That blocking of the Tube platform entrance by tourist groups that you mention, really is one of the major ball aches. A little common sense goes a long way. Keep up the good work Mark. 👍
What really annoys me is people who get off the escalator and stand still working out where they need to go next regardless of the people behind them. Potentially very dangerous.
My mother is so bad for this, she is well travelled but still does this…like why? She’s rooting through her handbag in mid pedestrian traffic but then lectures me about pickpockets
As a Londoner I live with this daily. I have an (admittedly bad) habit of shouting “bad place to stand” as I walk past people blocking entires and exits.
The only time when queuing isn’t what we do is at the bar in the pub. We huddle and spread down the bar. But, the rules of being served in turn are still there. If the bar staff try to serve you before the person who you know was there longer, it’s impolite not to point that out.
I confirm this. Bar etiquette across the UK -if you're standing at the bar and the bar staff approach you before somebody you know has been waiting longer than you, point to the other person and say 'they were before me'.
@@neilbridgeman7768 As somebody who used to work in a pub it's fairly easy to remember the order. It annoys me when bar staff don't do it because I found it easy, and my memory is pretty bad. But as the customer I also find it easy - who was here when I got here? Well then that's who I need to wait to be served before I am.
Londoner here. Everything you say about tube etiquette is totally correct. And they are particularly annoying because there are announcements or signs about all of the things you say. We don’t just expect tourists to magically *know* what the rules are. That would be mental. We try to tell you, so please listen.
Etiquette is the best explanation and it’s considered manners. Your comment is right. I’m Welsh and it’s been a while since I’ve been in London. London is the centre of United Kingdom Highly concentrated,with a vast amount of people working there,and the flow in and out of the tube is massive- there has to be some kind of order. I wonder do Americans get guided out of a stadium after a game ,what is New York natives like?far as NY ,I’ve heard the grumbling- it’s a fast flowing rat race there with the sidewalk full,busy and fast. No offence to anyone-
@uglenddalejones2 I was born in NY (but have lived elsewhere for forever). I was raised that you let other people off/out first. I think there's a general lack of manners or common sense these days.
I love all of these tips! It boils down to "situational awareness" and "spatial awareness," which has become less utilized in recent years. Be aware that it's not all about you, there are other people in this space to consider, and be considerate of others wherever you are. 🙂
We went to London back when I was 12 of 14 back in the 90s. We went to the tower of London and they had all those signs up that say "Don't feed the ravens." so me, being the smart Alec that I was at the time decide to go feed a pigeon instead. And suddenly from behind a shadow falls over me. A shadow of a guy holding a halberd. And I look around and this big gruff beefeater says: "If you feed those you gotta take em home with you." I gotta admit that was pretty initmidating.
Speaking of The Queue! When i was living in England a zillion years ago for school, I was waiting for a bus in the middle of Nowhere. I mean NOWHERE. 2 people came up to catch that bus and queued behind me. In the middle of nowhere! LOL!
Stopping at the very bottom of the escalator in a tube station to check which platform they need. The other one is guided tours walking 9 abreast so you need to pass on the road!
As an American who has visited London numerous times several pieces of advice. Get a tube map it will help you immensely. Don’t mess with the guards especially those on horseback. If you happen to get tickets to football (soccer) the stands are segregated between home and away supporters.Don’t wear a shirt with the same colors of the visiting team in the home section (I made this mistake). Also learn some British English words and terms.
@@stevetaylor8698 that is true, I was just suggesting the Americans become familiar with words and phrases that they would hear so that we don’t look totally stupid in conversations
Backpacks!! Take them off in crowded areas ESPECIALLY on the tube (particularly when it’s busy). Nobody wants to be whacked in the face when you turn around. (Also, if they’re not behind your back, a pickpocket can’t grab anything from it). As a side note, it’s always good to keep an eye on your belongings - yes, I grew up in late 80’s London…
Backpackers in a crowded tube is annoying. You can be much more agile by removing the backpack to get around rather than keeping it on. However, I suppose you can still be agile with it on without knowing you’re whacking everyone around you…🤦🏻♂️
One important point is that in the UK you are trusted to judge for yourself where and when it is safe to cross the road. We don't have jaywalking offences forcing people to only use crossings. So use your common sense and you'll be fine. (I realise that's a lot to ask...)
Many people are looking DOWN at their phones while crossing. I had to give a few shouts- tough love to people who want to stay walking. It's a responsibility being a pedestrians and a driver. Some woman with a pram in UK already got run over already, this could of been prevented IF she looked LEFT
Completely agree. Just look at the width and how other people are going. If walking fast isn't something you're able to do, at least don't walk slow side by side by side taking up half the pavement inconveniencing everyone else
If I was in London and boarding the Tube when some other tourist is blocking the door when there's plenty of room for them to move, I'll give them a VERY good reason to get out of the way as politely as possible. If they're rude after I'm polite, the polite side of me will disappear faster than they can blink.
On the flipside, you can endear yourself to the locals a bit by learning the local pronunciation of place names. - Thames is the one essential - If you can get Buckingham, Leicester, and Chiswick that’ll set you up well for lots of other names - others like Islington, Marylebone, and Vauxhall are extra credit
"Stand right" is right. But as a londener I don't agree with "walk left". Walk on either side. Ideally reserve the left for overtaking. I don't think you will annoy anyone by walking on either side.
Same thing here in Barcelona... Most of these are just general basic respectful things to do in medium to large cities. I do think some people over react to tourists, respect has to go both ways. You're a local but when you travel you're a tourist that doesn't know all local rules and you'll want some tolerance.
As a New Yorker, this is so relatable!! Everything. With minor tweak of be prepared for unexpected rain & have an umbrella if any chances. And look left or both ways for traffic, but look for sure! And for yourself, meaning don't blindly step out simply because anoter pedestrian does. In general, use common sense & pay attention, right?
I've lived in Rio, Paris, and now London. The problems are the same in every touristic city. Groups occupying the whole sidewalk is annoying. Groups that STOP just by the end of the escalator to look at a map... this is outrageous. Tourists have to keep in mind that the locals are making a living, running to work or back home. Also, some politeness when asking for information would be welcomed.
I would agree and also relise that depends on the industry people might be working at the weekend, more than once I’ve asked groups to move as I have to get to work at the weekend and they just reply with “but it’s the weekend”…..
I lived in Dublin while I attended Trinity College Dublin (which tourists often visit), and this is so important! It was really common for people to be delayed to lectures and seminars because tourists refused to get out of the way and would occupy massive chunks of the pavement. It was so frustrating, especially since I started there while only students and staff were allowed on campus (using ID) due to COVID. Simple walks went from five minutes across campus to fifteen when the tourists came back.
@@rachelscott7348 I would have asked them, yes it is the weekend, who do you think is working the museum or the attraction you are going to? Was there no one at the hotel this morning when you left? Who do you think is going to server you at the pub?
While the US does have a line culture, it's taken more seriously in the UK. I remember being in line for something and there weren't many people around, so I unconsciously started wandering around the waiting area. THE SECOND I moved to a space that might have remotely been construed as ahead of where I was in line, a British gentleman was IMMEDIATELY on me with "Excuse me, there's a queue"-and I wasn't the only one he reminded before whatever we were in line for started up. He seemed like a nice person, we chatted for a bit, but it was immediate and stark in a way that usually wouldn't happen in the US.
I often wonder whether the buttons do anything at all… The other thing that is dangerous here are busy pedestrians crossings with no crossing signals! There seems to be. Lot of intersections missing the pedestrian crossing signals.
