London attracts tourists from across the globe every day. If you're planning a trip and want your time to be exciting, memorable, and stress-free, check out these six common mistakes tourists make when visiting. You might just avoid making a typical blunder.
Commute During Rush Hour
Like any big city, rush hour is the worst time to attempt traveling. Rush hour in London is generally between 7:30am and 9:30am, then again from 5pm to 7pm. Your best option during these times is to walk wherever you need to go (if you can) or schedule tours and excursions outside of these times, as roads are likely to be gridlocked and the tube gets very busy.
Miss the Markets
London is jammed with incredible markets selling all kinds of weird and wonderful trinkets. However, many visitors miss out on seeing them and often stick to looking around the usual Kensington High Street stores you find in tourist hotspots. To achive an ideal shopping experience, try Borough Market and Greenwich Market for food, Columbia Road for flowers, Camden Market for art and music, Portobello Road Market for antiques and trinkets, and Old Spitalfields Market for vintage clothes and jewelery. If you've booked local accommodations in London, you can research which markets are nearest to you and plan your morning there without it eating too much into your schedule.
Stand on the Wrong Side
London is a hectic place packed with people who often behave as though they needed to be somewhere urgently five minutes ago. Although sometimes it can't be helped, many tourists make the mistake of standing on the left-hand side of the escalator. This can cause problems when navigating the underground, so it's crucial to remember that the left is for walking and the right is for standing.
Sightsee Only One Way
Think the only way to experience London is paying for an open-top bus tour? Not true. Open-top buses are fantastic for seeing the city quickly, but there are plenty of other ways, too. Grab an Oyster card and use the tube to explore the city yourself. You'll be amazed at how much money you can save and the hidden, off-the-beaten-track delights you can find.
Stick to Chains
It'd be a massive error to only visit the same shops and restaurants that you can enjoy at home. When in London, check out the huge variety of independent venues for a taste of something different. Camden Lock is home to some amazing cafés, while Soho has its fair share of unusual eateries to try as well. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal has also been a favorite among quirky foodies for many years, if you're up for trying something extra special during your London trip.
Skip the Freebies
Last but not least, don't make the mistake of missing out on free treats. London is packed with free museums and galleries for you to enjoy some cost-effective art and culture during your visit. Visit the Houses of Parliament to explore historic artifacts, head to the National Gallery to see the works of Da Vinci, and visit the Natural History Museum to take in the impressive sight of its famous blue whale skeleton.
Now you're clued up for your trip to London and ready to take on the city with confidence. Planning ahead by researching the available options can pay off big regarding attempts to make the most of your travel experience.
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