9 common travel mistakes in London and how to avoid them

London is surely one of the most visited cities in Europe, luring travelers looking for some of the world’s best art, history, entertainment, shopping, and dining.

To help you make the most of your London trip, we’ve put together a guide to navigating the city–including common travel mistakes to avoid and recommendations to experience the city more authentically.

One of the common mistakes travelers often make is overpaying for their airport transfers. Remember to look up how far your hotel is from the airport before hopping in a taxi, or this could end up costing you hundreds of pounds.

The Heathrow Express ticket may be a better alternative depending on the location of your hotel. We suggest you buy your ticket at least 90 days in advance and it’ll cost you only GBP5.50 one way, compared to buying tickets at the time of travel, which would cost GBP37.00 for a return trip.

You should never buy a daily pass for public transportation as they’re significantly more expensive than using an Oyster card or debit card. The Oyster card has daily and weekly caps that vary based on the zones you travel in. The only reason to get a daily pass is if you’re only planning to use public transport once or twice during your stay. What’s more, children under the age of 11 (up to four) can travel for free in the presence of an adult with a valid Oyster card.

Here’s our guide to the London Underground, including all there is to know about which passes and Oyster cards to get.

The Westminster Bridge is cool and beautiful, and is great for selfies with the Big Ben, the London Eye, or Westminster Abbey as the backdrop. But don’t engage with the “magicians'' who ply their trade on the bridge. You might find yourself having to guess where your money went after the interaction.

It’s also common to encounter people trying to sell you paintings of London, which are often bought from other markets in the city. So, if you decide to go to Westminster Bridge, take your selfie and move on. Really, avoid the magicians–that’s not the London experience that you’re looking for.

Billed as an iconic tradition, the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular things to do among tourists. However, if you want to snag a good view, you’ll have to start queuing up to 2 hours ahead of the ceremony. The event tends to be overcrowded and you won’t even get a great view for photos. But did you know that there are less crowded alternatives?

The Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall is a changing of the guard ceremony you may want to check out. In addition, there’s plenty of history around the area that you can explore. Windsor Castle also has a changing of the guard parade—it’s a splendid event with smaller crowds.

London’s Madame Tussauds is a top-rated tourist attraction and during peak tourist seasons, you can expect snaking queues. You’ll also have to jostle with the crowds for photos with the wax figures. An alternative is the National Portrait Gallery. It houses portraits of historical figures past and present, which you can view at no cost. Or, head to the Victoria and Albert Museum for a unique experience and spend hours exploring the historical and contemporary art and design.

Leicester Square is a popular tourist attraction, and it’s hard to avoid if you want to explore Central London. Eating out in Leicester Square is usually an expensive affair and most of the restaurants there are major chains that you can find elsewhere. For some of London's best—and affordable—gastronomic experiences, check out the restaurants in Soho.

While the London Eye certainly delivers spectacular views, did you know that you can admire the city's skyline for free from other landmarks?

The Sky Garden offers 360-degree uninterrupted views over the city of London. It’s better to make a booking for a time slot online prior to your visit. Also, the Primrose Hill is one of London’s protected viewpoints and offers a breathtaking view of London’s skyline.

You’ll see these huge souvenir shops located near major tourist attractions in London. However, the quality and prices might be sometimes questionable.

Instead, head over to shops like We Built This City which sources their items from local artists. Head to department stores like Fortnum and Mason to get some tea and biscuits, or go shopping at the markets to pick out something memorable from your London trip.

London is a busy city with so much to see and do, and one common mistake that travelers make is planning too many things in a day. You find yourself rushing and all tired by the end of it, without being able to really enjoy any of the activities.

Instead, plan about two to three things to do a day, and give yourself ample time to explore what London has to offer.

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