Locals Hate When Tourists Do This in London

Let’s get one thing straight: Londoners aren’t rude — they’re just allergic to nonsense. And nothing triggers that allergic reaction faster than tourists doing what tourists do best… acting like they’ve never been outside before.

I say this with love. I’ve been that tourist. I’ve fumbled with my Oyster card, stood on the wrong side of the escalator, and asked for directions to “Buck-ing-ham” Palace like I was ordering off a menu.

But the thing is, London isn’t just another big city. It’s a finely tuned, passive-aggressively polite machine. And when you show up acting like it’s Disneyland with tea, locals notice. Trust me.

So if you’re planning a trip to London and don’t want to be silently judged (or aggressively side-eyed), here are the biggest things locals wish tourists would stop doing — and how to blend in like a pro.

1. Standing Still on the Left Side of the Escalator
This one’s not a joke. It’s a religion.

In the London Underground, escalators have a sacred rule: stand on the right, walk on the left. If you forget, you’ll find out very quickly — not through words, but through deep, soul-piercing glares and the occasional muttered “For f***’s sake.”

It’s not personal. Londoners just move like they’re late for everything. Even when they’re not.

2. Calling the Tube a Subway
Nope. Not here.

If you say “subway,” they’ll assume you’re looking for a sandwich. The correct term is Tube, short for the London Underground. And yes, the map looks like a plate of spaghetti, but it’s more reliable than most friendships.

Bonus tip: it’s pronounced “Leicester” like “Lester,” not “Lie-ses-ter.” Say it right. Save your dignity.

3. Asking for Free Refills
Refills? In this economy?

You may be used to bottomless soda back home, but in London, drinks are not infinite. If you want another Coke, you’ll pay for it. And asking your server “Is this free to top up?” is a one-way ticket to the Land of Raised Eyebrows.

Tea, on the other hand, might come with a little more generosity. Especially if you’re in someone’s home. But in a restaurant? Order again and embrace the scarcity.

4. Taking Photos in the Middle of the Sidewalk
It’s called a “pavement” here, not a sidewalk. And yes, it’s pretty. Yes, Big Ben looks great with your head tilted just so. But Londoners walk fast, and if you stop in the middle of a crowded pavement to get the perfect shot, someone’s going to brush past you like a strong gust of wind.

Rule of thumb: pull over like you’re a car. Step to the side. Then selfie to your heart’s content.

5. Speaking Loudly in Public Transport
The Tube is a sanctuary of silence.

People read books. Scroll quietly. Pretend not to notice each other. Loud conversations, FaceTime calls, or playing music on speakerphone are considered crimes against civility.

Even if you’re excited about your afternoon tea at The Ritz, keep it to a whisper. You can scream about the scones later.

6. Tipping Like You’re in America
Tipping culture in the UK is different. You’re not expected to tip 20% on everything. In restaurants, a service charge is often included. If it’s not, 10% to 12.5% is more than fine.

Taxi drivers? Round up.

Bar staff? A simple “cheers” will do unless you’re making them mix a dozen mojitos at 2 a.m.

Over-tipping makes people uncomfortable. It’s not generosity here — it’s awkward.

7. Asking “So Where’s the Queen?”
Firstly, she’s not there. Secondly, she’s… well, she’s passed on. (RIP, Your Majesty.)

But even when she was alive, tourists would ask this question like the Queen was waiting at the front desk of Buckingham Palace handing out postcards. Londoners hear it constantly, and it’s a bit like asking New Yorkers, “Do you know Spider-Man?”

Instead, ask about the history of the monarchy or the Changing of the Guard. That’ll go over better.

8. Thinking London = All of England
London is not the UK.

It’s a city in England. England is part of the United Kingdom. The UK includes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Londoners hear tourists refer to “London” when they mean “the entire country,” and it gets old fast.

Also — don’t try a fake accent. Ever. Please. Just... don’t.

9. Paying in Dollars or Asking “What’s That in Real Money?”
The currency is pounds. British pounds. Not euros. Not dollars. Not Monopoly money.

Don’t ask what something costs “in real money.” Not only is it rude, but it implies your currency is the only one that matters. (It’s not.)

Download a currency converter app. Do the math. Be respectful.

10. Overplanning Your Trip Like It’s a Military Operation
London rewards spontaneity.

Yes, book your major attractions — the London Eye, a West End show, maybe even the Tower of London if you want to feel spooky. But don’t schedule every minute. Leave space to stumble into a random pub with excellent chips or follow a street performer in Covent Garden who turns out to be better than the show you paid £60 to see.

So What Do Locals Actually Appreciate?
It’s simpler than you think.

Walk with purpose. Say “cheers.” Queue like it’s an Olympic sport. Laugh at yourself when you mess up (because you will). And treat the city — and its people — like you’re visiting someone’s home. Because you are.

London isn’t cold. It just has layers. Once you peel them back, you’ll find people who are funny, smart, and surprisingly helpful if you just approach with a bit of humility.

And who knows — if you play your cards right, you might even get a local to help you find your way without the passive-aggressive sigh.