If the first thing you google when heading to a new country is 'Is London Safe? Then you’ve come to the right place. That is always my first port of call and as a travel blogger/ solo traveller/ someone who tends to spend an unreasonable amount of time researching this, AND as someone who has lived in London for over 5 years, I am going to be tackling exactly that subject today. This guide will give you all the London safety tips and tricks you need and also let you know the best areas to explore and what to explore.
As a precursor, some links here today are affiliated, if you use them they are at no extra cost to you, and help us keep these blogs free so thank you for the support in advance.
As with any travel, the truth of the matter is you could go to the safest country in the world and get mugged simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thankfully, London is one of the safest major cities in the world, but like any bustling metropolis, it pays to stay informed and there are definitely some recommendations in this blog that you should follow to ensure you walk out of the city with everything you came with (particularly your phone) more on that below.
I have clustered the areas into the 'zones' you will be hitting as a tourist with the iconic London sites largely in the Central London allocation.
CENTRAL LONDON (Westminster, Camden, Islington, Southwark & Bermondsey)
NORTH LONDON (Kings Cross, Camden, Marylebone, Hampstead Heath)
WEST LONDON (Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham)
EAST LONDON (Shoreditch & Dalston)
SOUTH LONDON (Vauxhall, Clapham, Brixton & Battersea)
But before we continue I want to highlight one item that we needs to apply to every zone above and that is PHONE SNATCHING!
Get this ... the governments official figures from .gov suggest that
An estimated 78,000 people had phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets in 2024
Not all of these are in London BUT a whopping 74% Yes you read that right, 74% are, that means 58,000 were. That is over 150 a day in London alone!!!
It still blows my mind to this day that after getting back from traveling central and south America for 6 months with no issues I arrived into London went out with some friends and one had his phone snatched out his hand right in front of us in Piccadilly Circus! Welcome home! So my first recommendation before getting into London is to get yourself get yourself an anti theft strap like a Cacoe, they are not expensive and not the best build quality in the world, but they will attach your phone to you for long enough that a chancer on a bike will lose the strike and quickly pedal on! If you have ever seen a bird pluck a fish from the water that is exactly how these snatchers on bikes look, carrying enough speed for one quick grab at your phone before peddling onto their next victim.
If you are using your phone for navigating and photographing the sites have it strapped to you, for the sake of £10 you could save yourself a world of hassle, especially if like me you hold a lot of tickets and travel items on your phone.
So with that in mind, lets get into central London and look at the safety consideration to ensure you have a nice safe trip.
CONTENT LINKS
BLOG 01 - CENTRAL LONDON
LONDON UNDERGROUND MAPS
LONDON BUS MAPS
BIGBUS VS PUBLIC BUS
BLOG 02 - NORTH LONDON
11- KINGSCROSS
12 - MARLEYBONE
13 - CAMDEN
14 - HAMPSTEAD HEATH
BLOG 03 - WEST LONDON
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
BLOG 04 - EAST LONDON
SHOREDITCH
DALSTON
BLOG 05 - SOUTH LONDON
VAUXHALL
CLAPHAM
BRIXTON
BATTERSEA
ELEPHANT & CASTLE
Central London: The Heart of the Action
If you had a month in London, you could spend it all in this zone alone and never get bored. Most of the Iconic sites are here like Buckingham palace, the houses of parliament, the London eye, the Shard. There are food markets that are some of the best on the planet, cute gastro delis, real english pubs and some world class museums. Finding yourself in Central London is can be overwhelming, like a kid in a candy store where on earth with all this do you begin and most importantly, as you stand in the street wondering which landmark to hit next the question we are all here for lingers, Is London Safe for Tourists? Lets start south of the river.
Interactive Map - All of the places we are going to talk about today are on the interactive map below.
01 - Borough Market
Borough market is one of the city’s oldest food markets, with origins dating back to the 12th century. Today, it’s a mecca for food lovers, offering everything from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to street food like raclette and paella. It’s not just about the food; the market is housed in a stunning Victorian iron structure, with a blend of modern glass and old-world charm. This market is an absolute hot bed of action so expect it to be busy.
