What’s London unspoken rule tourists get wrong?

The “don’t seat next to me” unspoken rule

There is an unspoken rule in London: if there are enough empty seats and you don't have to sit next to someone, you don't.

You will often see this in action when someone sat right next to you might suddenly move to a different row of empty seats. When this happens, please don't take it as rudeness. It is simply a form of energy preservation; we value having our own space after a long day of commuting cramped in small, crowded carriages. We are not 'escaping' you, only reclaiming our invisible bubble. After a day of noise and crowds, having six inches of empty space on either side is our version of a 'quiet corner.' We don't move because we dislike you; we move because we finally have the chance to be 'alone' in a city of 9 million."

It’s not you, it's us.

If you want to explore London like a local, and understand the small, quirky habits that make the city what it is, get this month’s Londoning guide packed with hidden gems, secret gardens, curated restaurants, and unique experiences and things to do, to help you explore the city the way only locals truly know.