing the street to avoid getting your holiday ruined by a big red bus.

Talking to strangers on the London Underground

Do not under any circumstances try to make small-talk with people on public transport. Even if you happen to lock eyes with the love of your life, give a subtle glance at the most to try to gauge their attention, and if that fails then get off at your station and spend the rest of your life wondering what could have been. 

Making small talk on the London Underground won’t put you in physical danger. People will just look at you like you’re an absolute psychopath for breaching the peace and interrupting the “rail screech” sound of metal wheels grinding against curves on the Victoria and Northern lines. 

Being loud in public

Shouting in public is frowned upon in the UK – unless you’re going to, or coming from, a football match, in which case it’s positively encouraged. The only time it is appropriate to speak loudly on public transport is to comment on that crap music the teenager behind you is playing on their phone speaker. “Thanks DJ Bedtime, but you might want to use headphones”. 

London Do's - Fitting in with Londoners

Bring a waterproof

The first-ever eye-witness description of the island of Great Britain, written by the Greek geographer Strabo in the first century BC, talks about how the weather was “more rainy than snowy; and on the days of clear sky, fog prevails so long a time that throughout a whole day, the sun is to be seen for only three or four hours round about midday.” 

Grim stuff, and regrettably little has changed. Rainy days in the UK are as certain a thing as death and taxes, and yet a little bit of drizzle doesn’t have to ruin your day. Come armed with a waterproof and an umbrella (or buy one while you’re over here) and you’ll have no problems exploring the British capital. Plus, worst case scenario, if it pours it down you can always duck into any of London’s free museums and galleries! 

Master the art of politeness

Please don’t actually try this (or if you do, don’t hold us liable), but we bet if you stepped on a Brit’s toes while walking down the streets they – not you – would be the first to say sorry. We Brits have a funny relationship with excessive verbal politeness, perhaps because we see it as the best way to avoid facing our greatest fear of public confrontation. 😱

Use "please," "thank you," and, most importantly, "sorry" like it’s going out of fashion. Brits are known for their excessive verbal politeness, and these phrases are vital in daily interactions. 

Embrace pub culture

Visiting Britain? Start readying your liver. British drinking culture is world-renowned, and since at least the time of Shakespeare, the Brits have taken pride in how much their livers can handle. Seriously. Below is a quote from Shakespeare’s Othello in which Iago, a soldier, describes his experience drinking with the English. 

IAGO: I learned [that song] in England, where indeed they are most potent in potting. Your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander—drink, ho!—are nothing to your English.

CASSIO: Is your [Englishman] so exquisite in his drinking?

CASSIO: Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk. He sweats not to overthrow your Almain. He gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled.

Shakespeare, Othello, Act 2, Scene 3

Anyway, away from Shakespeare and onto more practical advice. When in a pub, order and pay at the bar rather than waiting for table service. If you're with a group, buy rounds of drinks rather than ordering individually (the bar staff and patrons will thank you for it). Finally, if you’re low on funds, seek out a Wetherspoons pub where the beer is cheap and the food is edible.

Join our Tipsy Tour and live the real London 😎

Use public transportation properly

Learn to use the Tube and buses effectively. Have your Oyster card or contactless payment ready before approaching the barriers to keep things moving smoothly.

➡️ Bookmark our complete guide to getting around London

Explore beyond tourist hotspots

Sure, it’s great to see London’s main sites. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London too. But it’s in neighbourhoods and markets the locals visit that give you the most authentic experience of London. So make sure to seek out places like Borough Market (where we do a pretty gnarly food tour), Broadway Market or — as touristy as it can be — Camden Town. 

Tipping in London

Tipping in London is generally more relaxed compared to some other countries.

• Restaurants: If a service charge (usually 12.5%) is not included, it's customary to leave a 10-15% tip.
• Bars and pubs: Tipping is not expected, but you can say "keep the change" or round up to the nearest pound if you wish.
• Taxis: It's polite to round up the fare to the nearest pound, or tip up to £5 for longer journeys or if the driver has helped with luggage.

Make the Most of London with Carpe Diem Tours

Our London Tours offer the most authentic way to explore the UK capital. Our licensed guides are tested and trusted on TripAdvisor, and we’ve selected them because of their passion for their city.

🍲 Feeling peckish? Get a real taste of London on our Borough Market Food tour.

🍻 Looking to meet other travellers on a fun night out? Check out our London Tipsy Tour.

🪄 Heed the summons of the Ministry of Magic by joining our Harry Potter Walking Tour.

🗡️ Want to immerse yourself in Whitechapel's dark history? Join our investigative Jack the Ripper Tour.