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.

Shutterstock I 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 free he Sky Garden is Europe's highest garden space and features a stylish restaurant, brasserie, and cocktail bar.

Shutterstock Whether 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.