London Tourist Mistakes All 1st Time Visitors Make

Are you heading to London and not sure what to expect? Well let's go through some of the common tourist mistakes that vacationers make when they visit London. From the tube to shopping to Chinatown to not looking the right direction crossing the street, here are some of the most common tourist mistakes tourists make in London.
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[@marycarla6245]

The police around London ARE fantastic. We had a stolen back pack situation and I could not believe the thorough follow up by the Metro Police. They found the guy six months later and actually took the time to send us a letter about his sentence. No way would that have happened in an American for a stolen back pack.

[@PastaSauce.]

That’s quite surprising considering how under funded and under staffed the British police are. Very happy you got your back pack back.

[@dresdi]

As someone who lives in London the police are absolutely anything but fantastic, this comment is a VERY RARE exception

[@Fitlad75]

nice to hear, the service is usually awful. Misplaced priorities. Thanks Khan

[@teamalpha7423]

You have to remember that there are two police forces under different laws and funding, the city of London police are the most polite and helpful the metropolitan police it’s generally ok to ask questions or directions. Also if your staying in the city I would recommend visiting the london museum it’s free, Hampton court, Windsor and other easy to travel locations, Cambridge is a bit far by train. Also the sky gardens which is free has amazing views of the city.

[@henlolneh]

they wouldn't do that in america for a MURDER let alone a freaking stolen backpack !

[@johnshort5830]

I'll take an episode of Wolter's world any day over these Instagram model travel channels. Always a heaping dose of both reality and positivity, one of the best channels on KZbin. Great work as always, keep em coming.

[@lesleyrafuse9088]

100% Walter's World for quick info and Rick Steves for more in depth coverage. The Instagramers drive me crazy. "Watch me pack my entire wardrobe and ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL my makeup for a 2 day trip" 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@discogareth]

Wolter, oh Wolter! You’ve been here often enough to know by now how to pronounce Thames.

[@scottbarry62]

I mentioned the same thing. I couldn't believe he said it like that.

[@jeffreycrawley1216]

Er, he's American so he gets a pass on that one besides how many British people can pronounce Yosemite correctly? Also we love it when tourists, especially Americans, mispronounce words like Leicester, Loughborough and Worcestershire - it gives us a sense of superiority that we don't otherwise have nowadays! 🥰

[@scottbarry62]

@@jeffreycrawley1216 Yea, but Thames is easy, especially when one has been there as much as he has and hears it constantly. And in television and movies. No excuse.

[@AbuPaul]

lol - I laughed at that 🤣

[@heatherqualy9143]

Couple notes. I found the Tube to be one of the cheapest ways to get around. I was so intimidated by the thought of it. I read and watched a ton of tips about it before we left, and was surprised when we got there at how well it is planned out and organised! My 7-yr old and I had it figured out by the afternoon of the first day. Don’t be scared of the Tube! Also, the willingness to help. The two weeks I was there, i found everyone very helpful and tolerant of my “ignorant tourist” ways. Have to say the one moment that stood out to me most was at Harrods. After standing in a long line to check my few small items, the cashier greeted me kindly, rang up my items, handed me my bag, and said, “Do you need directions anywhere?” … What a PERFECT question to have your cashiers ask! Helpful, polite, takes any embarrassment or hesitation away from the tourist who might feel stupid in asking. It’s been 10 years since I was there, I saw a million incredible things, and yet THAT is the moment I most often remember.

[@acustomer7216]

@heatherqualy9143. I agree with you 200% after 5 trips to visit my daughter the Tube is fsntastic! Traveling on the overland trains also fantastic!

[@acommentator4452]

you would have to pay for the bag now, would be asked, do you need a bag. and get with the lingo, you queued to pay. on first reading i thought you meant a security check at the door to get into the shop. one language, two worlds...

[@timgriggs8592]

The "Tames"?? C'mon... it's pronounced "Tems" 😊

[@scottbarry62]

Very good point. He said something about it being expensive which is complete garbage. It's the best way to travel after walking.

[@joehoe222]

Great list, just one misser I didn't notice: DON'T MESS WITH THE GUARDS! Lots of people make fun of them, want to touch them, whatever. Making a picture for home is okay, as long as you make it with respect for his job, sometimes they even help with a foot shuffle themselves, or sometimes you are allowed to make them when they're just off duty. But DON'T TOUCH OR WALK IN THEIR WAY! They are allowed to use violence if going too far and that won't be nice. It's an honorary job and treat them that way. Also don't touch the reigns of the horses as well.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

I have that one in our "Don'ts of London" video. But you are right to add this here! Thank you!