Funny that almost every one of them basically just boils down to "Pay attention and be considerate of the other people around you." You'd like to think it would be evereyone's bare minimum standard of behaviour when out in public, but unfortunately it isn't. And unfortunately it's not just tourists who fail to do this. Some people are just selfish and ignorant.
I agree with you on that. I also agree with him mentioning in the video about how you shouldn't come to London and complain about the different things about London. In fact, that's just a general rule for wherever you go, locals do not want to hear outsiders coming onto their grounds and complain about it. I mean seriously, if you don't like it, go home, they never asked you to come there. I'm American and I don't want to go to London and hear other Americans complaining about the people there, the crowds, or any other issues or situations there. If you don't like it somewhere, then go
I generally don't mind the tourists here in London. They're just a part of living here unless you're in a hurry. I particularly like the tourists who venture outside the centre a bit and turn up in my local pub (20 minutes out of the West End).
Thanks for the tips. I think it's rude in the US to cut in line as well. I don't do it and for the few times someone has cut in front of me, I've smiled and told them about it nicely. Sometimes I don't think they're aware where the line actually is. Enjoyed this.
one thing that annoys me is when people say they have ONLY been to London on their trip and have no plans to go elsewhere and then claiming they have “seen England/UK”. Plenty of great places to visit in the UK. Brighton, Cambridge, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, Exeter” loads and loads more places to visit. Don’t just limit yourself to London.
All of the advice for the Tube works for every subway system. I take the subway in LA and people have the same complaints about people standing on the left side of the escalator or trying to get on the train before people get off.
Thanks Mark! Very informational! Also, another friendly tip: if you're going to watch a movie in the many London movie theaters, they have designated seating. It's not like the US where you can sit anywhere. My friend and I made a mistake and sat randomly without realizing we had reserved seating. We got booted out of our seats but in our defense, it was an afternoon show and there was literally no one else besides us and the other movie goer. But learning experience nevertheless!
I think this is a UK-wide thing - even my local independent cinema makes you reserve seats now. It didn't used to be a thing (maybe started about a decade ago), but now it's everywhere. You can generally ignore the reservations at a quieter showing, but some people pick specific seats for specific reasons (you get a choice of seats when you buy the tickets) and get arsey if you're sat in their chosen seats. Another tip is that you're allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks into the cinema in the UK. They might take issue if you bring in something like McDonald's, but packets of snacks and bottled drinks are fine.
- I've never heard someone call the ticket barriers "barricades" 😆 - Number one rule on the tube (and central London as a whole) is don't get in other people's way - The reason why commuters get annoyed if you're blocking ticket barriers, escalators, etc is that you might cause them to miss a connection which means them getting home say half an hour later - Avoid travelling at rush hour if you can, especially if you have a lot of luggage - If you do need to travel at rush hour, be aware that it's going to be a very busy and likely unpleasant journey so try not to make it more difficult than it has to be (by following the tips in this video) - That's not a pub: that's a tourist trap! - Travel out of London and find a decent country pub - If you really want a pub in London, avoid anything that says "Ye Olde" or "Wetherspoons" - Don't just visit London, even if it's just a day trip on the train, get out and see the rest of the country too - even if you just want to stick to cities, there are much nicer cities than London - Overall, some good tips in this video, but remember if you get in wrong you'll most likely just get a glare or a tut - just say sorry and move out of the way
As a Londoner you are spot on - I think the thing we just don’t get is how rude it is to get onto the tube before everyone has got off. Why would anyone think it’s ok to be rude like not holding a door open for someone behind you. Please just stand to the side and wait until everyone has got off otherwise you might find yourself either pushed back off or a few choice words in your ear !
Not a rule perse but since there was a lot of tube-talk: a “subway” confusingly is an underground walkway & I know of at least one American who went into random underpass thinking it was a tube station. They can be connected to tube (or more formally “underground”) stations but not always
The “underground” facilitates “tube” trains and the “subway” is a below ground passage way. This is probably the most easily confused concept for North Americans.
It's particularly confusing where some stations double as a subway (i.e. to cross the road) and they have signs at the entrance saying Underground *and* Subway
As an American, I am so embarrassed when my country folk show up in a mass to anything and just clog things up--like a party of 6 all trying to engage the host to get a table in a restaurant instead of designating one spokesperson. Most London, or city for that matter, restaurants are not designed for that many people in the entry. Also, Americans doing their "Brit" impressions of waiters, salespeople, cabbies, etc.. Please STOP!!
What also annoys me is when tourists try to disrespect the royal guards, they are simply there to do a job and are not paid enough to be harassed and disrespected by tourists, you are not allowed to touch them and if you properly piss them off, they can be very mad.
I think it’s cultural too. When I visited Barcelona, I was shocked to find commuters boarding and alighting the train carriage at the same time. Carnage.
One thing that I thought I noticed in London is that in the tourist-dominated areas, foot traffic on sidewalks/pavements and bridges passes/walks on the right instead of the left, so the non-UK tourists have taken over in this regard. But I would often see a few annoyed locals defying the crowds and insisting on walking/passing on the left.
As someone born and raised in the Notting Hill area (non-posh side), I will not wait for you to finish taking photos of The Notting Hill Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent or the rainbow houses on Elgin Crescent. I will walk straight past your camera and no longer swerve onto the road for your consideration - a gesture you didn’t even notice me do. Do not tut at me because I “ruined” your photoshoot. I am usually going home or going to work, doing the school run, going groceries shopping, on my way to the GP or running errands. You may think it was rude of me to do that to *you* but are only one of *literally* hundreds of people doing the same thing every week.
The main tip about the carriage doors is that you should clear out of the way of the doors when you get to a station. Between stations, it's fine to stand near the doors. It's also perfectly fine to remain standing if you're only staying on for a few stops.
It's more applicable at rush hour when not moving down means that fewer people can get on. So the general rule is move away from the doors if you're not getting off soon; be near the doors if you do want to get off.
Accidentally jumped the queue in a pub once once and it started to get "not pretty". Made up for it by buying everyone i queue-jumped a beer. Never seen the waves calm that fast for only 3 beers ;)
Those three people you were intimidated into buying a round for were being cheeky b'stards. If customers get served in the wrong order at at pub, it's the fault of the bar staff. They are supposed to keep track of who arrives at the bar when. Your only obligation is to correct them if you think they've missed someone, and just give a nod in their direction. Nobody should be demanding you buy them a pint. It's extortion with menaces. I apologise on their behalf, because dodgy chancers like that don't have a sense of shame.
@@MinesAGuinness That’s pretty much impossible because staff have to also do barback jobs simultaneously, plus it’s also slower because people will go to different ends of the bar and it’s silly to physically go to each person. So it has to be a two way thing between the staff and customers. If someone has jumped in and is rude about it, we can remove them. In the flip side, if a staff has made an genuine but a customer is aggressive towards staff, then they have to leave regardless of being in the right.
The British tradition of an orderly queue is so strong that even in Hong Kong the Chinese would wait in line. Sort of a minor miracle. The Chinese notoriously. shove, elbow, or force their way to the front no matter what.
The tube doors thing is a good rule in general; if there are people wanting to get out of an enclosed space, those wanting to get in should wait. After all, there's more space inside once they're out.
I work in a touristy area and by far i hate when tourists just stop for no reason. We all walk pretty fast here and it gets busy. but I enjoy the diversity of tourists who visit londons
I briefly worked reception at Abbey Road studios - lots of crackpots coming in telling us they "knew" John Lennon and / or Elvis were hidden or imprisoned in the basement....
