15 Unwritten Rules That Everyone Should Know Before Visiting London

22.07.2024 - 18:23 / cntraveler.com / Sky Garden

It’s no secret that the people of London love to queue—for non-UK folks, that means waiting in line. We are known for our obsession with order; a compulsive need to systemize everything into neat and tidy sections. So when throngs of travelers flock to the capital, some (read: many) Londoners can begin to malfunction as things get disorderly. You’ll notice an involuntary eye twitch if you stand on the wrong side of the escalator, a reflexive eye roll if you pose for a photo in a phone box, or even an audible gasp if you step into the road while looking the wrong way for oncoming traffic.

But don’t let that deter you. Behind the stiff-upper-lip facade, Londoners are just as chaotic as anyone else (they just like to pretend otherwise). Stick to the rule book and you’ll avoid getting stuck in any unplanned queues or crowded stations and evade grumpy glares from locals. Below, the editors of Condé Nast Traveller UK round up the top unwritten rules they want everyone to know before visiting London.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.

To witness London let loose, head to the pub on a Thursday and toast to the unofficial start of the weekend.

Londoners embrace a “work hard, play hard” lifestyle, and with many businesses moving to a work-from-home format on Fridays, Thursday has become the trendiest time for post-work gatherings. When the evening hits, crowds of smartly dressed professionals spill out of bars and pubs across central London, toasting to the unofficial start of the weekend. For the experience of London truly letting loose, Thursday promises a lively atmosphere. Just make sure to book ahead or bag your seat before shifts end at 5 p.m. If you want a peaceful evening stroll or dinner, consider scheduling that plan earlier on in the week.

Known for its designer department stores and glamorous dining scene, there’s a reason London has a reputation for being expensive. Visiting the city comes at a price (some pints of beer can cost up to £8, or about $10), but if you come prepared, the damage to your bank account won’t be so hefty. Set a realistic budget and think of ways you can cut costs to make room for the big-ticket items. If you’re careful with your money, affordable travel is possible anywhere, so prepare for the high price tags ahead of your journey.

For a budget-conscious trip, look into the city’s galleries and museums that do not charge visitors for entry.

On the flip side, there are many ways of exploring London’s eclectic culture for free. Several of the most famous galleries and museums do not charge visitors for entry: The British Museum, the National Gallery, and V&A, to name a few. It’s not just the exhibitions either; Sky Garden, a rooftop