3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting London 

In the past year, I have had the privilege of traveling to London for the first time. As an over-planner and over-preparer, I like to know what to expect before visiting. So I did exactly that. I went on a binge of articles of the usual common knowledge information and learned everything there is to know about the currency in London, the culture, the accent, and the lingo. I even prepared myself for the teasing they would throw at the American diet or lifestyle. My family and I thought we were ready for everything, but boy were we wrong. There are three specific things, no one tells you about traveling to London. Here are the three things I wish I knew before Visiting London. 

Number Three is Crucial!

Rush Hour Traffic is Heavy, You Will Be Late

One thing I did not anticipate and was not warned about in other articles was rush hour traffic. When I, and my family, traveled to London, we visited in early March, the slow season for London. We did this intentionally to avoid tourist crowds, however, the problem wasn’t tourists. Though there still were a fair amount of tourists and tour groups, the majority of the crowd were the everyday working locals getting to and from work. When I traveled, I started my daily activities early in the morning and all throughout the day. On each occasion, I was slightly late to showings and reservations because I did not account for the massive amount of traffic during the rush hour hours of the day. 

It is also important to be aware of your mode of transportation during these hours, you may end up stuck in the pouring rain and cold, fighting for taxis that are all booked up. Or you might think it is time to ride the tube and experience life as a local Londoner. Beware, if you ride the tube during rush hour, you will be packed like sardines. By this, I am talking seats all taken, standing room only, and having a stranger push on you on all sides. If you’re short like me, you will be drowning in stretched arms and smelly pits grabbing for the upper handles. 

If possible, it is best to avoid rush hour altogether. Plan activities during the rush hour time, so you can make your way there before the crowd gets out of work. If you are set in your ways, just be aware of how much traffic there may be and leaving accordingly. 

Everything You Want To See Is Far Apart

Close your eyes and Imagine London. Picture all the items and landmarks your favorite movies and TV shows have instilled in our brains since we got a first glimpse of life across the pond. I bet you picture Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Tower Bridge, and maybe even Windsor Castle. Now among those images and landmarks, how many have been portrayed within the same vicinity? Most of them right? In most films, you’ll find the tower bridge and Big Ben somehow in the same shot. The actors get on a scooter and find themselves there within a matter of minutes. From what I expected during my British television phase, I would have thought it was accurate. Don’t be fooled by the ways of our American television. Most of these landmarks are miles and miles away from each other. 

I just want you to be prepared before thinking you can have back to back reservations or tour bookings and have to cancel because you underestimated the distance. When planning your trip, pay attention to distances between regions and sections of the city. That way you can book all your activities for the day in one section. For example, visiting Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and London Eye all in the Westminster area for one day. Then the Tower of London, the Shard, and the Sky Garden, in the east section of the city of London on the next day. 

You Have To Pay For The Toilets

This is one of the main things I wish I knew before visiting London. Everyone pay attention now and alert all of your friends and family. This was by far the biggest culture shock and the number one thing I was not prepared for. Nobody warned me! I had to pay every time I needed to relieve myself anywhere outside of my hotel room. Please don’t restrict yourself from water and hydration but do keep in mind that bathrooms are hard to find. If you find yourself going often, you will need a pocket full of coins. 

We loaded ourselves with water, preparing to visit locations that don’t allow water bottles. Then disaster struck on our first day. As soon as the taxi dropped us off in front of Big Ben, duty called for one of my family members. Imagine the sight of an American man running in and out of grocery stores and establishments, twisting his legs and sweating while frantically looking for a toilet to use. Then when he finally located one, he was turned away by the attendant. He had to run back to find us to get any pounds we had. Then he had to run back down the stairs and through the crowd to throw them at the attendant. Then it was the same situation for most restaurants, malls, and fast food chains. We were so traumatized that for the rest of the trip, we were each banned from sipping any water.

Not sure why no one talks about this, but I wanted to make sure it is made aware before disaster strikes for any more coinless well-hydrated Americans. Be sure to prepare a few pounds in your pocket when you need to go. 

Be Prepared

All in all, London is an absolutely beautiful city and a great experience, however, you shouldn’t go in blindly. You now know all the things I wish I knew before visiting London. Keep in mind traffic, distances between attractions, and the price of being hydrated, and you are sure not to be blindsided and have a wonderful trip!

Doing the usual Paris and London duo trip? If you are, check out my 6 things you need to know before visiting Paris for the first time!