15 unwritten rules you should know before travelling to London

It’s no secret Londoners love to queue. We are known for our obsession with order; a compulsive need to systemise everything into neat and tidy sections. So when throngs of travellers flock to the capital, some (many) Londoners can begin to malfunction as things get disorderly. You’ll notice an involuntary eye twitch if you stand on the wrong side of the escalator, a reflexive eye roll if you pose for a photo in a phone box, or even an audible gasp if you step into the road while looking the wrong way for oncoming traffic.

But don’t let that deter you – behind the stiff-upper-lip facade, Londoners are just as chaotic as the best of us (they just like to pretend otherwise). Stick to the rule book and you’ll avoid getting stuck in any unplanned queues or crowded stations and evade grumpy glares from locals. Below, the editors of Condé Nast Traveller round up the top unwritten rules they want everyone to know before visiting London.

Thursday is the new Friday

Londoners embrace a ‘work hard, play hard’ lifestyle, and with many businesses moving to a Friday work-from-home format, Thursday has become the trendiest time for post-work gatherings. When evening hits, crowds of smartly dressed professionals spill out of bars and pubs across central London, toasting to the unofficial start of the weekend. For the experience of London truly letting loose, Thursday promises a lively atmosphere, just make sure to book ahead or bag your seat before shifts end at 5pm. If you want a peaceful evening stroll or dinner, consider scheduling that plan earlier on in the week.

Be prepared to spend

Known for its designer department stores and glamorous dining scene, there’s a reason London has a reputation for being expensive. Visiting the city comes at a price (£8 pints to be specific), but if you come prepared, the damage to your bank account won’t be so hefty. Set a realistic budget and think of ways you can cut costs to make room for the big-ticket items. If you’re careful with your money, affordable travel is possible anywhere, so prepare for the high price tags ahead of your journey.

Make use of the freebies

On the flip side, there are many ways of exploring London's eclectic culture for free. Several of the most famous galleries and museums do not charge visitors for entry - The British Museum, National Gallery and V&A, to name a few. It’s not just the exhibitions either, as Sky Garden, a rooftop natural paradise with panoramic views, offers only free tickets on its site. Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross also runs a walk-in open-air cinema throughout the summer, showcasing all the blockbuster hits from Grease to Barbie. When planning your itinerary, look out for the free things to do - you will be surprised by how much you can save.

Remember your manners

After a few days in the city, you will quickly notice people are not shy, particularly when it comes to being friendly. Whether it be saying thank you to the bus driver or holding the door open for a stranger, good manners are valued in London. Blend in with the locals by minding your Ps and Qs as you travel and treat all how you would like to be treated, no matter how it is that you cross paths.

Always book ahead

Spontaneity can be fun when you’re on holiday, but when you’re hoping to see, eat and drink at the best places in London, planning ahead is key. Make an itinerary for your trip and be sure to make reservations way in advance. For restaurants, this means you won’t end up missing out or having to stand in neverending queues, and for events, you might end up getting cheaper tickets than buying at the door on the night.

Don’t forget to activate touch payment

Barely anybody takes cash anymore. You can check certain venues online before you travel, but to be safe, load all of your credit and debit cards onto your devices before your trip. It’s also wise to look into getting a card that won’t charge currency conversion each time you pay – places like Monzo or Starling allow users to withdraw foreign currency without fees.

Avoid street food

This is a controversial one, but hear us out – we don’t mean avoiding London’s famous street markets. There are just certain areas of the city centre where stalls are selling subpar food at eye-watering prices (we’re looking at you, hot dog stand outside Tottenham Court Road). Avoid these places and head instead for ye olde faithful food markets, like Borough Market, Broadway Market, Arcade Food Hall or Seven Dials Market.

Choose independent restaurants

While we’re on the topic of food, this is a biggie: don’t get swept up in the moment and let the hanger get the best of you. Steer clear of touristy chains or any names you recognise from your hometown; instead, take a chance on independent restaurants. For inspiration on the best new restaurants in London right now, see our guide.

Ask for directions

We’ll admit that some Londoners can be grumpy (in our defence: the tube is hot, crowded, stressful, and everyone in the city is always in a rush). But, having said that, it is always better to ask for help if you need it – standing in front of the tube entrance or ticket barriers frantically trying to make sense of a map is only going to annoy your fellow passengers. It’s ok to ask a friendly-looking local to point you in the right direction – more often than not you’ll be surprised at how eager to help Londoners can be.

Know the rules of the tube

On that note – do your homework. There’s nothing more frustrating for a Londoner trying to get to work on time than having to push through rowdy crowds or dart between lost tourists. Avoid travelling during rush hour, which is typically between 7-9am and 5.30-7.30pm on weekdays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the busiest). Remember that, except for certain lines, most tubes close overnight, so take that into consideration when planning your activities. When taking the escalator, stand to the right and walk on the left-hand side if you so wish. When you’re on the tube itself, make sure you are aware of your fellow passengers so you can offer up your seat to anyone who might need it more than you. Remember to keep quiet during any tannoy announcements so that other passengers can hear about any delays or changes to the route.

Visit the neighbourhoods

Instead of fighting your way through the crowds to visit the city’s main tourist attractions, get out of central London. Leicester Square may host some of the world’s biggest movie premieres, but apart from that, it’s typically too busy and a sure-fire disappointment (the M&M store must be avoided at all costs). Some of the city’s prettiest places are away from central London – head to London Fields for summer vibes, Notting Hill for pastel-hued houses or Barnsbury for cute pubs. For more inspiration on London’s best neighbourhoods, check out our guide.

Find alternative modes of transport

London is known for its excellent public transport services, so don’t be fooled into hopping into the city’s black cabs to zip to your next destination. The tube is a fast and easy way to cross the capital, but the bus is a cheaper and more picturesque way to get a tour of London. Don’t waste your money on a sightseeing bus – the red buses offer a decent alternative. Try the number 26, for example, which takes you from Chelsea through Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street and St Paul's Cathedral. Lime bikes are another fun way to explore – London has great cycle lanes around the main roads (just be sure to wear a helmet). For those looking to experience the city from the water, hop onto an Uber boat instead of paying for a tourist-trap boat tour.

Walk where possible

While the capital’s transport links are truly great, the city is best explored on foot. It can often be a less stressful option to stroll through London, soaking up the sights and sounds as you go – you’ll get your bearings much faster, which is a huge help when trying to navigate the city’s many neighbourhoods. From pretty shopfronts to lush green parks via towering observation decks, check out our guide to the prettiest places in London.

Be vigilant with your safety

London is a lovely place, but it’s best to remain aware of your surroundings and be careful with your possessions while you explore. Pickpockets operate around central London and the tube stations, so keep your phone and wallet safely tucked away in your pocket or bag. Most people pay attention to road safety, but cyclists do tend to whoosh past without a moment’s notice, so be sure to check the signs on the road for which way to look before you cross and watch out for last-minute bikes.

Come prepared for any weather

London weather is seriously unpredictable, so make sure you pack accordingly. Pop a pair of sunglasses, a scarf and an umbrella just in case, so you don’t get stuck under a bus stop waiting out the rain while your trip passes you by. There are plenty of cosy spots if you are looking to wait out the rain for an hour or two – the city’s coffee shops are great for whiling away a morning with an iced treat, while London bookshops often have little cafés hidden inside, perfect for a cute pit stop (try Maison Assouline or London Review).