London’s summer brings an energetic buzz as visitors from all corners flock to the city, but the influx isn’t without its quirks. Many newcomers, unfamiliar with local routines, add a touch of chaos to daily life.

Alongside the excitement, these tourists often overlook the finer points of city etiquette (cue: pausing in the middle of bustling pavements or boarding trains before commuters have exited). For those who call London home, these unwritten rules quickly become second nature but are frequently overlooked by outsiders. Here, The Handbook team – all of whom currently call, or have called, London home at one point – share the unspoken lessons they’ve gathered over time…

1. Don’t listen to your music, take calls, or watch videos on speaker in public spaces unless you want to be glared at.

Natasha, Digital Editor

2. Is it not usual to make conversation with strangers on public transport, in waiting rooms, or queues.

Robyn, Managing Director

3. Small plates will not fill you up, you will need 6 of them, and they will be £14 each.

Kitty, Social Media Director

4. Form orderly queues for everything unless you’re getting a drink at the bar… then it’s dog eat dog.

Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor

5. No, Southbank doesn’t count as ‘South London’.

6. Prepare to never be able to leave your house without spending money ever again. While it has to be said, I’m not the most financially responsible, I’d argue it’s near impossible to go a day without seeing your bank balance dwindle. London is many amazing things, but cheap unfortunately isn’t one of them.

Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Editor

7. Stand on the right of the escalator, so people can walk down the left, otherwise you’ll get shoved.

Culture, London, Travel

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