London is one of the most incredible cities globally, and it is a melting pot of different cultures. People from all across the globe call it their second home, and the city also sees a lot of visitors.
London is the 2nd most visited city globally, and when you come here, you will see why. From iconic landmarks to multicultural events, London has everything. It has a rich history and excellent cuisine. This is the city that gathers the attention of everyone.
The city sees a lot of tourists, but you don’t have to look like them. We will share some tips on not looking like a tourist in London.
So, scroll down to carry on reading.
Do Not Get That Heathrow Express
If you have just arrived by air in London at Heathrow, don’t go for the special Heathrow Express bus to take you to the city center from the airport.
This is the best way to get a glimpse into life in this city. The express might be quicker, but it is also pretty expensive. The better option is to go for the tube rail.
Don’t Stay in Hotels: Choose Rental Homes or Rooms
According to promocodius.nl, many tourists mistake visiting London and booking their night in a hotel. These hotels in Londons are pretty expensive. You won’t feel the spirit of this amazing city staying in a hotel.
A better option is to stay in rental homes or rooms in London because they are much cheaper, especially when you use discounts and promo codes, such as those from Huurstrunt , to book them.
Another great option is to stay near London and enjoy the country life. Many Londoners have holiday homes there, so you can easily book one of them via booking services and use special discounts like Novasol promo codes.
Get Ready with That Oyster Card
Your primary goal is to fly under the radar and ensure you get your Oyster Card as you travel in London. This is another money-saving tip because topping up this card will be easier online or at any station than purchasing daily or one-way tickets in those city zones.
You can purchase this card right at the airport and start using it immediately. You also can hand it back to get your refund at the initial price as you leave London. And make sure to keep your Oyster Card ready in your hand as you enter and exit the station.
You Can Use the Tube But Don’t Overdo It
As we speak about the tube rail, this means of transportation is very easy and handy to visit central London and in the vicinity. But keep in mind you don’t need the tube rail to go everywhere in the city because the primary tourist sites in the city are all walkable. And these include the ones that are not very well known either.
So, do not mistake taking a tube from Piccadilly to St. James Park, as it’s just a five-minute walk. You can only do it if it’s raining outside, which can happen quite frequently. But you can also go for these red-colored double-decker buses that are much cheaper than tubes.
Instead of Using Tourist Buses, Use the Regular Ones
Getting on a bus is a pretty good way to get a chance to look around the city. You will notice that so many things are close to one another, and you can walk. But don’t waste your money on those tourist hop-on and hop-off buses. Just go for the regular buses.
Taking a bus is cheaper than going by tube rail. You can sit in the front seats right on the top deck if they are empty as it will give you the best views of the city.
The bus system in this city might seem a bit too daunting at first, but you can use the Citymapper app, and it will guide you on how to get to your favorite spot and in how much time.
But if you want to see the best of London, you need to go for the RV1 bus. It will take you from Tower Hill to the Convent Garden, and you will cross over Tower Bridge as you go along the Southbank. After that, you will go right over Waterloo Bridge and end up at the Convent Garden.
Using Your Phone
There are many good travel apps that you can use to travel around London. You can download these apps and get along the city comfortably. You don’t need to carry a map or a guidebook to find a way around the city.
This will make you look like a tourist. You can make Google maps available offline. Make sure to get your phone unlocked at those tourist shops available all over the city. Pop in a cheap local sim and start using your phone.
Avoiding Oxford Street and Leicester Square
Oxford Street might be a good place to get your phone unlocked. But if you are looking to blend in, this is not the apple to go. This is a place that is extremely crowded and very expensive.
If you want to go shopping, better places than Oxford Street. You can head to different markets; if you’re going to visit the posh side of the city, then go to Mason, Harrods, and Liberty. Otherwise, Camden is a good option for clothing.
Leicester Square is their apple that you need to avoid because it is another tourist-rich place in the city, and prices are pretty high. And avoid the movie theaters here because they are also full of tourists and are pretty expunge.
Electric Cinema is a good choice in Shoreditch and Portobello. And make sure don’t get too excited about foxes and squirrels because you will find plenty of them.
Conclusion
London is a pretty good place to visit, but if you don’t want to look like a tourist, you need to follow the above-mentioned tips. Just be cool and don’t get too excited about anything. And you are all good to go as you will perfectly blend in.