On holiday you can avoid missteps, questions and unpleasant situations, save time and money and experience the country a bit like the locals, if you arrive well informed. Therefore, TRAVELBOOK has some tips on how best to find your way around on a city trip to London.
With the imminent coronation of King Charles III. all eyes are on the capital of England. Whether you’re planning a trip to London to experience this big event on May 6 or just want to discover the metropolis, you can look forward to a lot – even aside from the coronation. London is a cosmopolitan city that unites many aspirations of travellers. The British metropolis is steeped in history, romantic like Paris, lively and frenetic like Tokyo, hip and diverse like Melbourne. London offers countless attractions. To get an overview and not waste time in the wrong places, you should map out which corners of the city you are heading to, especially if you are only staying in London for a few days.
Before visiting London for the first time, it is usually advisable to know which behaviors to adopt, which foods to avoid and what you need to know about Buckingham Palace in order not to be disappointed. TRAVELBOOK has 13 insider tips and tricks for anyone visiting Britain’s capital.
Also interesting: 17 things to avoid in London
1. The curfew has been lifted but is still largely maintained
A visit to a London pub should not be missing on a city trip. Although the curfew, which stipulated that alcohol was no longer served after 11pm, has been lifted since 2005, hosts and guests still frequently abide by it. This also means that Brits like to have an early dinner and have a beer or two earlier in the evening. Sometimes when a night out with friends has just begun in this country, it is often over for the Brits.
Also interesting: why ravens always have to live in the Tower of London
2. Famous guards don’t always wear red
When you are there, you want to see the typical guardsmen in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace. The best thing to do is watch the changing of the guard. But be warned: if you visit London in the winter months or on colder days, you might be surprised by the look of the guards. They usually wear warm, long, gray coats and not red jackets.
3. You shouldn’t always take the “tube”.
The London Underground network is extensive and well developed, and if you’re not traveling during rush hour, you can get around relatively quickly. But the tunnel system that takes you to the platform can be just as long and confusing. Sometimes it’s worth staying above ground and walking to get to the next attraction. You may discover other highlights and lesser-known corners of the city along the way.
Also interesting: Following the example of Paris and New York – London gets the new park “Camden Highline”
4. Buy the Oyster card for the public
To save money on public transport, you can order an Oyster card before your journey, which you swipe at a card reader at the start and end of a journey. This variant is not only faster and more convenient, but also cheaper than paper tickets and single tickets. After a certain number of trips per day, all other trips are even free. The Oyster card can also be purchased on arrival at London airports. Now you can also use a credit card on public transport and hold it close to the card reader.
Also of interest: Shoreditch, London’s hipster neighborhood in the East End
5. London museums don’t charge admission
London is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, but admission to the city’s museums, including the Tate Modern, the British Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum, is free. Only special temporary exhibitions cost extra admission. Here you should buy tickets in advance on the Internet in order not to stand in long queues at the venue.
6. The best fish & chips aren’t always found in the fanciest restaurants
Naturally, when you visit London, you want to try the classic national dish, fish & chips. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be in a restaurant – you often have a better taste experience in a snack bar or one of London’s many pubs, away from the main attractions.
Also interesting: 33 national European dishes to try
7. The City of London is full of joggers
London is a huge city of over 8.5 million people, and as you’d expect, it can be crowded, cramped and hectic. Plus, there are hordes of tourists year-round walking from attraction to attraction — it’s even busier during major events, like the coronation of King Charles III. The busy centre, the City of London, should generally be avoided at lunchtime. Because such a lunch break can look very different in London than in Germany. Many employees use the time to switch from office work and jog merrily and often very fast through the crowds and along the Thames. Even after work, the way home often turns into a jogging path. So don’t be surprised if you often get in the way of a runner in London.
Also of interest: Big Ben – 5 facts about London’s landmark
8. Sockets in England are different from those in Germany
Even though England is only a few hours flight away and part of Europe, travelers often forget that a power adapter is needed when visiting. Three pin sockets are used in England, which are not compatible with plugs as we know them in this country. You should definitely bring an adapter with you!
Also of interest: the most famous cave in England, where cruel rituals once took place
9. Coronation travelers beware: the British have no sense of humor when it comes to the royal family
Particularly topical regarding the coronation of King Charles III. Relevant: In England, one should avoid badmouthing the country’s monarchs, regardless of what one personally thinks of the form of government and the leader. The British are often very humorless when it comes to the royal family and this should be accepted and respected. Especially now that the coronation weekend is approaching, negative comments should be avoided.
The coronation of King Charles III. takes place on 6 May 2023, eight months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with celebrations starting the day before the coronation at Buckingham Palace. The actual coronation ceremony takes place the day after the “King’s Procession” in Westminster Abbey. All weekend King Charles III. and dedicated to the Royal Family, which is why the city will be even busier than usual.
10. Don’t mistake the harmless victory sign
On vacation, people like to capture impressions in photos, and in times of digital networking and social media, many feel the need to take a selfie in front of a show on Instagram or Facebook. The victory sign, often found as a gesture in images, is harmless to the British. But be warned: if you turn the back of your hand outward – i.e. the victory sign upside down – it’s an insult to the British, just like the middle finger in this country.
Also interesting: Countries where you should never show “thumbs up”.
11. London has great Indian food
Besides fish and chips, there is another dish that is also a nation favorite – chicken tikka masala. The dish, a mildly spicy chicken curry, looks Indian but, according to legend, is an English invention.
Also interesting: Recipe for wonderfully spicy chicken tikka masala
12. When driving on the left, look right first
Everyone knows that the UK drives on the left. On site, however, this is not so noticeable and you can sometimes forget to look right first if you want to cross a road. A little more caution in traffic is advisable, especially in busy London. You should also rely on public transport in the city rather than your car, because in a big city like London you can expect lots of traffic jams and chaotic traffic. And especially as a beginner in left-hand traffic, this can become a challenge.