[@mats7492]

The guards are ACTUAL soldiers are on duty... indeed, dont mess with them

[@joehoe222]

@@mats7492 There are circulating videos on YT that a guard that just has been released of duty went on photo with a little kid when finishing the protocol. That's what I meant there.

[@trollmeistergeneral3467]

The Sovereign REIGNS. A horse does not. A horse has REINS. Learn English.

[@acommentator4452]

i think you mean an honourable job. they are real soldiers, not honorary

[@donovanfoto3263]

I did London in 1978, when the French air traffic controllers were on strike. So EVERYONE leaving northern France we're leaving by London. I spent three days sleeping on the sidewalk, across the Thames from the Battersea Power Generation Plant. The people of London were FANTASTIC, offering their houses to take showers, etc

[@tnetroP]

Sadly, 2023 is a little different to 1978 in central London. Those old Londoners are no longer here. It is like that in other parts fo the country though.

[@acommentator4452]

few people had showers in 1978. offered bathroom use maybe, bath tub.

[@timgriggs8592]

@@acommentator4452 LOL.. it wasn't the 1900s. We did have showers then!

[@RubbishGimpy]

That Battersea Power Generation Plant is now a 9 Billion pound regeration area and a fast growing tourist destination in itself.

[@cb91uk5]

Thank you for your positive comments about Black cabs. I am a black cab driver myself. Just a few words of advice here, some hotels will try and put people off using taxis and say we are too expensive and also mention we charge £180 to Heathrow Airport etc, but will try and put you in one of their cars for £120 claiming they're cheaper. A total ride in a black cab to the airport (Heathrow) is £80 (give or take with light or heavy traffic and depending where abouts in London you are staying) slightly cheaper depending what terminal you're going to. Please also have in mind is watch out for the 3 cups one ball scam on Westminster Bridge. These guys will rinse you dry for your money whilst having one of their 'colleagues' playing winning money to attract tourists in thinking they can do the same. When in reality they will always win, and you will always lose. But apart from that it is a great city to visit and plenty of fun stuff to see and do.

[@carollewis3912]

Are a lot of black cabs wheelchair accessible?

[@acommentator4452]

they all are, it's a regulation to be licensed. uber etc are not@@carollewis3912

[@RubbishGimpy]

@@carollewis3912 They all are. The cab is designed this way.

[@carollewis3912]

​@@RubbishGimpyGood. We are visiting London next month. (June 2024). As well as walking and pushing my son's wheelchair I thought about taking the city bus. I will consider the cabs too now. Thank you.😊

[@RubbishGimpy]

@@carollewis3912 Buses can accommodate wheelchairs but during 'rush hour', a period when schools and workers go home 3pm-6:30pm, buses will be overcrowded in most parts. Getting Black Cabs around London will become expensive very quickly. The same with buses, Tube trains become impossible for wheel chairs and there's still quite a few stations poor or no lift (elevator) access. Depending where you visit, I highly recommend the Elizabeth Line (purple), Jubilee Line (grey), Docklands Light railway (mint green) and all Orange Overland trains (soon to change to different colours). They are accessible with lift access and Dockland and Orange line are not in tunnels so more scenic. I've lived in London 45yrs and I prefer to use these trains to avoid the crowds.

[@ahmd5]

London is an open air museum, buy a walking guide tour book and enjoy seeing the city. Keep the book as an incredible souvenir. Not only museums are free to visit but some (Tate, British, National Portrait) have free gallery walks with museum staff which is incredibly informative and. Don't miss the London City museum, it used to have 16 galleries and they have 4 free walks daily. So it took me 4 days (2 hrs/day) to see all the 16 galleries which was incredibly informative.

[@barbarawissinger]

The City Museum still causes me nightmares. While I was there with ~40 students, a fire alarm sounded & I discovered how many exits the museum had. 30 minutes went by until I had everyone rounded up. The museum itself (especially the poverty map area) is outstanding.

[@user-zzyachieve]

Can't agree more, thanks for your sharing! By the way, when I was planning a trip I found that I can get a discount by using a code on trainpal! I can share if anyone needs ~

[@Itsduggan]

Don’t make the mistake of lining up at the main entrance of The British Museum…..go around the block to the rear entrance….usually little to no line!

[@Code-on-TRIP]

take train in uk is convenient. Use railcard! Different age has different discount. And there's a discount code too.

