Many common mistakes have a cheaper or more interesting alternative:
- Shopping: try Carnaby Street instead of Oxford Street. Food: skip Leicester Square restaurants and explore Soho's side streets, Borough Market or Camden Market instead of chains.
- Sightseeing: swap Madame Tussauds for the V&A or the National Gallery (both free). Beyond the big sights, wander Notting Hill and Camden, or take a picnic to Hyde Park or Regent's Park.
- Views: instead of The Shard, try Horizon 22 or The Lookout (free).
- Getting around: take the Uber Boat instead of a Thames cruise, and a regular double-decker bus instead of a tour bus. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.
Note: Be careful using your phone in crowds and keep valuables secure.