Tourists are a cherished part of London’s atmosphere. You bring joy, excitement, maps the size of small countries, and a level of enthusiasm Londoners lost years ago. But on the Tube? You can be… a challenge.

But fear not! With a little guidance, you can navigate the Underground like a pro, and avoid becoming that tourist.

Let’s begin with the biggest rule: avoid the Tube during rush hour. If you enter a carriage at 8:30 a.m., you will be flattened, compressed, and spiritually broken. You will be stepped around, sighed at, and occasionally stared at with mild desperation. This is not your time.

Travel at literally any other hour, and Londoners will welcome you with polite (but distant) warmth.

Now, let’s talk gear. The giant unfolded map? Cute, but hazardous. It blocks half the carriage and flaps in the faces of strangers. Use your phone instead. Apps won’t expose your entire travel itinerary to the entire train.

When navigating stations, move with confidence, even if you don’t know where you are going. If you stop dead in the middle of an escalator exit or station walkway, you will be swallowed by a wave of irritated commuters who have places to be.

And please keep your bum bag or fanny pack in front. Not behind. This is for safety, convenience, and fashion (well… two out of three).

Despite all this, Londoners do love tourists. You remind them the city is exciting. Beautiful. Worth appreciating. If you ask for help, someone will assist you. If you look lost, someone will offer guidance. Just don’t unfold a city-sized map during peak hours.

Master these small rules, and you’ll glide through the Underground like you’ve lived here for years. You may even find yourself giving advice to newer tourists.

And that, dear visitor, is when you officially become a Londoner.

For more information on how to survive the tube as a tourist, the look at the Tourist Guide here.