[@frednich9603]

That pub ordering information was GOLD

[@cijmo]

My main thing I say to people is "don't take someone else's trip". Ask people, watch videos like Wolters and other gems, study, study study. Pick your favourites. There are some overhyped things but if you have dreamed of seeing Buckingham (Bucking-um not Bucking-ham) Palace, then that's what you must do. People will tell you it's not worth it (most people will, actually) but it's your dream, you decide if it's worth it. If you're brand new - the HopOnHopOff buses give you what I call "the calendar tour". You will have all the photo ops to take all the things you see that probably drew you to London in the first place. You'll also get the lay of the land, good commentary etc. Also - you don't need to do the dungeon AND London Bridge Experience. Mark has great advice to go to Liverpool for the day, one of the things I always said was that I love York. It's beautiful and it's a destination of it's own. Unless you're doing multiple days in London, stay there and take the train to London.

[@hectoriouslazarous7038]

My girlfriend and I went to London for 4 days at the end of August. We got a 2 day pass for the hop on hop off bus. It was great. We got to see the whole city and learned a little bit about the history. It's such a big city that I don't think we would have seen so much in such a short period of time otherwise. I'd recommend it for 1st time visitors. Great video as always Mark

[@user-zzyachieve]

Can't agree more, thanks for your sharing! By the way, when I was planning a trip I found that I can get a discount by using a code on trainpal! I can share if anyone needs ~

[@enjolique367]

@@user-zzyachieve Please share, going to London next week, thank you

[@vermontmike9800]

I second the recommendation to talk with the constables. They were incredibly helpful when I was in London.

[@christopherfox735]

I’d also say that if you’re looking for British food in London remember not to eat where the main tourist traps are as you’ll pay substantially more than going outside of these areas. Most U.K. cities or major towns aren’t too far away from London such as York under 2hrs from Kings Cross Station or Birmingham around the same or less depending on which station you use. If you want traditional fish and chips these are better in Scotland or Yorkshire than London. I’d suggest you pick a day where you travel from your hotel to somewhere else, Salisbury is less than 90 minutes away, you can visit Salisbury Cathedral or get the bus to Stonehenge. Also if you’ve going to visit stately homes & gardens look into purchasing overseas Visitors pass from English Heritage for 9 or 16 days valid for up to 2 adults & 4 children under the age of 18 & costs between £45-90. There’s also a single adult with children option as well. There’s also the National Trust, has a Touring Pass for families, a 7 day pass is £78 or 14 days £99 this more for homes & gardens than sites such as Stonehenge. Enjoy your stay in the U.K. but don’t forget there’s more to the U.K. than London.

[@grassytramtracks]

Bath as well, it has the only natural hot springs in the UK and it's only an hour 20 from Paddington and the Georgian architecture makes you feel like you could be an aristocrat from the 18th century heading to the Spa

[@barbarawissinger]

Hampton Court is a good destination for a London newbie wanting to test the British train system.

[@christopherfox735]

@@markylon I suppose you can if you know the area but it’s more likely that you’ll get better in Yorkshire & Scotland without looking too hard. Also, it’s a bit tongue-in-cheek of me but I’m trying to get visitors to explore more of the country than just think of London as England or U.K. Visitors need to see more of our beautiful country including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland as well as England. 😊

[@sunspot42]

Just got back from London. Dear God it’s expensive. Even by San Francisco or Manhattan standards. Inflation is on a tear there - still running 8% or so compared to 3% in the US. A lot of restaurants had literally doubled their prices from just a year or two ago. The Tube is also insanely expensive now (and some of the lines are hot as a sauna, the speedy Victoria line in particular - definitely dress in layers). The only thing blunting the sting a bit is the exchange rate with the US dollar, which is the most advantageous I’ve ever enjoyed. Take advantage of as much free stuff as you can. The Wallace Collection is a lovely museum in Marylebone that’s big enough to be worth a visit but small enough to not be fatiguing. There’s a center courtyard with a wonderful English tea service that’s unfortunately gotten really expensive the past two years. Might still be worth it. There’s also lots of shopping fairly nearby. Try grabbing a to go lunch at the food halls at M&S, John Lewis or - for the luxe version - Selfridges, and having lunch in a nearby park, for example. Or go ultra budget at Tesco or Lidl - I got bottled water at Lidl that was a quarter the price of what most other shops wanted. Take the bus when you can - it’s cheaper than the tube and the views from upstairs can be great. It’s fine for short hauls. Try to plan your visit so you aren’t running from one end of London to the other - group destinations of interest and do an area at a time. This will save transport costs and make the most of the hours of the day.