Don’t block doors with your luggage, that happened to me in Birmingham last week (it was on a train from International, which serves the airport and the NEC) and a couple put their 4 huge suitcases in the doors and moved them between stations, I was worried that a conductor was going to think they were my bags.
Funny thing is, since Brits drive on the left, I as a German, would have also positioned myself on the left side on the escalator :D In Germany I stand on the right of course.
It's only the driving that's on the left. Walking is kind of a mixed bag but mostly people tend to walk on the right but overtake on the left like in the rest of Europe. The same principles apply to standing on the escalator. I think it's because of the European influence. In Australia, for instance, you would stand on the left and walk on the right on an escalator, as you said
Back in 2000 I was on a group tour with my college and the first day I walked straight into a light post and heard at least one person shriek. Yeah, pay attention.
Don't live in London anymore but years ago I was swimming in my local pool. Came to the end, turns around and there was a guy plowing down on the wrong side so I couldn't start my next length. Stopped him to point out he was swimming on the wrong side and his response was "But in the States. .." There were signs at both ends of the pool indicating the direction with ➔➔➔, And he agued with me! ¡joder!
Queue jumping in a pub is a no no, not just in London but all over Britain, when you get to the bar you have a quick look and think okay looks like I am fifth, but if the bar tender comes to you first you just point to the person who was there before you and say he or she was here before me and they will go straight over to them, then there is that little nod of thank you from the other person but if you do queue jump at the bar you will get dirty looks.
That thing of groups on the tube platforms is so dangerous. I saw it the other day, a group stood in a circle chatting to each other, took up the whole width of the platform and people trying to pass were getting really close to the edge. I wanted to pass them but was scared I'd fall onto the tracks.
This isn't London-specific, but stopping/standing at the top or bottom of stairs, an escalator, or the lift/elevator door to figure out where they are going next. That's a terrible place to stop, and you're going to get run over.
I think the poster child for 'loud' is restaurant talk. In the UK, restaurant talk isn't the same as having a BBQ at home, a restaurant is considered about 25% towards 'library' as a public space. Keep your chat low key and private. People don't want to overhear your opinion from across the room.
I live in the north of England but travel to London a lot - my children and grand children live there. My primary aim when I am there is to annoy as many locals as I can, especially on the Tube.
05:20 the people of London, when in London, don't like "loud". Then you met the same "London people" in Corfu, or Ibiza, or Algarve, and it's like Godzilla meets King Kong meets Attila the Hun meets World War Z.
I always tell friends and relatives visiting London to avoid public transport or taxis during morning and evening rush hour (known as peak time). Specially in central areas, West End, Hyde Park etc. Its like any big city, only travel at these times if that journey is absolutely necessary. Or for shorter distances try and walk it or rent a bike, might even be quicker sometimes.
My best friend and I took a tour of the UK, which started in London. We went to a pub for fish and chips, but didn't know you had to order at the bar. The bartender was very annoyed with us and the patrons were sort of annoyed/amused. 😳
A few tips: - pubs are generally casual dining so you'll typically order at the bar, unless they have a restaurant section. - there's usually a sign or a note on the menu that says "please order at bar" - if there's a table number, that means order at the bar and tell them your table number. - most places will tell you, but if you're not sure just ask. - a decent pub will recognise that you're tourists and won't be annoyed - I think the bar staff were just in a bad mood! - you probably won't get decent fish and chips in a pub, especially somewhere like a chain pub in a touristy area. - if you want decent fish and chips, head to a seaside town and find an award winning chippy near the sea front. - if you want decent pub grub, head to a proper country pub or at the very least get out of the tourist hotspots and avoid Wetherspoons (a chain of cheap pubs, popular with students but not known for its quality).
I've found easiest way when crossing the street, try to consciously look both ways when in another country. Not so bad if I'm in a country that also drives on the left hand side of the road. A few times I've un-consciously looked right when it should have been left.
Most of your annoyances are spot on. Tourists walking in the cycling lane should also be highlighted - the city spent a lot of money building out cycling lanes to improve the flow of traffic for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists - it’s a small feat to just walk in the pavement. And also keeping your overstuffed backpack on in a crowded tube and not knowing you’re banging into everyone with it…
London is a cool city. So much fun stuff to do. So so so many amazing restaurants too....omg. You can find awesome food of every cuisine for any budget too.
We got chewed out by a local in London when we stopped in the middle of a sidewalk to figure out where we were. They told us very bluntly not to do it again. We didn't.
The "Look Right" thingy is remarkably hard to remember. One reason is that I don't know that I usually look left, it's just ingrained in my brain that that's where the cars come from. It's like playing that game where you wear glasses that make you see upside down, but in traffic.
I’m a New Yorker and I agree with all of these, one of the most annoying thing in nyc with trains is when people try to rush in while I’m trying to leave, like how am I supposed to get out?
Its not just entrances, but sidewalks in general. Just dont stand 3-4 people wide blocking off the entire thing when they want to look at a map, guide or a phone or something. Just step aside and let people through. It sounds like a minor thing if you are not from a busy city, but if you have to deal with it every single day it gets really annoying really fast.
One time couple years ago in London I was walking down the stairs having my hand on the railing. Some British guy ( gus) was walking upstairs also holding that railing. I refused to back down and pushed forward which resulted in me leaning on his hand that he kept in the railing. I was leaning on him with my weight for 3 seconds and then he said “ you could have at least said “ excuse me?” with that famous English accent. Yeah, I guess it was my bad, I didn’t sleep for 24 hours before the situation...
Great list! Several central London stations have lifts, we need more people to use them instead of the escalators. Also, Londoners walk fast, be aware of that and speed up or stand to the side.
The escalator rule works but when it comes to walking in the corridors, there are no rules. Try asking the locals on the Paris Metro to move to the center of the car. They all look at you like you're from Venus.
Not the biggest deal but can be annoying if its very busy on the tube. You dont need to wait for the gates to close after the person before you has gone through. Just tap your card!
Don't sing songs supporting the IRA on The Tube. I came across an instance of this coming back from Wembley Stadium after an England vs USA football game. The American in question was quickly "assisted" in to a horizontal position by a local.
@@MaZaCar_XiaoyuI am from the North . I don't care about London or the South Without the brain drain London is nothing . Go to Scotland rather than London . The landscape is beautiful, Northern England landscape is very pretty but Scotland is on another level
In Paris meanwhile if you try to board a train before people get off you're basically an honorary local. It's not true rush hour unless every station boarding feels like a mini Rohirrim charge.
For London in particular, one of the things that will annoy Brits (Mature ones anyway) is being disrespectful to the King's Guard (or other castle/palace guards). By all means get a photo but don't make fun of them or try and make them laugh, they are active duty soldiers and don't appreciate having the piss taken out of them and for gods sake don't wave flags around or be stupidly noisy around the horses as a spooked horse can be very dangerous for the Rider and those around them.
Two other bits of tube etiquette. Try not to run to catch a tube train, especially if it's crowded. Not only is it dangerous, if you end up missing it you'll be surrounded by all those people you barged out of the way. The trains run every minute (Jubilee Line) or up to 5 at busy hours so there's no need to run. If it's really busy don't try to cram yourself on to the train. This is London, not Tokyo. The people already inside the train don't want to be squashed any more and the doors may not be able to close properly which will delay the train and probably have an annoyed train driver walk down the carriages trying to find who's causing the blockage. Again, the trains run frequently enough that it won't hurt you to wait a few minutes for the next one.
