Of course it is. I love doing this especially when abroad. People are fascinating.

I wonder if that’s why I hang out here. 

And by hobby, I don’t mean standing at the bus stop with nothing better to do than look at the passers by. 

A qualified yes tbh.

Fine in the wild. Not online.

So long as it doesn't rise to the level of intrusive staring.  I've seen notices on the tube saying that one can be prosecuted for that.

Is there a time limit? Asking for a fiend 

yes

Online is naked Bertha. This is a collective shed. That’s why we stay here. Are you this persona in your real life?? I’d be interested to know but I very much doubt it. Does it explain why you spend so much time here? Maybe. 

Upskirting is a criminal offence .

Definitely as is inventing the conversation that the people you’re watching are having complete with dodgy Eurotrash accents.

This is maybe an example of where there’s a meaningful difference between pastime and hobby. Hobby feels as though it requires more intent and planning (in which case people watching would be odd) whereas a pastime feels like something that’s just an activity you do to kill some spare gaps of time within a planned schedule/activity (in which case, totally normal).

Let’s just say that if Mrs G said she was planning to go out people watching for a few hours tomorrow I’d think that’s strange but if she said she was going out to a book club (obviously code for seeing her bf) then that’s be unsurprising.

Airports are the epicentre for this and there are always some generously curious samples.  

I do this whilst standing on my neighbors lawn looking inwards. He doesn't know but when he finds out I'll be telling him it's a legitimate hobby. 

I once went to collect Mrs Face from international arrivals at the airport and her flight was delayed by an hour, so I spent an hour watching several other flights being met by family, friends, lovers. Even saw a proposal. It was joyous people-watching and I recommend it to anyone.

Even Palestinians?