[@user-zzyachieve]

thanks for your sharing, useful for first-time visitors! By the way, when I was planning a trip I found that I can get a discount by using a code on trainpal! I can share if anyone needs ~

[@edlacey4888]

My personal top tip when using the Tube is never get off at Covent Garden as it is a ridiculously small station. Get off at Leicester Square and take a short walk

[@lancerumbolt]

Oh you've got to get off there and foolishly try and hit the stairs...

[@jenshoe]

Was in London June 2023 and had an amazing time. I actually found myself using the bus more than the tube to get around. It was easy with apps to put in start/stop points. There was a bus stop right outside my hotel and most times the change was get off one bus and wait for a different one at the same stop. Just a couple of times did I have to walk to a different stop and that was usually pretty close. It allowed me to see so much of the city I might not have if on the tube. Recommend using the bus once or twice to move around the city. And for the record, London can have heat waves...was not prepared for that. Enjoy your travel videos.

[@kathydahlen4169]

Where did you stay?

[@tobiojo6469]

My family has been to London 3 times and it’s always a magical experience.

[@ccccccchhhhhh808]

I had no desire to go but my family I was traveling with wanted to go and I ended up LOVING IT. It was so magical at Christmas.

[@adi91216]

Take a train from London to other cities and enjoy the countryside views on the way. You will see the local culture more in other places. Also, do not drive inside London as you will waste money (daily congestion charge) and hours in traffic. Rent a car in one of the outer boroughs like Wembley or Enfield as it is easier to hop onto a motorway and drive off.

[@scottbarry62]

Excellent advice

[@Code-on-TRIP]

take train in uk is convenient. Use railcard! Different age has different discount. And there's a discount code too.

[@timmmahhhh]

I was in London in 1988 as an architecture student looking for Lloyds of London. I asked a cop/bobby who gave the best directions with British humour: "go three lights that way and hang a right. You can't miss it, it's the plumber's nightmare! Also a kind correction, the river is pronounced tehms, with a short e sound and not a long a sound.

[@janethunt4037]

Great advice! We just returned from an 8 day trip there. One more thing - many of the locals understand the complex crossings with multiple lanes. Just because someone else just successfully crossed the road DOES NOT MEAN that you will also. We practiced better safe than sorry which paid off when vehicles suddenly crossed the road that we did not see ahead of time.

[@jeannehall6546]

The great thing about Wolter’s World is that a lot of what Mark has to say is just plain common sense- not only in traveling but in general life as well!

[@sl4193]

Thank you, Mark. I live in the UK and it's fairly easy for me to travel to London but a very long time since I last visited.. I wasn't considering a return trip but your enthusiasm definitely has me thinking again!

[@IsSarahPi]

Pretty common mistake is pronouncing the "H" in Buckingham 😉

[@kjcarolinagirl]

In London for the first time right now. A mistake I’ve made twice so far is thinking I’m on a train where the Oyster card is valid but it’s not. It may be valid where you got on, but not where you get off. Pay attention to the signs and announcements to help with that!

[@lawrencelewis2592]

that doesn't sound possible.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

@@FunGamingAnticsAs I recall it was cheaper to buy a return ticket from Gatiwick to London Bridge than to use the Oyster. It might be cheaper to use the Oyster once they put the senior railcard on it. I'll be there next May so I wll probably use the Oyster since my senior card is still valid.

[@lexysau]

Absolutely wonderful video. So much information, thank you for sharing!

[@keeptrying5962]

You never fail to give the best tips/advice. We took a (classic) cab to airport on return to USA. Older cabdriver called me "love" and it delighted me. I can still remember that early morning and that moment (and it's dear to me, as such things can be). We were only there one week (waaay back, year 2000) and stayed at the Ruskin, right across from The British Museum. We hit the historic, much as you well-outlined. GREAT advice you give. THANK YOU.

[@keeptrying5962]

It was austere (the Ruskin)@@markylon , but it was very affordable at the time. We were proximal to many things, allowing us to walk and save money that way.

[@acommentator4452]

when you say austere, do you mean basic facilities, bit cramped ? those are old houses, so narrow but serviceable and reasonable price@@keeptrying5962

[@carollewis3912]

Sometimes I call my sons love and lovey❤! It must come from our English ancestors.😊

[@Geovea-Travel]

Mark, thanks again for another informative and inspiring video! Can't wait to visit London soon 🤗 Kirk

[@ljrigsbee]

Always pay for tube fares with the same payment method (Oyster, contactless card, or Apple/Google pay), and ALWAYS tap out with the same payment method that you tapped in with. There is a daily and weekly cap, so if you don’t do this, you will probably end up paying more. Generally, if you take more than 4 rides per day in zones 1-2 (central London), you will notice that it isn’t charging you additional fare once you reach the daily cap of £8.10. If you go further out (to Heathrow, for example), the cap will be higher. If you tap out with a different method, you will probably get a penalty fare.

