Planning your first trip to London? Brilliant! With world-famous landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, and endless cultural experiences, it’s no surprise the city attracts millions of visitors every year. But even the most experienced travellers make a few classic mistakes when exploring the UK’s capital.
As London locals and expert tour guides at I Heart London Tours, we’ve seen everything — from Tube confusion to choosing the wrong spots to eat.
Here are the top five mistakes first-time travellers make in London, and how to avoid them like a true Londoner.
London is HUGE — and packed with iconic attractions. But squeezing Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Camden Market, Westminster Abbey, and Covent Garden into a single day? That’s a fast track to exhaustion.
Choose one or two neighbourhoods per day and explore them properly. You’ll enjoy more, walk less, and discover hidden gems most tourists miss.
Or better yet…
→ Join one of our Private Walking Tours or Full-Day London Tours to see the highlights without stress, confusion, or wasted time.
Does it rain all the time in London? No.
Is the weather unpredictable? Absolutely.
Sunshine at noon, rain at 3pm, clear skies at 4pm — it’s all normal here.
If rain hits, don’t panic — dive into a cosy pub or enjoy a FREE world-class museum like the British Museum or National Gallery.
London has an incredible food scene… but not around the major attractions. Restaurants near Big Ben, the London Eye, or Piccadilly Circus can be overpriced and underwhelming.
Ask your guide (or us!) for recommendations in:
Your tastebuds will thank you.
Black cabs are iconic — but not always the fastest or cheapest way to get around.
The Underground (Tube) is quick, safe, and simple once you know how it works.
On our walking tours, we even teach guests how to use London transport like a local.
Yes, you should visit Big Ben and Tower Bridge — but London’s real magic is found in its hidden corners.
Think:
That’s exactly what we specialise in at I Heart London Tours — personalised routes that go far beyond the typical tourist path.
London is best experienced with someone who knows its history, humour, hidden corners, and surprising secrets.
A passionate local guide can:
If you’re ready to see the real London, the way locals love it…
👉 Check out our Private Walking Tours and Full-Day London Tours.
Start your journey the right way — with a guide who loves this city as much as you will.