Related to the stopping and blocking the pavement issue...tourists who go to Abbey Road studios, of The Beatles fame, and try to recreate the Abbey Road album cover on the pedestrian crossing. Walking across it and having your photo taken is fine but many tourists STOP motionless when they're on it, holding up any waiting cars. You don't need to stop and be still to have your photo taken on the crossing...The Beatles didn't! Just keep moving and keep the disruption to a minimum.
1:30 Fun fact, it is actually against the railway by-laws to board a train when other passengers are trying to get off. Never seen anyone fined though 😂😂😂
As a tourist what annoys me about locals is when they get mad at tourists for not acting like a local. I don't live here and I don't know where I'm going so I need a minute to figure it out.
As you had it in some pictures in the above video: Don't you ever dare touch the horses of the guards on duty at Horse Guards, Whitehall! NEVER! These are 1. real soldiers, combat ready in theory, and 2. real horses, big beasts actually, no fairy tale ponies! And try - perhaps - to not disrespect War Memorials, especially the Cenotaph, by climbing on them, or so. Not even in a drunken state!
The one that irks me, not just in London but everywhere, are the people who, when crossing a street, use the opposite side of the pedestrian crossing to the direction they intend to head in, e.g. heading right but standing on the far left of the pedestrian crossing. Not pretty, especially when wheeled suitcases etc are involved.
Hey all, Londoner here. I live and work in very touristy areas. I wish tourist would think about others when they travel in general. Use the lift if you have children or big bags. Ask the staff if you need help instead of standing in the way of the exit. I've use public transport all over europe not one sassy comment or a look from a look from a local. Driving is too expensive and slow in London. Many people use the tube to do very important thing as well as fun stuff. Having stated that I love tourists apart from about half of them on the tube.
@@woltersworld yes I knew you had a few. Found them Thanks. Can you please do Krakow. W has a sound of a V. I know about the concentration camp. But also the Salt Mines called Wieliczka Salt Mines. Thanks once again. Marcus London UK
Have you been to your neighboring countries in continental Europe? Some countries have cultures that foster respect for queues; some don’t. The U.S., since you ask, is somewhere in the middle, but actually toward the more respectful end of the global spectrum. But England, in my own experience over the decades, has had some erosion to its famous queue culture as well.
No, it is definitely not accepted to jump a line in the US, and huge majority of Americans would not give a second thought to forming and waiting in a line, nor would they notice anything out of the ordinary with queuing in the UK. Mark does have viewers from many countries though, many of which don't seem to have a concept of forming an orderly first-come, first-served system.
I am from the UK but don't go to London that often. I find the escalators terrifying I am scared of hights.I was there with my Mum quite a few years ago, and had the use the escalator. I got on and hung on to the handrail like my life depended on it. The trouble is I'm left handed so instinctively grabbed with my left hand. I want to say I am so sorry to all those behind me, as I was in the grip of fear and couldn't move to the other side. I could hear my Mum explaining to to the people behind me, but could not let go.
Stopping in the middle of the pavement is annoying. It’s easy to do sometimes when using the phone for Google maps or something. I always tried to step to the side when doing that. Most of this video is common sense though.
Much of it is common sense when you have lived in a crowded place, but some of the jaw-droppingly irritating things tourists do in big cities just come from living in non-crowded places and never developing socio-spatial instincts.
@@runarandersen878 I didn’t say anything about being stupid. In fact, I was trying to move away from judgment a little. I was talking about things your living environment would not make you aware of (such as spatial awareness in crowded places), and I’d bet that a lot of “stupid” things city people do in small towns or rural areas also have to do with an environment they’re not used to, such as different driving conditions. EDIT: All of which is not to deny that there are genuinely stupid people everywhere, so if that’s your point, no one could argue with it.
London quite literally has the best weather in the UK for both temperature and precipitation. People really "complain about the rain" in London? Second, not having an umbrella is a British-and-Celtic Isles thing in general. Heavy rain and heavy wind, when they do happen, always coincide with each other here, so rain that would warrant an umbrella would also wreck an umbrella.
Oh, I should add that when the UK gets some kind of 'extreme weather' -- flooding, snowstorms... -- London is the place that gets hit, almost like it has to fulfill a quota for bad weather or something.
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That blocking of the Tube platform entrance by tourist groups that you mention, really is one of the major ball aches. A little common sense goes a long way. Keep up the good work Mark. 👍
I think this happens in any major city that has a underground (or an above ground if you are in Chicago).
What really annoys me is people who get off the escalator and stand still working out where they need to go next regardless of the people behind them. Potentially very dangerous.
I hate it when people block the escalator, the elevator, public transport doors, public washrooms. Like get a grip on your surroundings.
Visited London numerous times for business and pleasure. Never experienced problems. Just act as a normal, considerate person and you will be ok.
Very few people do that though . Most stand aside to figure it out
It's just London expects you to do it five miles away
My mother is so bad for this, she is well travelled but still does this…like why? She’s rooting through her handbag in mid pedestrian traffic but then lectures me about pickpockets
I am with you on this one. Had to yell at people on this trip as it was about to get dangerous fast as they stood there with their luggage
As a Londoner I live with this daily. I have an (admittedly bad) habit of shouting “bad place to stand” as I walk past people blocking entires and exits.
I'd call that educating the tourist.
Not really a bad habit, just saving everyone else the need to shout the same.
idk why i, a londoner, have been binging your london videos as if i havent lived here my whole life. but you're awesome, im loving these videos
The only time when queuing isn’t what we do is at the bar in the pub. We huddle and spread down the bar. But, the rules of being served in turn are still there. If the bar staff try to serve you before the person who you know was there longer, it’s impolite not to point that out.
When you see a pub bar that people are queuing at, it literally scrambles my brain and I genuinely don’t know how to deal with it.
I confirm this. Bar etiquette across the UK -if you're standing at the bar and the bar staff approach you before somebody you know has been waiting longer than you, point to the other person and say 'they were before me'.
@@neilbridgeman7768 As somebody who used to work in a pub it's fairly easy to remember the order. It annoys me when bar staff don't do it because I found it easy, and my memory is pretty bad. But as the customer I also find it easy - who was here when I got here? Well then that's who I need to wait to be served before I am.
Londoner here. Everything you say about tube etiquette is totally correct. And they are particularly annoying because there are announcements or signs about all of the things you say. We don’t just expect tourists to magically *know* what the rules are. That would be mental. We try to tell you, so please listen.
Equally, a lot of it is common sense and boils down to "it's busy, don't stand in the way".
Most of these thing are more like how to be a considerate human, whether you live in the back of Bourke of Soho square!
The tube, an elevator, going in and out of a store: let people leave first!
Etiquette is the best explanation and it’s considered manners. Your comment is right.
I’m Welsh and it’s been a while since I’ve been in London.
London is the centre of United Kingdom
Highly concentrated,with a vast amount of people working there,and the flow in and out of the tube is massive- there has to be some kind of order.
I wonder do Americans get guided out of a stadium after a game ,what is New York natives like?far as NY ,I’ve heard the grumbling- it’s a fast flowing rat race there with the sidewalk full,busy and fast.
No offence to anyone-
@uglenddalejones2 I was born in NY (but have lived elsewhere for forever). I was raised that you let other people off/out first. I think there's a general lack of manners or common sense these days.