Borough Market is safe and well-policed, especially during market hours. However, its popularity means it can get crowded, making it a hotspot for pickpockets. A anti-theft bag like a Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag (I am adding the pacsafe to my arsenal). An alternate to this is to simply make sure you lock your zips together with a TSA approved lock or you have pockets with zips on them!
Not to be Missed Near Borough Market'
Borough Market Food - This is going to be hard to narrow down, however my personal picks once you have grabbed a grilled cheese sandwich from Kappacasein or freshly shucked oysters from Richard Haward’s Oysters at borough market are:
The Shard View Point - (tickets from £33) As mentioned at the start of this blog I am a fan of this high rise building over all other in the city, Many have gone up since with some real blots on the skyline being created however this piece of architecture by Renzo Piano is not one of them. The views from the toilet are just as stunning as the views from the bar! Even if you are travelling on a budget this is one area I would say, let the strings go and take in London from one of its finest pieces of modern architecture.
Tower Of London - (Tickets from £34) From the modern masterpiece of the shard to the oldest The Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, is a symbol of Norman dominance and English history. Its centrepiece, the White Tower, showcases Romanesque architecture. Expanded by Henry III and Edward I in the 13th century, it became a formidable fortress with concentric defences.
The British Museum - (Free Entry Yay) Founded in 1753, is a world-renowned institution housing over eight million artefacts. Its iconic Great Court and neoclassical architecture reflect its cultural significance. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles, and Egyptian mummies. The museum showcases global history, art, and culture, attracting millions of visitors annually, you should joint them 😉.
02 - BERMONDSEY
Oh, how the tables have turned for Bermondsey! Once London's leather-making district (and honestly, not the prettiest place to be), this area has blossomed into one of the coolest spots in Central London. Think warehouse conversions, hip coffee shops, and enough craft beer to make your head spin! 🍺
Safety-wise, Bermondsey scores pretty well in 2024 statistics, particularly along the main strips like Bermondsey Street and Maltby Street. The area sees mostly petty theft incidents, primarily during the bustling weekend markets.
Back to the usual tip: Keep your phone tucked away when checking Google Maps.
Not to be Missed around Bermondsey
Maltby Street Market - (Free entry, but trust me, bring cash!) If Borough Market is London's distinguished food market queen, Maltby Street is its cool younger sister. Tucked under railway arches, this weekend market is food heaven.
Fashion & Textile Museum - (Tickets from £12.65) For fashion lovers, this shocking pink and orange building (you literally can't miss it!) houses some of the most fascinating fashion exhibitions in London. Founded by fashion legend Zandra Rhodes, it's a delightful deep dive into the world of textiles and design.
03 - South Bank
Welcome to London's cultural playground! The South Bank is basically London showing off – beautiful Thames views, world-class theatres, and street performers who'll make you question your life choices (in the best way possible).
Safety data from 2024 shows the South Bank is one of Central London's safer areas, thanks to excellent lighting and 24/7 CCTV coverage. However, the area gets super crowded during summer evenings and weekends, so keep your wits about you.
My top safety hack? Back to a Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag to keep your valuables secure while you're distracted by the amazing street performers!
Not to be Missed Near South Bank
Shakespeare's Globe - (Standing tickets from £5!) Want to experience theatre like it's 1599? Standing tickets are cheap as chips, and yes, you might get neck ache, but watching Shakespeare while standing in the yard like a true peasant is an experience you won't forget! Book a guided tour during the day (£27) to learn all the juicy historical gossip.
Tate Modern - (Free entry to main collections) Housed in a former power station (how cool is that?), this modern art museum will either blow your mind or leave you scratching your head – sometimes both! The viewing level on the 10th floor offers some of the best free views of London, and trust me, your Instagram followers will thank you.
