Planning your first trip to London? You're in for an unforgettable experience. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge to hidden markets, world-class museums and charming neighbourhoods, London has something for everyone.
However, many first-time visitors make the same mistakes, often wasting time, money and energy. Here's our guide to the 25 most common mistakes—and how you can avoid them to make the most of your London adventure.
1. Trying to See Everything
London is enormous. You could spend months here and still discover something new.
Instead: Pick one or two areas each day. For example, combine Westminster with Covent Garden, or Shoreditch with Spitalfields and Brick Lane.
2. Only Visiting the Famous Tourist Attractions
Buckingham Palace and the London Eye are fantastic, but don't stop there.
Explore neighbourhoods like:
- Shoreditch
- Greenwich
- Hampstead
- Richmond
- Columbia Road
- Little Venice
These often become visitors' favourite memories.
3. Buying Individual Tube Tickets
Many tourists spend far more than necessary.
Instead: Simply use your contactless debit or credit card (or phone) on the Underground, buses and many trains. Daily fare caps mean you'll never pay more than the maximum daily rate.
4. Standing on the Left of Escalators
Londoners take this very seriously.
Remember:
Stand on the right. Walk on the left.
5. Underestimating Walking Distances
Two stations on the Tube map might only be a 10-minute walk apart.
Apps like Citymapper or Google Maps often reveal that walking is faster—and you'll discover much more along the way.
6. Only Eating Near Tourist Attractions
Restaurants immediately beside famous attractions are often the most expensive.
Walk just five or ten minutes away and you'll usually find much better food for less money.
7. Ignoring London's Incredible Markets
London's markets are among the best in Europe.
Don't miss:
- Borough Market
- Broadway Market
- Spitalfields Market
- Columbia Road Flower Market
- Camden Market
- Maltby Street Market
8. Thinking London Is Too Expensive
It certainly can be—but it doesn't have to be.
Many of London's biggest attractions are completely free, including:
- The British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- National Gallery
- Tate Modern
9. Forgetting the Weather Can Change Quickly
London can experience sunshine, wind and rain in a single afternoon.
Carry a lightweight waterproof jacket and dress in layers.
10. Packing the Wrong Bag
You'll probably spend most of the day on your feet.
A comfortable backpack or crossbody bag makes exploring much easier than carrying shopping bags all day.
At Goodordering, we've designed our bags specifically for city adventures—comfortable to wear whether you're walking, using public transport or hopping on a bike.
11. Missing the View from London's Parks
Some of London's best skyline views are completely free.
Try:
- Primrose Hill
- Greenwich Park
- Parliament Hill
- Richmond Hill
12. Only Riding the Underground
The Tube is brilliant—but sometimes you miss the city.
Take a double-decker bus instead. Sitting upstairs at the front offers fantastic views of London.
13. Not Hiring a Bicycle or E-bike
Many visitors are surprised by just how cycle-friendly London has become.
Over the past decade, the city has invested heavily in protected cycle lanes, quieter neighbourhood streets and improved cycling infrastructure. Areas such as Hyde Park, Regent's Park, the South Bank, Canary Wharf and much of central London are now much more enjoyable to explore by bike than many people expect.
Hiring a Santander Cycle or an e-bike from one of the city's bike-share operators is an excellent way to see more of London while avoiding crowded Tube stations.
If you plan on cycling during your visit, a waterproof backpack or pannier from Goodordering is ideal for carrying your camera, picnic, shopping or extra layers comfortably throughout the day.
14. Skipping the River Thames
Some of London's best views are from the water.
The Thames Clippers river boats are both public transport and a sightseeing cruise rolled into one. You can pay the same way you would pay on a bus.
15. Assuming Everything Closes Early
Many museums stay open late on selected evenings.
West End theatres, bars and restaurants also keep central London lively well into the evening.
16. Forgetting to Book Popular Attractions
Some attractions sell out weeks in advance.
This is especially true during school holidays.
17. Only Visiting Oxford Street
Oxford Street is famous, but it's not the only shopping destination.
Explore:
- Carnaby Street
- Coal Drops Yard (pictured below)
- Covent Garden
- King's Road
- Marylebone High Street
18. Not Exploring East London
East London has become one of the city's most creative districts.
You'll discover street art, independent cafés, vintage shops and local markets that offer a very different side of London.
19. Ignoring Local Etiquette
Londoners tend to be polite but reserved.
Simple things like queuing properly and letting passengers off trains before boarding go a long way.
20. Wearing Brand-New Shoes
London involves far more walking than most visitors expect.
Comfortable shoes are one of the best investments you'll make.
21. Trying to Visit Too Many Museums
Instead of rushing through six museums, choose two and enjoy them properly.
Quality beats quantity.
22. Not Looking Up
London's architecture is full of hidden details.
Beautiful old buildings, rooftop sculptures and historic plaques are everywhere—you just need to look up.
23. Missing the Small Streets
Some of London's prettiest locations are hidden down tiny side streets.
Take time to wander rather than following the shortest route everywhere.
24. Not Taking Advantage of Free Views
You don't have to pay for every skyline.
Excellent free viewpoints include:
- Sky Garden (image below)
- The Garden at 120
- One New Change rooftop
25. Rushing Through London
Perhaps the biggest mistake of all.
Leave time for spontaneous discoveries: a cosy café, an unexpected market, a quiet canal path or a beautiful park bench.
The best London memories often happen when you aren't following an itinerary.
Final Thoughts
London is one of the world's greatest cities because every visit is different. Mix the famous landmarks with neighbourhood discoveries, walk when you can, try local food, visit a market, hop on a bicycle and don't be afraid to explore beyond the guidebooks.
Whether you're travelling by Tube, on foot or by bike, packing light with a practical everyday bag can make sightseeing much more enjoyable. At Goodordering, we believe the best journeys happen when you're free to explore comfortably—and London is one of the very best cities in the world to do just that.
Have a fantastic first trip—you'll almost certainly be planning your second before you've even left!
