How to Enjoy London Like a Local

You may not realize it, but tourists in London really do stick out! If it's not the incessant photography while everyone else is trying to get to work, it's the brightly colored raincoats! It's better if you learn how to blend in. These tips will help you have the advantage of seeing London through the eyes of a Londoner, and maybe the busy Londoners won't get quite so irritated.

Instructions

1. Choose your clothing carefully. Try to blend in with your surroundings by doing some research on London fashion. No Bermuda shorts and flip-flop shoes!

2. Conceal cameras in pockets or a bag and make sure the bag is understated.

3. Keep all money in pockets rather than in fanny packs! A purse strapped around your waist is a dead give-away!

4. Use public transportation. It will give you a feel for the area and there are always plenty of people to give advice on where you should go to exploring.

5. Look for places out of the way to take pictures and soak up the scenery. Observe from a distance and you'll be amazed as to what you can see.

6. Follow the locals! See what the people around you are doing for food, drinks and shopping. Ask people where they would go. Make sure that you say that you do not want to follow the usual tourist route. Londoners will then be very pleased to help you.

7. Venture to areas outside the center of London. Sit on a Tube (the underground train) and see where it takes you. Adventure is the key. See the transport for London website. It is very informative.

Tips & Warnings

• Resist temptations to join big tourist crowds. It is much more rewarding to see things and work things out on your own.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and don't be too adventurous late at night. You might miss your Tube home!

• Do look out for pickpockets if you have your valuables.