I love all of these tips! It boils down to "situational awareness" and "spatial awareness," which has become less utilized in recent years. Be aware that it's not all about you, there are other people in this space to consider, and be considerate of others wherever you are. 🙂
We went to London back when I was 12 of 14 back in the 90s. We went to the tower of London and they had all those signs up that say "Don't feed the ravens." so me, being the smart Alec that I was at the time decide to go feed a pigeon instead. And suddenly from behind a shadow falls over me. A shadow of a guy holding a halberd. And I look around and this big gruff beefeater says: "If you feed those you gotta take em home with you." I gotta admit that was pretty initmidating.
Speaking of The Queue! When i was living in England a zillion years ago for school, I was waiting for a bus in the middle of Nowhere. I mean NOWHERE. 2 people came up to catch that bus and queued behind me. In the middle of nowhere! LOL!
Stopping at the very bottom of the escalator in a tube station to check which platform they need. The other one is guided tours walking 9 abreast so you need to pass on the road!
I love you man. I wish there were more of you, people who were kind and thoughtful and cared about being respectful in the places they go to...
As an American who has visited London numerous times several pieces of advice. Get a tube map it will help you immensely. Don’t mess with the guards especially those on horseback. If you happen to get tickets to football (soccer) the stands are segregated between home and away supporters.Don’t wear a shirt with the same colors of the visiting team in the home section (I made this mistake). Also learn some British English words and terms.
Love the football stand comment, true.
@@stephenlee5929 It also applies in some parts of The States. When going to a Red Sox game don't wear Yankee stuff in the bleachers.
There is no "British" English. We speak English in England.
@@stevetaylor8698 that is true, I was just suggesting the Americans become familiar with words and phrases that they would hear so that we don’t look totally stupid in conversations
I was just being a bit of a grump. Bad day altogether here. Sorry.@@robertosborne8694
Backpacks!! Take them off in crowded areas ESPECIALLY on the tube (particularly when it’s busy). Nobody wants to be whacked in the face when you turn around.
(Also, if they’re not behind your back, a pickpocket can’t grab anything from it).
As a side note, it’s always good to keep an eye on your belongings - yes, I grew up in late 80’s London…
Lol what. Locals where backpacks though
Backpackers in a crowded tube is annoying. You can be much more agile by removing the backpack to get around rather than keeping it on. However, I suppose you can still be agile with it on without knowing you’re whacking everyone around you…🤦🏻♂️
One important point is that in the UK you are trusted to judge for yourself where and when it is safe to cross the road. We don't have jaywalking offences forcing people to only use crossings. So use your common sense and you'll be fine. (I realise that's a lot to ask...)
Many people are looking DOWN at their phones while crossing. I had to give a few shouts- tough love to people who want to stay walking. It's a responsibility being a pedestrians and a driver. Some woman with a pram in UK already got run over already, this could of been prevented IF she looked LEFT
As a Londoner I would add being mindful of people who want to pass you on pavements……but great summary and love your videos
Completely agree. Just look at the width and how other people are going. If walking fast isn't something you're able to do, at least don't walk slow side by side by side taking up half the pavement inconveniencing everyone else
If I was in London and boarding the Tube when some other tourist is blocking the door when there's plenty of room for them to move, I'll give them a VERY good reason to get out of the way as politely as possible. If they're rude after I'm polite, the polite side of me will disappear faster than they can blink.
On the flipside, you can endear yourself to the locals a bit by learning the local pronunciation of place names.
- Thames is the one essential
- If you can get Buckingham, Leicester, and Chiswick that’ll set you up well for lots of other names
- others like Islington, Marylebone, and Vauxhall are extra credit
I think I passed your quiz.
+ Holborn and extra points for St-Mary-le-Bow
Thames = temms
Buckingham = Buckin'-ham
Leicester = Lester
Chiswick = Chiz'ick
Islington = Izzlin'ton
Marylebone = Marleh-bone
Vauxhall = Vox-hall
"Stand right" is right. But as a londener I don't agree with "walk left". Walk on either side. Ideally reserve the left for overtaking. I don't think you will annoy anyone by walking on either side.
That's supposed to be how driving is in the U.S. I don't think most residents get it 😮
Same thing here in Barcelona... Most of these are just general basic respectful things to do in medium to large cities.
I do think some people over react to tourists, respect has to go both ways. You're a local but when you travel you're a tourist that doesn't know all local rules and you'll want some tolerance.
😮. Hm i see. How is the weather these days? Is tap water safe to drink please?
As a New Yorker, this is so relatable!! Everything. With minor tweak of be prepared for unexpected rain & have an umbrella if any chances. And look left or both ways for traffic, but look for sure! And for yourself, meaning don't blindly step out simply because anoter pedestrian does. In general, use common sense & pay attention, right?
I've lived in Rio, Paris, and now London. The problems are the same in every touristic city.
Groups occupying the whole sidewalk is annoying. Groups that STOP just by the end of the escalator to look at a map... this is outrageous.
Tourists have to keep in mind that the locals are making a living, running to work or back home. Also, some politeness when asking for information would be welcomed.
I would agree and also relise that depends on the industry people might be working at the weekend, more than once I’ve asked groups to move as I have to get to work at the weekend and they just reply with “but it’s the weekend”…..
I lived in Dublin while I attended Trinity College Dublin (which tourists often visit), and this is so important! It was really common for people to be delayed to lectures and seminars because tourists refused to get out of the way and would occupy massive chunks of the pavement. It was so frustrating, especially since I started there while only students and staff were allowed on campus (using ID) due to COVID. Simple walks went from five minutes across campus to fifteen when the tourists came back.
yup...even nyc. same issues!
@@rachelscott7348 I would have asked them, yes it is the weekend, who do you think is working the museum or the attraction you are going to? Was there no one at the hotel this morning when you left? Who do you think is going to server you at the pub?
@@DrVVVinK I was in a rush and not in the mood to try and explain what I do….
While the US does have a line culture, it's taken more seriously in the UK. I remember being in line for something and there weren't many people around, so I unconsciously started wandering around the waiting area. THE SECOND I moved to a space that might have remotely been construed as ahead of where I was in line, a British gentleman was IMMEDIATELY on me with "Excuse me, there's a queue"-and I wasn't the only one he reminded before whatever we were in line for started up. He seemed like a nice person, we chatted for a bit, but it was immediate and stark in a way that usually wouldn't happen in the US.
Never seen a line in the UK. They only have queues, because that's the proper word! 😉🇬🇧
😂 we love a queue
@@saraanthony8665This is a popular misconception, stereotype even. Us Brits don't love queing, we just know how to do it properly.
When a crowd gathers at a crossing but no one presses the button, and everyone ends up waiting there for ages
I often wonder whether the buttons do anything at all… The other thing that is dangerous here are busy pedestrians crossings with no crossing signals! There seems to be. Lot of intersections missing the pedestrian crossing signals.
Funny that almost every one of them basically just boils down to "Pay attention and be considerate of the other people around you." You'd like to think it would be evereyone's bare minimum standard of behaviour when out in public, but unfortunately it isn't. And unfortunately it's not just tourists who fail to do this. Some people are just selfish and ignorant.
I agree with you on that. I also agree with him mentioning in the video about how you shouldn't come to London and complain about the different things about London. In fact, that's just a general rule for wherever you go, locals do not want to hear outsiders coming onto their grounds and complain about it. I mean seriously, if you don't like it, go home, they never asked you to come there. I'm American and I don't want to go to London and hear other Americans complaining about the people there, the crowds, or any other issues or situations there. If you don't like it somewhere, then go
I generally don't mind the tourists here in London. They're just a part of living here unless you're in a hurry. I particularly like the tourists who venture outside the centre a bit and turn up in my local pub (20 minutes out of the West End).