[@Magic_beans_]

0:45 This touches on what makes London a great first-time-abroad destination. It can be a super simple trip: one airport, one hotel, maybe some day trips by intercity train, but otherwise just spend a week-plus exploring a big historic diverse city.

[@darriusjordan6229]

I really enjoyed this one. I will be visiting London for the first time, in March. I'm sure this info will come in handy. 👍

[@tomburke5311]

Nice video! Good choices!! Two comments: a) it's not just tourists who arrive at the Tube barrier and *then* start looking for their card/phone/whatever; sometimes locals do it as well; and b) I'm not sure I would ask for directions from police officers carrying automatic weapons. Yes, we have them these days, at airports and at major government sites, e.g. Parliament. Sadly, they're carrying those weapons for a reason and they need to remain vigilant. While I don't think they'd be actively unpleasant to anyone who asked them a question, they're not the ones to try to have a chat with.

[@acommentator4452]

there are v few of them, only at airports, outside embassies, and some govt buildings, parliament. the vast majority, over 99% of police are unarmed, except for tasers, pepper spray, baton.

[@agentm83]

The UK is pretty high up on my travel wish list. I'm Canadian, and English-Canadians are very similar to English folks in many ways, so I've been told. Definitely our cultural manners and sense of politeness (not jumping the queue etc) is similar, should fit right in mostly.

[@JM-to9dk]

As an English folk married to a Canadian for 13 years, I can attest we are very similar indeed.

[@sallyshort7255]

I love it. I’m going to London next year and did a screenshot of the free museum list so I’ll have more ideas for when I’m there. I’d love to go multiple times if I could, but I hate the long flights.

[@fateful30stm]

Thank you for so much information, it helps a lot! 😌

[@patfernandes7741]

Nix on the black cabs - Way too expensive and the anxiety of watching that meter rise in stationary traffic.

[@RobynJay]

I love your videos and am so excited to visit London this summer ❤

[@KellieT73]

Awesome video as always, Mark! I went to England 3 weeks ago and enjoyed everywhere I went in the country. I did take the Thames Clippers uber boat from Battersea to Greenwich. Loved it and was a great way to get to/fro. Also, I agree re. weather. Very glad I checked first. Southern England incl. London was a bit warmer than home (CT)!

[@lovecruisin6457]

Excellent video. Great content. Thanks!!!

[@angelaprzybysz]

Just in time for my trip to London next week! Great tips ❤

[@lorimehrtens3552]

Such a great video! Thank you so much.

[@marinarehren7076]

Truly helpful! Thank you!

[@MsMarilu]

London is beautiful and it has so much to offer !! ❤

[@COMEINTOMYWORLD]

My tips would be 1) get some sort of map before hand and get to grips with where places you are interested in going are located and therefore avoid criss crossing large distances unnecessarily and get an understanding of travel options that are suitable for what you want to go to. 2) Use the internet before you come to research things. 3) If you see a church with an open door pop in and have a look, especially in the City of London. Virtually all churches are free to pop in. Only St Paul's, Westminster Abbey, and Temple Church will charge entrance fees but if you go to a service in these three places there is no charge . The City of London churches are always interesting and make a nice place to escape and sit down too.

[@brianparker663]

The one I've found twice was tourists travelling to Abbey Road on the Docklands Light Railway, expecting to find a famous zebra crossing. Abbey Road the road (as opposed to the area) is in St John's Wood on the Jubilee line. Also on the tube - let people off the train first. It's a very important rule that even impolite Londoners sometimes don't appreciate.

[@yankee04]

I took the Tube a lot when I visited the first time. And I walked my feet off. British Library is cool too. Bletchley Park is a great day trip too.

[@204driver]

Tip . Use the Elizabeth line and NOT the Heathrow express . Will take you 15-20 minutes longer but cost LOADS less .

[@PaulGodfrey]

All good advice. Great video.

[@afhyoutube]

Awesome as always, Mark.

