Brick Lane
If you say to people that you like curry and they say “go to Brick Lane” then just don’t. It has a reputation as a tourist trap, it’s dirty and stinky, the restaurant hustlers are annoying and it’s not so safe (from our own experiences, but we won’t go into that).
There are fantastic restaurants that do amazing food all over London. Go somewhere else.
Rude tourists
London is not Disney World. Most of the people you encounter live here, they work here, go to school, shop here… You are a tourist, here for a few days. Great. Welcome. We hope you have a great time. But…
Treat everyone with the respect and consideration you would expect from them. Be polite. Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
Don’t get in the way of people going about their business. Don’t stand in the middle of the pavement looking at buildings. Move to the side to let people pass, and especially if you are a slow walker. If you are in a bigger group eg three (3) or more, don’t walk in a line across the pavement. Why should other people have to walk in the road on your account?
Do you really need to carry a huge backpack with you everywhere? Does it really need its own seat on a bus?
Stand on the right of escalators.
Don’t complain about the weather. We know, but there are plenty of places in the world where it is way worse.
Don’t complain about how expensive it is. We know, but there are plenty of places in the world way more expensive. Besides, what did you expect?
Don’t talk in an excessively loud voice.
Don’t annoy the guards or police. It’s really not funny and you could be arrested.
Don’t talk to strangers. If you need help, ask, but don’t be upset if they move on. If you see someone needing help, offer help in a polite and non-aggressive way.
Avoid physical contact.
Don’t under-tip.
Don’t call Brits ‘Europeans’. Don’t call Scots ‘English’ or ‘Scotch’. Be aware that there is more to this country than London.
Avoid terms like “quaint” and “gee whiz” and “little ol'”. Don’t be unreasonably demanding.
Don’t drop rubbish (trash). Don’t throw away unwanted food. Don’t eat on trains and buses. Don’t feed pigeons.
Oh sorry, that’s six things.