What's the name of the pub?
@@filmsociety1311 Stapleton Tavern.
@@PeterGaunt near Park Theatre? I'll remember that
Thanks for the tips. I think it's rude in the US to cut in line as well. I don't do it and for the few times someone has cut in front of me, I've smiled and told them about it nicely. Sometimes I don't think they're aware where the line actually is. Enjoyed this.
one thing that annoys me is when people say they have ONLY been to London on their trip and have no plans to go elsewhere and then claiming they have “seen England/UK”. Plenty of great places to visit in the UK. Brighton, Cambridge, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, Exeter” loads and loads more places to visit. Don’t just limit yourself to London.
Maybe they can't afford to go to all those extra places.
All of the advice for the Tube works for every subway system. I take the subway in LA and people have the same complaints about people standing on the left side of the escalator or trying to get on the train before people get off.
Subway in LA? haha
Thanks Mark! Very informational! Also, another friendly tip: if you're going to watch a movie in the many London movie theaters, they have designated seating. It's not like the US where you can sit anywhere. My friend and I made a mistake and sat randomly without realizing we had reserved seating. We got booted out of our seats but in our defense, it was an afternoon show and there was literally no one else besides us and the other movie goer. But learning experience nevertheless!
I think this is a UK-wide thing - even my local independent cinema makes you reserve seats now. It didn't used to be a thing (maybe started about a decade ago), but now it's everywhere.
You can generally ignore the reservations at a quieter showing, but some people pick specific seats for specific reasons (you get a choice of seats when you buy the tickets) and get arsey if you're sat in their chosen seats.
Another tip is that you're allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks into the cinema in the UK. They might take issue if you bring in something like McDonald's, but packets of snacks and bottled drinks are fine.
@@hannahk1306 thanks! Good to know…I'll be bringing my own snacks next time!
- I've never heard someone call the ticket barriers "barricades" 😆
- Number one rule on the tube (and central London as a whole) is don't get in other people's way
- The reason why commuters get annoyed if you're blocking ticket barriers, escalators, etc is that you might cause them to miss a connection which means them getting home say half an hour later
- Avoid travelling at rush hour if you can, especially if you have a lot of luggage
- If you do need to travel at rush hour, be aware that it's going to be a very busy and likely unpleasant journey so try not to make it more difficult than it has to be (by following the tips in this video)
- That's not a pub: that's a tourist trap!
- Travel out of London and find a decent country pub
- If you really want a pub in London, avoid anything that says "Ye Olde" or "Wetherspoons"
- Don't just visit London, even if it's just a day trip on the train, get out and see the rest of the country too - even if you just want to stick to cities, there are much nicer cities than London
- Overall, some good tips in this video, but remember if you get in wrong you'll most likely just get a glare or a tut - just say sorry and move out of the way
As a Londoner you are spot on - I think the thing we just don’t get is how rude it is to get onto the tube before everyone has got off. Why would anyone think it’s ok to be rude like not holding a door open for someone behind you. Please just stand to the side and wait until everyone has got off otherwise you might find yourself either pushed back off or a few choice words in your ear !
Not a rule perse but since there was a lot of tube-talk: a “subway” confusingly is an underground walkway & I know of at least one American who went into random underpass thinking it was a tube station. They can be connected to tube (or more formally “underground”) stations but not always
The “underground” facilitates “tube” trains and the “subway” is a below ground passage way. This is probably the most easily confused concept for North Americans.
It's particularly confusing where some stations double as a subway (i.e. to cross the road) and they have signs at the entrance saying Underground *and* Subway
It can also be confusing if you just want a sandwich 🤪
As an American, I am so embarrassed when my country folk show up in a mass to anything and just clog things up--like a party of 6 all trying to engage the host to get a table in a restaurant instead of designating one spokesperson. Most London, or city for that matter, restaurants are not designed for that many people in the entry. Also, Americans doing their "Brit" impressions of waiters, salespeople, cabbies, etc.. Please STOP!!
What also annoys me is when tourists try to disrespect the royal guards, they are simply there to do a job and are not paid enough to be harassed and disrespected by tourists, you are not allowed to touch them and if you properly piss them off, they can be very mad.
Tube etiquette isn't a tourist problem, it's a lack of common sense issue! I can atest to that as a transit operator. 😮
I think it’s cultural too. When I visited Barcelona, I was shocked to find commuters boarding and alighting the train carriage at the same time. Carnage.
One thing that I thought I noticed in London is that in the tourist-dominated areas, foot traffic on sidewalks/pavements and bridges passes/walks on the right instead of the left, so the non-UK tourists have taken over in this regard. But I would often see a few annoyed locals defying the crowds and insisting on walking/passing on the left.
I’ve noticed this too!
As someone born and raised in the Notting Hill area (non-posh side), I will not wait for you to finish taking photos of The Notting Hill Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent or the rainbow houses on Elgin Crescent. I will walk straight past your camera and no longer swerve onto the road for your consideration - a gesture you didn’t even notice me do. Do not tut at me because I “ruined” your photoshoot. I am usually going home or going to work, doing the school run, going groceries shopping, on my way to the GP or running errands. You may think it was rude of me to do that to *you* but are only one of *literally* hundreds of people doing the same thing every week.
Notting Hill is now posh and very posh.
They mean Ladbroke Grove
LOL @ 'non-posh side'of Notting Hill!
Golborne road? 🤣
Just pay attention where to wear Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham & West Ham shirts, and where not ^^
The main tip about the carriage doors is that you should clear out of the way of the doors when you get to a station. Between stations, it's fine to stand near the doors. It's also perfectly fine to remain standing if you're only staying on for a few stops.
It's more applicable at rush hour when not moving down means that fewer people can get on. So the general rule is move away from the doors if you're not getting off soon; be near the doors if you do want to get off.
Accidentally jumped the queue in a pub once once and it started to get "not pretty". Made up for it by buying everyone i queue-jumped a beer. Never seen the waves calm that fast for only 3 beers ;)
Those three people you were intimidated into buying a round for were being cheeky b'stards. If customers get served in the wrong order at at pub, it's the fault of the bar staff. They are supposed to keep track of who arrives at the bar when. Your only obligation is to correct them if you think they've missed someone, and just give a nod in their direction. Nobody should be demanding you buy them a pint. It's extortion with menaces. I apologise on their behalf, because dodgy chancers like that don't have a sense of shame.
@@MinesAGuinness That’s pretty much impossible because staff have to also do barback jobs simultaneously, plus it’s also slower because people will go to different ends of the bar and it’s silly to physically go to each person. So it has to be a two way thing between the staff and customers.
If someone has jumped in and is rude about it, we can remove them. In the flip side, if a staff has made an genuine but a customer is aggressive towards staff, then they have to leave regardless of being in the right.
The British tradition of an orderly queue is so strong that even in Hong Kong the Chinese would wait in line. Sort of a minor miracle. The Chinese notoriously. shove, elbow, or force their way to the front no matter what.
The tube doors thing is a good rule in general; if there are people wanting to get out of an enclosed space, those wanting to get in should wait. After all, there's more space inside once they're out.
Maybe visit London just to see the stuff tourists like seeing then come straight up north lol,or maybe west
I work in a touristy area and by far i hate when tourists just stop for no reason. We all walk pretty fast here and it gets busy.
but I enjoy the diversity of tourists who visit londons
Tourists walking across the Abbey Road crosswalk like the Beatles without regard for the car traffic.