04 - COVENT GARDEN
Welcome to London's show-stopping marvel! 🎭 If these cobblestones could talk, they'd tell you tales of fruit sellers turned opera singers and street performers who went on to Hollywood fame. Today, this former fruit and veg market is basically London's favourite stage, complete with glass-roofed splendour and enough street entertainment to fill a whole season of Britain's Got Talent!
According to 2024 safety data, Covent Garden is one of Central London's safer spots, especially in the main piazza area. However, those charming little side streets can get a bit sketchy after dark. The same advice carries from above here.
Covent Gardens not to be missed
The London Transport Museum - to learn about the history of the Tube and London’s iconic red buses. Tickets for this run from £25 with get your guide and with a lot of things to do and see here its not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
Royal Opera House - (Tickets from £11 for standing room) Even if opera makes you think "um, what language are they speaking?", the building alone is worth a peek! Book a backstage tour (£16) to see where the magic happens and maybe catch a glimpse of ballet dancers in rehearsal!
The Magical London Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour - Yes a total wild card I know but this tour is a walking tour through central London that allows fans to discover iconic architecture sites from the films. Its definitely one for the fans but at 2.5 hours and just £19 pounds (excluding tip). Its a good way to get to know some of the architecture sites in a safe environment with a knowledgable guide. This tour sells out quickly so fans, make sure to book your tickets before arriving into London.
*Side note - If museums and architecture are your bag, then check out my top 5 London museums inside and out. I have gone into a lot of detail on the history and architecture of these museums as that is what we are all about here at Backpacker's Blueprint. So definitely one for the architecture lovers as well as those looking to add some beautiful spots to their Itinerary. I have also put together a self guided walking tour of Londons iconic sites north of the river if you want to tackle this area quickly on foot.
05 - OXFORD STREET
Okay, shopping warriors, this is your battlefield! 🛍️ Oxford Street is retail therapy on steroids – Europe's busiest shopping street with enough shops to make your credit card cry. From the magnificent marble halls of Selfridges to the bargain treasures of Primark, this is where London flexes its shopping muscles!
Let's talk safety because this place can be WILD. 2024 stats show pickpocketing peaks here between 12-6pm (prime shopping hours, surprise surprise!). The crowds here can make Times Square look peaceful, so channel your inner ninja and stay alert. All the above tips apply here ESPECIALLY the snatch notes that I put at the start of this blog, to drum it home, if you pull your phone out make sure its on a Cacoe. If you want to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds then try to avoid the peak shopping times of weekends and after work.
The alleys and streets branching off Oxford Street can be quieter and less well-lit at night. Stick to the main drag after dark.
Not to be Missed near Oxford Street
Selfridges - this places sells a lot more than just fridges (sorry bad joke), Selfridges is a department store that’s practically an institution. Even if you’re not buying anything, its window displays alone are worth a visit.
Liberty London - just off Oxford Street, this Tudor-style department store is a feast for the eyes and a must for design lovers, inside is a total treasure trove of luxury items from all parts of planet earth, It almost feels like walking into the most beautiful market on the planet, where explorers who have travelled the earth have brought back remarkable products they have from overseas.
The Nike Store (Nike Town) - this building right on the corner of the oxford circus crossing is a whopper, its a must for all fans of Nike not just as a clothing brand but as a cultural phenomenon for the last 30+ years.
06 - WESTMINSTER
Welcome to power central, where history and politics collide in a spectacular architectural showdown! 🏛️ Big Ben might have finished his beauty sleep (aka renovation), but the whole area still screams "LONDON!" louder than a double-decker bus tour guide!
Security here is tighter than a banker's wallet – thanks to all those important political types wandering around. 2024 safety data shows it's one of the most surveilled areas in London, but tourist crowds can still attract opportunistic thieves. Same rules apply here but you would have to be a brave pickpocket to be working this area.
