Before you jet off to London – the land of double-decker buses, endless cups of tea, and people who apologise a lot – there are some things you need to know.

Whether you are moving or visiting, brace yourself: this city has no manual, even when it probably should.

London is a living contradiction – it’s ancient and steeped in history, yet super futuristic. The people here are polite but pretty impatient, and it is almost always damp. You will spend your first few days hopelessly lost, but always completely enchanted because that is what London delivers best: enchantment.

Below are seven things you need to know before you land in London:

1. The Tube

The first thing to know about London is its Underground, or, as locals fondly call it, The Tube.

It isn’t just public transport; it’s a rite of passage, a daily necessity, and occasionally, a horrid test of personal space tolerance and patience.

At first, it’s all so exciting – colourful maps, “Mind the Gap” announcements, and the tippity taps of your Oyster card. Then reality sets in. You soon discover the true meaning of rush hour and question every single life choice that has led you to being knocked around like a scared ping-pong ball.

Despite its many quirks, The Tube is brilliant – it’ll get you to where you need to go and usually faster than you think.

2. Weather Forecasts Are Helpful, But Not Always Accurate

London’s weather has a mind of its own.

You can and probably should check the forecasts, but don’t be surprised if that little cheerful sun icon from the morning vanishes by lunchtime and you’re stuck in a drizzle that somehow feels like a personal attack.

The city’s meteorologists clearly enjoy forgiving jobs because “partly cloudy” covers roughly 365 days of the year.

Learn to carry an umbrella – they aren’t just accessories in London. The weather here loves to keep you guessing, so dress like you’re preparing for all four seasons in one day, and you’ll stay happy and healthy.

3. London Is Massive

Here is the thing that nobody tells you and you generally figure out on your own: London is absolutely gigantic.

You can’t just pop over from place to place for brunch. You can try, but by the time you arrive, it will be dinner. The city is a collection of small towns that became tired of being separate and merged into one sprawling, chaotic metropolis.

Londoners navigate their city with precision, but newcomers will be turned around a bit until they get used to things.

4. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance should never be the thing everyone forgets until disaster strikes.

It’s your safety net for life’s little (and not-so-little) travel dramas. Before you leave, get travel insurance for the UK so you can enjoy your trip instead of panicking about everything that could go wrong. The right option should cover things like lost luggage, medical emergencies, and travel delays.

The NHS doesn’t cover tourists, and you could face major out-of-pocket medical expenses, especially for emergencies or hospitalisations.

5. Respect The Queue

London has a few rules, but one of them is sacred: thou shalt respect the queue.

The British queue isn’t just a line; it is a living, breathing, snaking symbol of civilisation and humanity itself. People queue for everything, and cutting in line is a social crime that feels on par with treason.

You won’t necessarily get yelled at or anything (that is far too direct), but you will be quietly judged and met with passive-aggressive comments and dagger-like stares.

6. Learn the Slang

Do not make the mistake of assuming everyone in London speaks the Queen’s English – the locals definitely have other plans. British slang is its own wild dialect, and mastering it is your golden ticket to fitting in. For starters, “cheers” means thanks or goodbye. “You alright?” isn’t a question about your emotional or mental stability; it’s just a simple “hello.”

Context is everything here, so pay attention to tone more than just the words – particularly if someone calls you “mate”. You have either just made a friend or an enemy for life.

7. Sunday Roasts Are Sacred

If you think Sundays are just the day before Mondays, you clearly haven’t spent much time in Britain.

Sunday roast here isn’t just a meal – it is a weekly ritual that borders on spiritual practice.

It’s typically a plate piled with roasted meat: beef for tradition, chicken if you’re on a budget, and vegetarian if you’re trendy. This is coupled with crispy roast potatoes, veggies, and the all-important Yorkshire pudding – a poofy, gravy-mopping miracle of British culinary engineering.

In a Nutshell

The most important thing to know about London is that the city doesn’t do anything halfway. It’s big, bold, and soggy – but it is also oh so charming.

You will fall in love with the history, the accents, and the moody weather in no time.

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