I was born and raised in London. Here are the 9 of the biggest mistakes I see tourists make.

I see a lot of tourists make the same mistakes when they visit London, my home city.ShutterstockI was born and raised in London, where I've seen tourists make mistakes and waste money.Instead of spending a ton on taxis, navigate the London Underground or walk (when it makes sense).Prepare for all types of weather, and don't forget to order a Sunday roast at a local pub.As someone who was born and raised in London, I've seen tourists make their fair share of mistakes — from unwittingly missing out on one of the best British dishes to clogging up traffic on escalators.However, with some planning and strategizing, newcomers can make the most of their time in London — and save some money while doing so.Here are the major mistakes I see visitors make when exploring my home city, along with how to avoid them.Paying to see panoramic skyline views that they can find for freehe Sky Garden is Europe's highest garden space and features a stylish restaurant, brasserie, and cocktail bar.ShutterstockWhether you're paying for admission to an observation deck or a rooftop bar, going to the top of a skyscraper in any major city will probably cost you money. For the most part, London is no exception.Many people go to The Shard, a 1,016-foot skyscraper with panoramic views of the city. Tickets start at £32, or about $44.However, visitors can get a similarly fantastic view at the Sky Garden, which is right across the River Thames from The Shard. London's highest public garden offers some of the best views of the city's skyline and comes complete with an indoor garden, restaurants, and bars. The best bit? Entry is free. Time slots for Sky Garden can book up quickly, so plan ahead if you want to see the breathtaking views.Standing on the left side of escalators — especially in London Underground stationsPeople on escalators in London's Canary Wharf entrance.ShutterstockIf you have no intention of walking down or climbing an escalator, make sure you stand on the right side. That way, those who don't want to stand still have the option to pass you on the left, keeping you from running into a scorned Londoner.It's an unwritten rule in this city (and many other cities), and everyone — visitors and locals alike — should follow it. Keep this in mind when you're getting on the London Underground (also known as the Tube), especially if you want to avoid strangers angrily telling you to move as they rush to make their train.Preparing only for rain and not other types of weatherAlexander Spatari/Getty ImagesOne common misconception about London is that it always rains. It isn't entirely wrong, but it isn't exactly correct either. The reality is that you need to prepare for all four seasons, regardless of the time of year.You probably don't need to bring a winter jacket if you're visiting in July, but pack versatile clothing that will give you options in case you encounter unexpected temperatures.If you're planning to go out at night, note that the temperature tends to drop a fair bit, even in the summer, so bring a layer.Taking the Tube around Central London instead of walking short distancesCommuters on the London Underground.Economou/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhen you're in Central London, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to take public transit everywhere you go. However, it can be a waste of time and money. Take Leicester Square and Covent Garden, for example. They're one Tube stop apart, so the ride between the two takes about one minute. However, that doesn't account for the time it takes to get in and out of the stations, especially since Covent Garden has stairs and an elevator instead of an escalator.If you're willing and able to walk, I recommend avoiding the chaos inside two of London's busiest stations and instead enjoying a five-minute stroll down Long Acre, a street home to numerous shops and restaurants.Overpaying for airport taxis and carsPublic transportation in London.Conor ClarkTourists often spend a fortune on taxi rides from the airport to wherever they're staying, which is a big no-no.Sadly, London's iconic black cabs are usually overpriced, and rideshare apps tend to be no different when it comes to the trek from the airport to the city. Alternatives — such as coaches (buses) and railways, including the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Elizabeth line — are cheaper and will usually get you where you need to go in less time than a car.Local tip: The Elizabeth line is an air-conditioned rail service that leaves from the same platform as the Heathrow Express and costs about half the price.Only shopping on Oxford StreetOxford Street in London.Conor ClarkOxford Street is one of the best places to shop in London, but it's also one of the city's busiest streets. It's often a bit chaotic, but the activity level really ramps up on weekends. For a more peaceful shopping experience with options just as good as those on Oxford Street, visit stores on King's Road in Chelsea or Marylebone. You can also expl

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