There’s no better feeling as a tourist than being mistaken for a local. London is one of the biggest, busiest cities in the world and, while there’s no handbook on how to blend in, there are certain customs you should be aware of which will make your visit more enjoyable and more rewarding. The city has so much to offer and there’s so much to see, so there’s no time to waste. Here are the Inspectors’ top tips that you should know when coming to London.
When to Come
London is a city that always has something to offer, whatever the time of year. Come in the warmer months and you can have a drink in one of the many rooftop bars, walk along the river and appreciate the beauty of the city’s parks and gardens. The latter are just as gorgeous in the autumn, when the leaves turn a comforting golden hue. Arrive in winter and you can skate in front of Somerset House, spend evenings in cosy pubs and shelter from the cold while watching a show in one of the West End’s world-famous theatres. Post-Christmas torpor and the dull weather in January and February make the beginning of the year the slightly less expensive time to visit, with shopping fanatics able to take advantage of the New Year sales.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Richmond – one of many great places to walk in London in the summer (© tupungato/iStock)
Getting Around
The London Underground, known colloquially as The Tube, was the world’s first underground transport system. You can tap your debit/credit card to get around and its coverage is extensive. The Tube map is a design classic, but don’t assume it mirrors what’s above ground; Bayswater and Queensway stations might look far apart, but they’re only a minute’s walk from each other. Remember to 'mind the gap' when stepping on and off The Tube, and stand on the right of the escalator otherwise you’ll hear loud tutting in your ear. If you can, always avoid rush hour.London buses are another great way of travelling around, especially if you want to simultaneously enjoy a view from the top deck. They don't take cash, so just tap in with your contactless card (there's only one flat fare no matter how far you go, so there's no need to tap off again). And yes, there are app-based taxi services, but everyone should make at least one journey in the back of a Black Cab. Note the lack of any GPS in these cars; all the drivers have passed ‘The Knowledge’, a test that shows they know all the street names and the shortest routes in London. If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of options when it comes to bike rentals. Also, do try to walk as much as you can; and don’t just stare straight ahead – look up and you’ll see so much more.
Discover more about the city's transport system with our London travel tips and advice on where to dine along The London Underground.
A London bus on Westminster Bridge (© johnkellerman/iStock)
When to Eat
The best value meal is always going to be found at lunchtime, especially in top end restaurants, when many offer a specially priced set lunch menu. Restaurants in the West End tend to be busy earlier, with many providing pre-theatre menus from around 5:30pm. Those restaurants that are further out and in areas that are more residential tend to be busy later, as locals go home after work and then head out. On the whole, lunch is 12-1:30pm and 8pm is the prime time for dinner – if you're flexible, you’ll have more choice.Many restaurants are now closed on Mondays and more and more are only opening for dinner. Thursday is a very busy night all round, in both pubs and restaurants. If you don’t want to be tied to reservations and prefer a little spontaneity with your squid, then head to areas of the city with a high concentration of restaurants, like Soho or Shoreditch, and take your chances.
Know Your Pubs
A ‘public house’ was originally a specific type of establishment, alongside taverns and coaching inns, dram shops and gin palaces, but the shorter term ‘pub’ became a catch-all for any one of these places. One thing is certain: the pub may be quintessentially British, but there is no typical pub. A ‘tied’ pub is owned by a brewery; a ‘freehouse’ is independent. Some are ‘spit and sawdust’ pubs whose comforts are modest, while some are bland chain outfits; there are historic, ancient pubs bursting with character and there are notorious ones too. There are also plenty of ‘gastropubs’ where the emphasis is on the food and which are more like restaurants. A little research will go a long way. Just make sure you start with a pint.
Bull & Last, one of London's many great gastropubs (© Joe Howard)
Tipping
Is there a hotter potato than tipping? Frankly, there’s little logic applied on this topic. We tip in restaurants and taxis, but not when buying a drink at the bar in a pub. We tip the people who do our hair, but we don’t thrust a fiver in the hand of the teaching assistant when we pick up our kids from school.And for many, tipping is one of the most stressful things about eating out in foreign lands. There’s nothing worse than having to do mental arithmetic to calculate the tip when handed the bill in a restaurant, or accidentally offending your waiter because you don’t know the custom. Fortunately, in London virtually all restaurants automatically add a service charge onto your bill – and it usually ranges from 12.5% to 15%. So fear not, there’s nothing for you to do. However, do be beware of those restaurants, usually found within hotels, who add the service charge and then leave the credit card slip open for an extra tip.
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