London is one of the more popular destinations to travel to in Europe. Whether it's the rich history, the interesting architecture, something music-related or other, tons of people from all over the world make this one of their travel bucket list destinations. According to TheTravel site on MSN.com and writer Sharon Kong-Perring, who split time between the UK and California, here are 8 things she learned from a local about visiting London, 8 things that she believes tourists need to know.
-Some of the recommended tips she received include:
- Use the tap and go technology for easier access of traveling throughout London. Don't use the Oyster cards and skip the paper tickets
- Don't accept "free" items from strangers on the street. This prevents you from being hassled for payment
- Choose the more affordable viewpoints such as the Sky Garden or Monument instead of the pricier options like the London Eye
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1. Oyster Cards / paper tickets are relics of the past
-Tap to pay or digital wallets increase ease of travel
-This was once the way to travel all throughout London. Using a prepaid card called an Oyster Card or paper tickets allowed access to the Underground, the underground subway system London uses. Now you can use technology to guide you along. Simply use tap-enabled credit cards or digital wallets to tap in / out of the Tube stations. Now you don't have to worry about losing your Oyster Card or paper tickets, putting the card / ticket in incorrectly at the turnstiles or making sure you have enough money to get in and get rejected. This system reduces confusion and traffic holdups at the Tube stations, especially during Rush Hour, which makes the stations incredibly crowded. There are also other options to get around London from Heathrow besides the Tube
2. Don't accept anything free from people on the street
-You'll be harassed for payment
-Despite not being an issue in recent years, it's still an everyday con job of some nomadic communities. It will often be an older woman offering those who pass by a "free" bouquet of flowers or a colorful string bracelet. Before you take them, heed this warning: when you leave, that woman will hold on you, preventing you from leaving until she gets payment
3. You don't have to pay for water
-Nothing is more irritating that seeing tourists waste money
-When you visit a restaurant in London, and the server asks what you would like to drink, and you specify water, you need to be specific. You need to say tap water rather than bottled. It tastes just fine, it's still healthy water and, above all, it's free
4. The London Eye is not the only option for getting a good view of London
-There are plenty of photogenic locations to get a good view of London from other than the London Eye
-While many who go to London want to, at least once during their stay, ride the London Eye, that's fine. Go for that. But, if you're looking for a prime opportunity to see the fantastic London skyline, there are additional options for seeing it, options that are more cost-effective and still provide those same opportunities to see the skyline. The Sky Garden is one of them. While it is free, you do need to book a slot of time prior to your visit. The Monument is another option. This is for those adventurous tourists who don't mind walking 300 steps to the top and fear of heights are not an issue. While it does have a safety net around the platform, still exercise caution as it is open to the elements
-Here is the breakdown of money and what locations cost
The London Eye. Located at the Riverside Building County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road. It's £30+ per adult.
Sky Garden. Located at 1 Sky Garden Walk. Free, but must reserve time slot prior to going there
The Monument. Located at Fish Streer Hill. It's £6 per person, £3 per child ages 5-15, £4.50 per school student with school ID and seniors
5. While Big Ben is exciting, don't dawdle on the walkways
-People are out and about on a journey to get somewhere, don't stop them from doing so
-One thing to know is that the actual proper name of the clock tower is the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. "Big Ben" is actually the name of the bell in the tower. This is one of the most truly iconic landmarks in all of London. When you hear London, you automatically think of the iconic clock tower. But, the only downside is that tourists will often stop dead in the middle of the sidewalk on Westminster Bridge to snap a pic or two. If you want to get a great photo, without causing a delay on traffic on Westminster Bridge, snap those pics from the South Bank, right at the foot of the Westminster Bridge, or go to Parliament Square Garden just west of Big Ben and next to a statue of Winston Churchill. That way, even if people figure you're a tourist, they'll love that you are not stopping them from getting to where they need to
6. Stand on the right, pass on the left
-There is such a thing as transportation etiquette
-When riding the Tube, there is a certain etiquette that must be adhered to, especially on the escalators. There is a cardinal rule amongst Londoners that must be adhered to: stand on the right, pass on the left. If you don't want to walk down the moving escalator, keep to the right. This allows room for those who intend to walk down the moving escalator to pass on the left. The same goes for if you are trying to pass. You will notice people keep to the right so you can pass on the left
7. Walk on the left
-Just like driving on the opposite side of the road, keep left
-While this can be confusing, it's not impossible to understand. But when walking down the sidewalk (or pavement in British English), you walk on the left side. This mirrors how people drive in the UK. This will help you avoid those awkward dances of trying to move out of other people's way. There will be times, however, that indicate when to keep right, such as on the Tube or other walking areas. Pay attention to those signs and your surroundings
8. Train etiquette is important
-Nothing says "poor manners" or tourist more than poor train etiquette
-If you want to go outside the London city center and see sights outside of the city, most likely you'll need to take a train. These overground trains will take you almost anywhere. First and foremost, pay attention to whether you have an assigned seat. Don't sit in any seat. Don't argue with someone over a seat. Be polite. Move to the side if you are accidentally sitting in someone's seat. Second, don't be loud on the train. Don't be like the episode of British television program Mr. Bean where he had to share a train compartment with a man laughing too loud. It's important to not be too loud on the train. While you will hear the occasional phone call, don't join in on that call. If you're going to listen to music, utilize earbuds / headphones, reduce loud talking and respect your fellow riders. If you do plan on talking, use a soft, "indoor voice". There's also a "quiet car" if you want stone dead silence, apart from the rattle of the train cars on the rails
-Trainline is the go to app for train ticket purchases. This is good if you don't want to wait until the last minute. Be aware that train companies do change their schedules frequently, so it's good to know that purchasing a ticket too early means that the schedule is subject to change. The sweet spot to buy tickets is 24-48 hours prior to your trip
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