[@johnclark2751]

Brilliant and instructive compendium! Thanks! I've lived in London for 80 years, and I've still not seen all of it, and never will. One point about queues - yes, in the old days Brits were famous for 'standing in line' - but today in some places we have the 'virtual queue', which visitors should be warned about. For example, a group of people around a bus stop - not a queue - but when we arrived we've all taken note of who was there before us, and when the bus comes up we stand back while they get on (with due allowance for the elderly, disabled etc to get on first - there's probably a virtual list we all know but I'm not sure if anyone could spell it out). And that explains behaviour at the pub bar that you mentioned. Actually we rely on the bar-staff to have noticed who got to the bar and in what order, and they serve us in that order. No waving of ten pound notes around will help (at least in theory). Actually I once made a mistake, in a London 'tourist pub', when someone seemed to be pushing towards the bar ahead of me. I assumed he was 'foreign' and gave him the 'look' which means 'I'm not going to say anything but I think you are being extremely rude'. It turned out he was local, gave me a 'look' back, and of course I was served first. Oh - and yes, we're all very polite and helpful if you're lost or bewildered - but please don't be offended if we tell our mates in the pub afterwards and have a good laugh.

[@quicksilver2510]

I was surprised when visiting the UK for the first time from Australia, just how close things were to each other in the centre of London. My wife and I stayed in West Kensington for a week and got the 15 minute Tube ride into the middle of London every day. You can get off at Westminster station, Big Ben and the houses of parliament are right in front of there, around the corner is Westminster Abbey, a short walk from there to Buckingham Palace, up the Mall to Trafalgar square and a short bus or taxi ride to St Pauls cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower bridge.

[@MrJourneyHub]

Thanks for sharing info

[@MichaelKilby]

Wife and I were there in June for four days. We focused on Winston Churchill. London is amazing! I think we’ll return for a three week stay in order to see more. We loved the pub food.

[@emmanuellorenzo3905]

Believe me or not I didn't make any of those mistakes in my first visit to London. A lot of previous investigation including your videos helped a lot. Thank you!

[@bgoldfan]

Great video

[@TheWalterHWhite]

Great guide! A couple of things I'd like to add in. The forecast is great in all, but plan on rain! Bring an umbrella with you or a rain jacket. The rain here is a minor inconvenience due to the wonderful transport system. You don't have to be stuck in it. Clothing: bring some nice clothing to wear about. One thing you may notice is people in the city are often well-dressed. Pubs: Everybody wants to see the pubs. Americans are use to most places serving food, but that isn't always the case here. Many serve food, some may only have nibbles. Also, don't always expect to have a seat if you're with a party. Standing and having a pint is common here. Reservations: most places take walkins, but if you have a big group, it's best to call ahead. London is busy and so are the restaurants. Renting a car: Be mindful that they may charge more for an automatic. Many vehicles are manual, so if you're not super comfy driving one, it may be best to find an auto. Also, driving in London can be INSANE depending on the area. This could be made exponentially worse if you're not familiar with a manual or the roads. I'd only rent a car if you're leaving London. The food: come here with an open mind! There is food from every corner of the world, and being narrow will really dampen your time. Lastly, bring an empty tote or bag with you! Trinkets aside, shopping in London is world class. Be prepared for some garments to catch your fancy. Also, you'll likely fall in love with the biscuits and crisps! Have room to store some of these.

[@m9mike9]

Great video mate well done ✅

[@dr.baotran8448]

Mark, thank you. You are right walking is the best way to get around. Thanks for your video. I was in London last year. I really do miss it.

[@carollewis3912]

I'm going to walk as much as possible. I have my son's wheelchair to push. I might use the buses and maybe a black cab.

[@sandramulchahey8268]

This video is spot on

[@tammypearson4500]

I love London! Perhaps next year! ❤

[@AZqyc]

Great tips all!! Last time we were there, we had made a list of what we'd like to see/do, put them in order, did the top "10", didn't get to the bottom "10" ... but next time! Also, found the "commuter boats" on the Thames were super!! [Greetings from Tucson]

[@chrisobrien6249]

Also, even if you stay in london there are some really good areas tourists dont tend to go to. For example, Primrose Hill and the St Johns Wood area of North London is really nice and not many tourists seem to go there.

[@EmpireStateExpress01]

Your comment should be pinned

[@acommentator4452]

yes, but expensive, where rich people live.

[@johnmichaelcule8423]

Another drink related mistake: Cider in the UK is alcoholic. Often strongly so. What Americans call 'cider' we call 'apple juice'.

[@a.sobriquet6220]

Really great advice!

[@anakerose]

Thanks for this. 🇨🇦

[@galaxyyoutube-kv5mw]

Going to London in two weeks, this is helpful

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, great video

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@JosephBrown-hm9hk]

The Thames (Taymz)? ... hmmm. Surely after all the time you have spent in London, you must have heard people call the river (correctly) The Temz. The 'a' in the middle is pronounced similar to the 'e' in 'Ten'.

