London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom, and it is one of the largest cities in Europe. The city has a population of over 8 million people, and it covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometers. The city is home to numerous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. London is also a major center for theater, music, and film.
While London is generally considered a very cosmopolitan and tolerant city, there are still some things that may be considered offensive by its residents. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of twelve things that tourists shouldn’t do while they’re in London.
1. Don’t blaspheme against Christianity or make negative comments about the Royal Family.
Blaspheming against Christianity or making negative comments about the Royal Family are both activities that are best avoided if you want to stay on good terms with the British government. Blasphemy is defined as speaking ill of God or sacred things, and in England, it has been a crime since 1553. The punishment for blasphemous libel used to be death, but it was changed to life imprisonment in 2008.
As for the Royal Family, they are held in high esteem by most Britons and any criticism of them is likely to be met with disdain. It’s worth noting that even mild jokes about the Royals can be seen as offensive, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. In general, it’s best to avoid any topics that could be considered taboo in Britain if you want to stay on good terms with the government and the people.
2. Don’t queue jump
In London, it is considered very disrespectful to queue jump. This is because people are generally very patient when waiting in line and they expect everyone to follow the same rules. Queue jumping is unfair to those who have been waiting patiently and can cause a lot of frustration. In some cases, people may even get physical when someone tries to cut in line. So, if you’re in London, be sure to mind your manners and wait your turn like everyone else!
3. Don’t eat on public transport
If you’re planning on eating on public transport in London, be prepared to receive some disapproving looks. Eating in public transport is considered disrespectful and is generally frowned upon by Londoners. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if you’re eating something that doesn’t require utensils or if you’re a child, but in general, it’s best to avoid eating on public transport. If you must eat, try to do so discreetly and clean up any messes you make.
4. Avoid discussing controversial topics such as religion or politics
London is an international city, and as such, it is home to people from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs. To maintain a cohesive and friendly community, it is important to avoid discussing controversial topics such as religion or politics. Not only can these topics be polarizing, but they can also lead to heated debates that can damage relationships and cause hard feelings. If you must discuss these topics, do so with caution and respect for the opinions of others. Remember that London is a city of diversity, and by respecting the beliefs of others, we can help to keep our community strong.
5. Respect local football teams and avoid making negative comments about them
As a foreigner in London, it’s important to be respectful of the local football teams and avoid making negative comments about them. This is because football is an important part of British culture and the teams are very important to the people of London. Football fans in London are very passionate about their team and take great pride in them. Making negative comments about their team can often lead to conflict and even violence. So, if you’re a foreigner living in London, it’s best to avoid any potential problems by showing respect for the local teams.
6. Follow local customs and etiquette when it comes to things like tipping
When you’re in London, it’s important to follow local customs and etiquette. This includes things like tipping, which is expected in many situations. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% for good service. In some cases, such as at a pub, it may be considered acceptable to leave a small tip of a few coins. However, in general, it’s best to err on the side of generosity when it comes to tipping in London.
7. Don’t try to haggle too much when shopping in London – prices are generally fixed
If you’re used to haggling when shopping, then you may be in for a surprise when shopping in London. This is because prices are generally fixed and haggling is not common practice. In some cases, such as at markets, you may be able to negotiate a better price, but in general, it’s best to accept the asking price. Trying to haggle too much can be considered rude and you may even end up offending the seller.
8. Be aware of your personal space and don’t invade other people’s space unnecessarily
Personal space is important in London, and people generally like to keep to themselves. This means that you should be aware of your personal space and avoid invading other people’s space unnecessarily. For example, don’t stand too close to someone when waiting for the Tube or bus, and don’t put your bags on seats next to you when there are other people around. If you’re not sure how close is too close, err on the side of caution and give people a little more space than you would at home.
9. Don’t be too loud or rowdy in public places – Londoners tend to be quite reserved
Londoners tend to be quite reserved and they generally don’t appreciate loud or rowdy behavior in public places. This includes things like talking loudly, playing music without headphones, and being disruptive in general. If you want to enjoy a night out on the town, then it’s best to do so in a more private setting where you won’t disturb other people.
10. Don’t litter – there are heavy fines for littering in London
Anyone caught littering in London can be fined up to £1,000. Littering is classed as anything which is dropped or left in a public place and can include items such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, food wrappers, and cans. Littering not only spoils the environment for everyone, but it also costs a lot of money to clean up. It is estimated that the cost of cleaning up litter in the UK amounts to around £850 million each year. So next time you’re tempted to drop that wrapper on the ground, remember that it could end up costing you a lot of money. Plus, it’s just plain rude!
11. Don’t take photos of people without their permission – this can be seen as intrusive
In London, it’s considered impolite to take photos of people without their permission. This is because people in London value their privacy and personal space. If you’re caught taking photos of someone without their permission, they may ask you to stop or delete the photo. If you don’t comply, they may call the police. In general, it’s best to avoid taking photos of people unless you have their explicit permission. If you’re not sure whether someone wants their photo taken, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and ask first.
12. Don’t forget to say please and thank you when interacting with Londoners!
Londoners are known for their polite and proper demeanor, so it’s important to mind your manners when interacting with them. Be sure to use please and thank you when making requests or expressing gratitude. You may also want to avoid using profanity in public, as it can be considered quite offensive. In general, just remember to be respectful and considerate, and you should have no trouble making a good impression on the people of London.