Yeah,music is more important that cars!
Lmao, tough.
I briefly worked reception at Abbey Road studios - lots of crackpots coming in telling us they "knew" John Lennon and / or Elvis were hidden or imprisoned in the basement....
It is expected that will happen there though.
Zebra crossing*
Don’t block doors with your luggage, that happened to me in Birmingham last week (it was on a train from International, which serves the airport and the NEC) and a couple put their 4 huge suitcases in the doors and moved them between stations, I was worried that a conductor was going to think they were my bags.
Funny thing is, since Brits drive on the left, I as a German, would have also positioned myself on the left side on the escalator :D In Germany I stand on the right of course.
It's only the driving that's on the left. Walking is kind of a mixed bag but mostly people tend to walk on the right but overtake on the left like in the rest of Europe. The same principles apply to standing on the escalator. I think it's because of the European influence. In Australia, for instance, you would stand on the left and walk on the right on an escalator, as you said
@@Vaidelotelis interesting :D
Back in 2000 I was on a group tour with my college and the first day I walked straight into a light post and heard at least one person shriek. Yeah, pay attention.
ouch!!!!
Don't live in London anymore but years ago I was swimming in my local pool. Came to the end, turns around and there was a guy plowing down on the wrong side so I couldn't start my next length. Stopped him to point out he was swimming on the wrong side and his response was "But in the States. .." There were signs at both ends of the pool indicating the direction with ➔➔➔, And he agued with me! ¡joder!
Queue jumping in a pub is a no no, not just in London but all over Britain, when you get to the bar you have a quick look and think okay looks like I am fifth, but if the bar tender comes to you first you just point to the person who was there before you and say he or she was here before me and they will go straight over to them, then there is that little nod of thank you from the other person but if you do queue jump at the bar you will get dirty looks.
That thing of groups on the tube platforms is so dangerous. I saw it the other day, a group stood in a circle chatting to each other, took up the whole width of the platform and people trying to pass were getting really close to the edge. I wanted to pass them but was scared I'd fall onto the tracks.
This isn't London-specific, but stopping/standing at the top or bottom of stairs, an escalator, or the lift/elevator door to figure out where they are going next. That's a terrible place to stop, and you're going to get run over.
I think the poster child for 'loud' is restaurant talk. In the UK, restaurant talk isn't the same as having a BBQ at home, a restaurant is considered about 25% towards 'library' as a public space. Keep your chat low key and private. People don't want to overhear your opinion from across the room.
One thing that really annoys me is when people fly our flag upside down - as in your thumbnail.
Ooh ouch
I live in the north of England but travel to London a lot - my children and grand children live there. My primary aim when I am there is to annoy as many locals as I can, especially on the Tube.
Why? Would you like that if I visited your home town?
05:20 the people of London, when in London, don't like "loud". Then you met the same "London people" in Corfu, or Ibiza, or Algarve, and it's like Godzilla meets King Kong meets Attila the Hun meets World War Z.
I always tell friends and relatives visiting London to avoid public transport or taxis during morning and evening rush hour (known as peak time). Specially in central areas, West End, Hyde Park etc. Its like any big city, only travel at these times if that journey is absolutely necessary. Or for shorter distances try and walk it or rent a bike, might even be quicker sometimes.
My best friend and I took a tour of the UK, which started in London. We went to a pub for fish and chips, but didn't know you had to order at the bar. The bartender was very annoyed with us and the patrons were sort of annoyed/amused. 😳
A few tips:
- pubs are generally casual dining so you'll typically order at the bar, unless they have a restaurant section.
- there's usually a sign or a note on the menu that says "please order at bar"
- if there's a table number, that means order at the bar and tell them your table number.
- most places will tell you, but if you're not sure just ask.
- a decent pub will recognise that you're tourists and won't be annoyed - I think the bar staff were just in a bad mood!
- you probably won't get decent fish and chips in a pub, especially somewhere like a chain pub in a touristy area.
- if you want decent fish and chips, head to a seaside town and find an award winning chippy near the sea front.
- if you want decent pub grub, head to a proper country pub or at the very least get out of the tourist hotspots and avoid Wetherspoons (a chain of cheap pubs, popular with students but not known for its quality).
I’ve never been to london but I agree with wait until everyone gets off and then get on I do that every time i use the new york city metro
I've found easiest way when crossing the street, try to consciously look both ways when in another country. Not so bad if I'm in a country that also drives on the left hand side of the road. A few times I've un-consciously looked right when it should have been left.
Most of your annoyances are spot on. Tourists walking in the cycling lane should also be highlighted - the city spent a lot of money building out cycling lanes to improve the flow of traffic for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists - it’s a small feat to just walk in the pavement. And also keeping your overstuffed backpack on in a crowded tube and not knowing you’re banging into everyone with it…
London is a cool city. So much fun stuff to do. So so so many amazing restaurants too....omg. You can find awesome food of every cuisine for any budget too.
lol i'm a weirdo. i've always looked right before looking left and i was born and raised and live here in the states!
Oh, I totally agree! It is engrained in you to look to the left, look to the right and then cross. It’s hard to change that mindset!
I was taught to do that too.
I like the "look right sign " on the pavement we really need to do this in the US.
We got chewed out by a local in London when we stopped in the middle of a sidewalk to figure out where we were. They told us very bluntly not to do it again. We didn't.
The "Look Right" thingy is remarkably hard to remember. One reason is that I don't know that I usually look left, it's just ingrained in my brain that that's where the cars come from. It's like playing that game where you wear glasses that make you see upside down, but in traffic.
I’m a New Yorker and I agree with all of these, one of the most annoying thing in nyc with trains is when people try to rush in while I’m trying to leave, like how am I supposed to get out?
Its not just entrances, but sidewalks in general. Just dont stand 3-4 people wide blocking off the entire thing when they want to look at a map, guide or a phone or something. Just step aside and let people through. It sounds like a minor thing if you are not from a busy city, but if you have to deal with it every single day it gets really annoying really fast.
One time couple years ago in London I was walking down the stairs having my hand on the railing. Some British guy ( gus) was walking upstairs also holding that railing. I refused to back down and pushed forward which resulted in me leaning on his hand that he kept in the railing. I was leaning on him with my weight for 3 seconds and then he said “ you could have at least said “ excuse me?” with that famous English accent.
Yeah, I guess it was my bad, I didn’t sleep for 24 hours before the situation...
On stairs, the etiquette is usually to give way to whoever started up the stairs first. If you were there first, then that's just him being a prick.
Great list! Several central London stations have lifts, we need more people to use them instead of the escalators. Also, Londoners walk fast, be aware of that and speed up or stand to the side.
Pub is loud though 😂
The escalator rule works but when it comes to walking in the corridors, there are no rules.
Try asking the locals on the Paris Metro to move to the center of the car. They all look at you like you're from Venus.
Glad to know that London follows the same rules as Seattle wrt rain/umbrellas. I knew there was a reason I felt right at home there
Not the biggest deal but can be annoying if its very busy on the tube. You dont need to wait for the gates to close after the person before you has gone through. Just tap your card!
Don't sing songs supporting the IRA on The Tube. I came across an instance of this coming back from Wembley Stadium after an England vs USA football game. The American in question was quickly "assisted" in to a horizontal position by a local.
Don’t tell us about mixer taps as if they didn’t exist here. Yes, separate hot and cold taps do exist, but so do mixer taps.
