17 Rules For Exploring London Without Offending Locals

Millions of visitors flock to London annually—a city of history, culture, and life. Londoners are polite (most of the time) and accommodating, but when tourists don’t quite get the unspoken rules of the city, they may become impatient. 

Whether on a double-decker bus or wandering through Borough Market, knowing a few local customs will make your trip a lot more pleasant, for you and the locals. There are certain dos and don’ts that make a lot of difference, from navigating public transport to ordering a pint at the pub.

Stand On The Right, Walk On The Left

If you’ve ever taken the Tube, you know that escalators are a battleground of unspoken etiquette. If you’re standing still, stand on the right and leave the left to those in a hurry. If you stand in the middle or block the left side, you’ll likely hear an exasperated “Excuse me!”.

Be Mindful of The Queue

Londoners take queuing seriously, so if you’re waiting for a bus or ordering at a café, cutting in line is a fast track to getting irritating glares. If you’re in doubt, ask, “Is this the queue?” That’s a sure way to win their hearts.

Avoid Tourist Traps During Rush Hour

Walking around Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus at 8 a.m. is like playing Frogger with stressed Londoners. These spots are already chaotic, and during peak commuting hours, they’re war zones. Wait until later when locals aren’t rushing to work to do your sightseeing.

Skip Conversation On The Tube

The London Underground is not a social club. Locals see it as a sacred zone of silence: headphones in, books out, and eyes averted. Chatting to strangers here might get you raised eyebrows or even a wary shuffle.

Learn The Lingo At The Pub

Ordering a beer in a London pub isn’t rocket science, but knowing your pint from your half-pint and your ale from your lager can score you some local respect. For example, in many pub interactions ‘Cheers’ works very well as a substitute for ‘thank you’.

Don’t Stand Still On Busy Streets

Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus are bustling hubs and nothing annoys locals more than tourists stopping in the middle of the pavement to take a selfie. If you need to pause, step aside, or risk getting bumped into by hurried passersby.

Don’t Call It “Soccer”

Football is a religion in the UK. Calling it “soccer” might earn you a confused look or, worse, a lecture. Bonus points if you can chat about a local team like Arsenal or Tottenham, just don’t mix them up.

Mind the Gap—and the Umbrella

The Gap is not the only thing you need to mind in London, minding your umbrella is also important. To avoid getting into an Umbrella duel when it rains, always tilt yours upwards and be mindful not to aim it at people’s faces. It’s common courtesy.

Know Your Coins

In a new country, the currency might take a bit of getting used to. Knowing your coins does save time when trying to pay and reduces delays for others in the line. It helps to sort through your coins and know how much you need before getting in line, or before getting to the payment counter.

Respect The “Keep Off The Grass” Signs

Respecting the rules of any country is generally advised, especially the ones that protect the local environment. Do not ignore ‘Keep off the grass’ signs, as these help preserve the beauty of many parks, and areas.

Tap Out With Your Oyster Card

Using London’s public transport system requires a quick tap of your Oyster card or contactless payment. Remember to tap out when leaving the Tube, or you’ll be charged extra. Simple, right? Yet it’s a common rookie mistake.

Ask Before Petting Someone’s Dog

Londoners like to have their boundaries respected, and it is often considered rude to pet someone’s dog without asking first. If you can’t resist the cuteness, ask politely and respect the owner’s wishes even if they don’t permit you to pet their dog.

Skip the Fake Accent

Most people don’t appreciate when people mimic their accents. This is no exception in London. If you are excited or in awe of their accent, it is okay to marvel respectfully and still speak in your natural voice.

Use The Crossing Properly

Londoners are more likely to observe zebra crossings (crosswalks) and jaywalking is widely unacceptable, as is the case in the U.S. Even if it feels like an eternity to wait for the green man, it’s safer and shows you’re respecting the rules.

Skip Rush Hour If You Can

Rush hour on the Tube is not for the faint-hearted. Trains jampacked, speedy commuters, and very little personal space to work lead to an unpleasant experience. Wherever possible, avoid traveling between 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Understand That Small Talk Is Not A Given

While many Londoners are friendly, they usually don’t engage in casual chitchat. If you’re chatting to a shop assistant or server, keep it polite and brief. Sharing your personal story might feel awkward to locals.

Appreciate The Humor

One of the things about British humor is that it is dry, self-deprecating, and subtle. When someone makes a joke about the weather or their commute, chances are they’re just trying to get the conversation going. It’s their way of being warm, so laugh along.