[@babsr8479]

All good advice.

[@ronprickett8011]

When my wife and I got lost in the back streets of the "City" a woman looked at us and asked where we were going said "Fallow me" and lead us to our destination and then Cheerfully on her way I'm sure backtracked the 3 or 4 blocks to where she found us.

[@leahdickinson8974]

We Brits are generally polite and we'll help out lost tourists with directions 😁

[@alliecollin1748]

Yes, we Brits are generally kind, generous and tolerant....there are also rude, ignorant, selfish people across the Globe! 🥰

[@MikeWeida]

I learned about pub ordering the hard way.

[@woltersworld]

yeah, i was right there with you my first time in London... was like, what is going on here???

[@HarrietBP]

I was really curious about this video as I'm born and raised here. A brief one which I'm sure other people have done videos on - Pronouncation which seems weird but it's awesome when tourists get it correct and makes you seem like a local : The Thames = The "Tems" (not Tames) Leicester Sq = "Lester Square" (not Lie-chester, and the single biggest thing us locals giggle at when we hear it!) Borough Market = "Burrah" Market (not Boh-roh) Buckingham Palace = "Bucking-hUm" (not bucking-HAM, despite it being spelt that way) Southwark Cathedral = "Suh-thark" (not South-Wark) Happy visiting!

[@MarieHornung]

Mark, your timing is always impeccable! I’ll be going to London in a few weeks! Much thanks for the tips ❤

[@SimDeck]

The black cab drivers in London are superb. I lived in London for six years and always used them. They have a wealth of knowledge and indeed call the skill of knowing London 'The Knowledge.

[@maltesetony9030]

Excellent advice.

[@BradThePitts]

I enjoy the hop on / hop off bus by taking the entire loop first - it usually takes a little over an hour in most cities. Then decide where you want to get off the second time around.

[@albear972]

My goodness gracious! Awesome tips for the newbies. We did London/Scotland back in 2017 and hit up all places mentioned in London. It was our base for visiting Bath and Liverpool too. We walked almost 8 miles a day. I was thinking how many mistakes we did from when you mentioned mistakes first time tourists make. For being our first time in that awesome city I am happy to say that honestly, the only mistake I made was not looking the right way. I almost stepped in front of a bus! Out of all mistakes mentioned, only 1not bad for a first Ime visitor I guess. As an honorary mistake. People! Stay away from American fast-food joints! We only ate in local UK restaurants. Well, heck, we *never* eat in those places when travelling, we only eat local.

[@Magic_beans_]

“London plus” is a great simple itinerary. For one thing you easily could spend a week on Greater London itself. If you do want day trips though, pick _any_ direction: - Canterbury & Dover - Brighton - Windsor, Avebury, Bath, & Bristol - Oxford or Cambridge Liverpool and Cardiff are a bit of a stretch (2+ hours each way by train) and I’d argue they deserve to be overnights, but you could make it work. [Tangent: On the note of newbie mistakes, I’d advise against day trips via Eurostar or regional airlines. It’s _possible_ to pop over to Paris or Belfast for a few hours, but you’d barely get situated before you had to start heading back. Trust that there will be a next time.]

[@bostonrailfan2427]

the schedule is ironclad, there is no guess work with the changing of the guard schedule so one look at when it happens is all that you need and if it’s not happening at the palace, it’s happening at Windsor Castle as they alternate days so you should have mentioned that fact!

[@jeffreycrawley1216]

Nicely put together, well done. Regarding umbrellas - I always recommend buying one in any northern European city. A large canopy in black will protect you and a friend from rain (maybe even sun), lean on it when your legs get tired, hold it aloft to hail that black cab . . . They don't have to cost the earth and, as they probably won't let you on the plane back home with it, you can present it as a gift to the nice receptionist at your hotel when you leave - they might still have it next time you stay. If you're heading here and ever come across a second hand copy of Len Deighton's London Dossier (the spy thriller writer, Ipcress File and so on) snap it up and be amazed at how much London has changed/how little London has changed since he complied it in (oh my!) 1967! Happy landings Mr Wolter, happy landings.

[@loots9821]

Ditch madam tussauds unless you like dolls. Otherwise its rubbish. The london dungeon was good,,✓ London eye,✓ go to tower of london early, before 11am and its great, gets crowded even in november,✓ westminster was brilliant if you like history and architecture,✓ same with st pauls ✓. Id also recommend a boat trip on the thames. Go out early like 9.30/10am for sightseeing and you avoid nasty people & get around easier but are not in the way of people going to work.

