Country guide · GB

United Kingdom

4 destinations & festivals · 2 etiquette rules

Photo: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0

Before you go

Read before you go

Red linePublic transport

London Underground: tap in and tap out

Tap your Oyster card or bank card on the yellow reader both on entry and exit, even if the gates are open
At interchange stations with mid-route readers, tap as instructed

Tapping in but not out, or not tapping before boarding

If you miss a tap you are charged the maximum fare; if an inspector finds you travelling without tapping, you may be fined or prosecuted.

Not yet verifiedSource: Wikipedia: Oyster card

Good mannersPublic transport

London Underground escalators: stand on the right

Stand on the right on Underground escalators and leave the left for people in a hurry

Standing still side by side on the left of the escalator

There is no penalty, but you block people behind you. The habit dates back to 1921, when Underground announcements first told passengers to 'stand on the right'.

Not yet verifiedSource: Wikipedia: London Underground

Places & local life

Landmarks, hidden gems & local life

Classic landmarkLondon, UK

Tower Bridge

A Victorian gentleman in blue on the Thames, the afterglow of empire in every opening

Classic landmarkLondon, UK

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster

The Gothic Houses of Parliament on the Thames, keeper of the world's 'standard time'

FoodLondon, UK

Fish and chips

Jewish immigrants in London's East End opened the first shops in the 1860s, once wrapping it in old newspaper.

Classic landmarkLondon (north bank of the Thames), UK

Tower of London

William the Conqueror's White Tower: royal palace, prison, armoury and Crown Jewels, all in one castle.