By being nice and trying to speak to them. Not a problem in the north however…
Not a problem in the Midlands either. Birmingham is very friendly and Nottingham has a vibe you won't find anywhere else.
@jonathancauldwell9822 hey if you're from Yorkshire Birmingham is the South lol
I prefer the north, much friendlier and more welcoming.
Nobody cares about the North where you need to wait an hour for a bus 😂
@@MaZaCar_XiaoyuI am from the North . I don't care about London or the South
Without the brain drain London is nothing .
Go to Scotland rather than London . The landscape is beautiful, Northern England landscape is very pretty but Scotland is on another level
All the Tube advice applies in Boston, DC, and NYC too.
In Paris meanwhile if you try to board a train before people get off you're basically an honorary local. It's not true rush hour unless every station boarding feels like a mini Rohirrim charge.
For London in particular, one of the things that will annoy Brits (Mature ones anyway) is being disrespectful to the King's Guard (or other castle/palace guards). By all means get a photo but don't make fun of them or try and make them laugh, they are active duty soldiers and don't appreciate having the piss taken out of them and for gods sake don't wave flags around or be stupidly noisy around the horses as a spooked horse can be very dangerous for the Rider and those around them.
I bought an umbrella in London after getting caught in a crazy down pour. But the weather had been really pleasant up till that point. 😅
best thing at a bar in a pub is to offer to let someone go first if you aren't sure who was there first, most of the time they will let you go first
Londoners call the Underground "The Tube" because of the shape inside of both the tunnel and the train.
Remember, traffic comes from the right! My friend was almost ran over by a double decker bus in London because he wasn’t paying attention.
Two other bits of tube etiquette.
Try not to run to catch a tube train, especially if it's crowded. Not only is it dangerous, if you end up missing it you'll be surrounded by all those people you barged out of the way. The trains run every minute (Jubilee Line) or up to 5 at busy hours so there's no need to run.
If it's really busy don't try to cram yourself on to the train. This is London, not Tokyo. The people already inside the train don't want to be squashed any more and the doors may not be able to close properly which will delay the train and probably have an annoyed train driver walk down the carriages trying to find who's causing the blockage. Again, the trains run frequently enough that it won't hurt you to wait a few minutes for the next one.
Related to the stopping and blocking the pavement issue...tourists who go to Abbey Road studios, of The Beatles fame, and try to recreate the Abbey Road album cover on the pedestrian crossing. Walking across it and having your photo taken is fine but many tourists STOP motionless when they're on it, holding up any waiting cars. You don't need to stop and be still to have your photo taken on the crossing...The Beatles didn't! Just keep moving and keep the disruption to a minimum.
Stand right, walk left? I figured it'd be the other way around over there.... 🤔
well it's not.
@@rodjones117 How international of you ;)
I figured that too when I was in Ireland two years ago but nope same way.
In the South of England everything is upside down
I could be wrong but I think it’s because people feel a bit less exposed standing to the side closest to the wall
Not queuing like us brits , and stopping to do selfies when I’m walking behind ,I love London but puts me off going lately because it’s too busy .
1:30 Fun fact, it is actually against the railway by-laws to board a train when other passengers are trying to get off. Never seen anyone fined though 😂😂😂
As a tourist what annoys me about locals is when they get mad at tourists for not acting like a local. I don't live here and I don't know where I'm going so I need a minute to figure it out.
That's fine but just get out of the way while you figure it out.
British people are pretty polite in my experience.
As you had it in some pictures in the above video: Don't you ever dare touch the horses of the guards on duty at Horse Guards, Whitehall! NEVER! These are 1. real soldiers, combat ready in theory, and 2. real horses, big beasts actually, no fairy tale ponies! And try - perhaps - to not disrespect War Memorials, especially the Cenotaph, by climbing on them, or so. Not even in a drunken state!
The one that irks me, not just in London but everywhere, are the people who, when crossing a street, use the opposite side of the pedestrian crossing to the direction they intend to head in, e.g. heading right but standing on the far left of the pedestrian crossing. Not pretty, especially when wheeled suitcases etc are involved.
Hey all, Londoner here. I live and work in very touristy areas. I wish tourist would think about others when they travel in general. Use the lift if you have children or big bags. Ask the staff if you need help instead of standing in the way of the exit. I've use public transport all over europe not one sassy comment or a look from a look from a local. Driving is too expensive and slow in London. Many people use the tube to do very important thing as well as fun stuff. Having stated that I love tourists apart from about half of them on the tube.
Giggling. Im a Londoner. Everything Walter has said is all true. Just browsing for Walter review of Budapest.
I have a few on budapest 😀
@@woltersworld yes I knew you had a few. Found them Thanks. Can you please do Krakow.
W has a sound of a V. I know about the concentration camp. But also the Salt Mines called Wieliczka Salt Mines. Thanks once again.
Marcus
London UK
Is it really neccessary to tell people not to jump the queue (skip line)? Is that OK in America?
No
It happens…..
Have you been to your neighboring countries in continental Europe? Some countries have cultures that foster respect for queues; some don’t. The U.S., since you ask, is somewhere in the middle, but actually toward the more respectful end of the global spectrum. But England, in my own experience over the decades, has had some erosion to its famous queue culture as well.
No, it is definitely not accepted to jump a line in the US, and huge majority of Americans would not give a second thought to forming and waiting in a line, nor would they notice anything out of the ordinary with queuing in the UK. Mark does have viewers from many countries though, many of which don't seem to have a concept of forming an orderly first-come, first-served system.
@@StamfordBridge some erosion yes - but you still jump the queue at your peril.
I am from the UK but don't go to London that often. I find the escalators terrifying I am scared of hights.I was there with my Mum quite a few years ago, and had the use the escalator. I got on and hung on to the handrail like my life depended on it. The trouble is I'm left handed so instinctively grabbed with my left hand. I want to say I am so sorry to all those behind me, as I was in the grip of fear and couldn't move to the other side. I could hear my Mum explaining to to the people behind me, but could not let go.
Stopping in the middle of the pavement is annoying. It’s easy to do sometimes when using the phone for Google maps or something. I always tried to step to the side when doing that.
Most of this video is common sense though.
Much of it is common sense when you have lived in a crowded place, but some of the jaw-droppingly irritating things tourists do in big cities just come from living in non-crowded places and never developing socio-spatial instincts.
@@StamfordBridge : Having lived in a small town with many tourists living in big cities, I can inform you they many stupid things as well.
@@runarandersen878 I didn’t say anything about being stupid. In fact, I was trying to move away from judgment a little. I was talking about things your living environment would not make you aware of (such as spatial awareness in crowded places), and I’d bet that a lot of “stupid” things city people do in small towns or rural areas also have to do with an environment they’re not used to, such as different driving conditions.
EDIT: All of which is not to deny that there are genuinely stupid people everywhere, so if that’s your point, no one could argue with it.
Also, if there's no other seats available, it is seen as rude if you don't offer your seat to an elderly or pregnant passenger on public transport.
London quite literally has the best weather in the UK for both temperature and precipitation. People really "complain about the rain" in London? Second, not having an umbrella is a British-and-Celtic Isles thing in general. Heavy rain and heavy wind, when they do happen, always coincide with each other here, so rain that would warrant an umbrella would also wreck an umbrella.
I live in Seattle which has similar weather. Locals don't use umbrellas here either.
Oh, I should add that when the UK gets some kind of 'extreme weather' -- flooding, snowstorms... -- London is the place that gets hit, almost like it has to fulfill a quota for bad weather or something.