[@juletaurus]

I'm going back to visit England in about 2 wks. Love your information. Thank you.

[@code-on-trainpal]

I'd like to go to England again too. My friend told me that there are discounts on trainpal.

[@gracecrawford2971]

Can't wait to get back there!

[@lachlancook6718]

On point number 2, also group the things you want to do each day geographically so that if you want to try to fit in two or three or even four activities into a day that they're all fairly close by to one another. It can take quite a bit of time to get across town and you're gonna either be rushed and exhausted from walking, or wasting your money and time getting around. If you're doing activities outside of London like Stonehenge, let that be the only significant thing you do that day, you won't have time to enjoy it if you're rushing back to do something else.

[@elainebrooksbank5281]

You really should have mentioned that Horse Guards in Whitehall isn’t just a popular tourist destination - it’s a working MOD facility and the guards are front line soldiers on ceremonial duty and not just a photo op. And that the gun carrying MOD police will turn you out if you disrespect the King’s lifeguards.

[@Robslondon]

Nice video Mark… good call on the telephone boxes, they were like that even before mobile phones! Next time you’re in London please give me a shout; I make videos all about the city’s history 😉

[@monster900900]

some good tips chap ,, also st pauls is well worth a visit ,, but cant remember if it was chargeable or not ,, awesome building ,, and nelsons tomb in the crypt is a sight to behold :)

[@leebridges1674]

Terrific video! So many subtleties. One addition: if it's your first trip to London, and you're planning on visiting all the major historic sites, take a look at the London Pass. It's a set fee for tickets to the major sites (along with dozens of tourist traps) and can save you some money. My favorite use of it is that it gets you a ride to the top of the Shard, so you don't have to pay 30 pounds (!!).

[@ccccccchhhhhh808]

The London pass was amazing! We did so much we definitely made use of ours.

[@Magic_beans_]

I do like the Passes, and especially for first-timers they’ll almost certainly pay for themselves. Tying it back to 0:45 though, I’d advise newbies to beware of getting starry-eyed and packing their schedule to try and maximize their savings. Guided tours are usually 1 to 3 hours, and a stroll through a smaller exhibit like the Freud Museum can be 30-90 minutes. That means three structured activities is already kind a busy day, in terms of both scheduling and mental workload. For longer stays I’d go easier still, 1-2 structured activities and the rest of the day can just be a place, like go to Hyde Park or Camden Market and do whatever.

[@hudycat]

Thanks, will look it into this!

[@neilbridgeman7768]

The river is the River Thames (Tems), not Thames (Tames). Also that was stout, not an ale 😊

[@Chingfordassociates]

Go to Greenwich and see the view of the city, the Naval College, the river, the meridian line and the observatory. The pubs tend to be very good there as well.

[@Amb0ss]

Love the video but just one thing to add. The exception to the queue rule is at the pub, where you don't queue. Instead, you all stand at the bar in a non-linear order, essentially a crowd, and you all mediate between yourselves who is next to be served.

[@DerekGM6]

Good advice about the tube stations the tube map can make some adjacent stations in central London look far apart when in fact they are quite close and it's quicker to walk. At the other extreme towards the ends of the lines out in the suburbs stations can be a very long way apart.

[@RubbishGimpy]

I am a British Londoner. Its all 100% sound and solid advice. He knows his tourist London.

[@MikeWeida]

My number one don't, dont drive in central london! Find a car park on the edge of the city and ride the tube into town.

[@jamescalverley8694]

Great video, as akways, Mark. I' also add for youd viewers, watch out on tubes, keep bags in front of you. And wrap straps around chair or table legs to stop 'runners'. P.S. River Thames is pronounced 'temes' not Tames' 😀.

[@acommentator4452]

tems, to rhyme with hems (dressmaking).

[@dougsalton9572]

Very helpful my son and i are going to London , Oxford and York for two weeks in July thank-you From Doug of London , Canada

[@code-on-trainpal]

That sounds great. If you're want to travel by train, I've heard there's often a great discount.

[@TravelTipsGR]

i want to visit London just by watching this video!

[@StephenWong14]

Last time I went to London, I utilized the zone 1/2 travelcard such that I take the bus for just a 5-minute walk

[@code-on-trainpal]

Thank you for the info. After watching this video and hearing about it from my friends living in the UK, I went and did more research that it could save money by purchasing British Rail at a discounted rate.

[@paulafitz532]

Thank you