Not to be Missed Near Westminster
Thames Cruise - (Tickets from just £15) for me this one is an absolute must! If you are an architecture loving history buff or just want to know more about London and its history then taking the Thames clipper is amazing with or without audio, however the audio offers that extra layer of depth. This is not a guided tour but a downloadable accompaniment for a ride from Westminster to Greenwich. An alternate that I will talk about more in the transport section at the bottom of this blog is BigBus; included in their '24 hour' and '1 day ticket' options are a river cruise. Thus this could be a double win if you do not want to be on foot or tackle the underground or public buses, con its naturally more expensive, pro, this is a very safe way to see the city!
Houses of Parliament Tours - (Tickets from £22) from the official website, Warning: You might actually find politics interesting after this! The audio guide is narrated by some serious British acting royalty, and the Medieval Westminster Hall will make your jaw drop faster than a political scandal.
Churchill War Rooms - (Tickets from £27) again through the official website This underground bunker is where Winston Churchill led Britain through WWII. It's like stepping into a time capsule – they even left the map pins exactly where they were in 1945! Mind = blown. 🤯
07 - Trafalgar Square
Welcome to London's favourite hangout spot, where Nelson stands tall (quite literally) watching over the city's most dramatic square. Fun fact: Those massive lion statues were actually modelled after a dead cat because the sculptor couldn't find a live lion to study. Talk about working with what you've got!
2024 safety data shows Trafalgar Square is generally secure, with a strong police presence thanks to its status as protest central (if Londoners want to complain about something, this is the go-to spot!). Watch out during major events though – pickpockets love a good crowd!
Not to be Missed Near Trafalgar Square
National Gallery - (Free entry!) Home to Van Gogh's Sunflowers and about a billion other masterpieces. Pro tip: Hit up Room 32 for the Impressionists – it's like a greatest hits album but with paintings!
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church - (Free to visit, concerts from £9) Come for the architecture, stay for the incredible classical concerts. The café in the crypt is pure Gothic drama – eating scones surrounded by centuries-old tombstones is peak London!
08 - Soho
Welcome to London's saucy sister! 😉 Once the city's red-light district, now it's more likely to seduce you with its incredible restaurants and fabulous theatre scene. Soho is where proper London lets its hair down and orders another cocktail this place is best visited at night when it comes alive!
The 2024 safety situation here was interesting – perfectly fine during the day and early evening when it's bustling with media types and theatre-goers. Late at night? Keep your wits about you, especially around the quieter side streets. If you are heading to an evening venue and staying late, UBER home. Its a no brainer. The traffic is quieter at night, the night tubes and buses can be complex and if you have had a few to drink, its by far the best way to get home. It might cost you a little more, but its better than trying to navigate your way to a night bus whilst a little bit drunk ... then having to swap and walk to a different station to find the next bus ... then walk to your hotel/ hostel/ BnB etc, why give yourself that hassle to save a few pounds.
That said ... If you are in a group, the night buses can be an interesting way to go as they bring out all sorts of characters! If your budget really does not allow you to take an UBER, sit as near to the bus driver as possible at night.
Not to be Missed Near Soho
Soho Theatre - I love this place because it has quite a welcoming open bar area, you don't have to be seeing a show to go in. Its a little bit rough around the edges but the atmosphere is usually pretty darn good as people wait to head into a whatever show is on.
Top tip, if there is a show on, ask if there are any tickets left, you can have a top evening seeing unknown talent here for reasonably cheap entry. I have also seen some people die on stage ... but thats the nature of open mic nights. If you are from abroad, you can see if British humour tickles your fancy as this place is usually filled up with Londoners looking for a good laugh.
Ronnie Scotts - The legendary Jazz club do I need to day more? Tickets range in price and the late show does what it sais on the tin so done expect to be home until very early hours of the morning ... BOOK IN ADVANCE, this place is more popular than CR7. If late nights are not your thing but Jazz is Ronnie Scotts do brunch with live music, I have linked their website so have a look for yourself .... I have a weapon of a tip for you regarding Jazz in the South London (Oval) Safety Blog. If you are someone looking to dive into 'everyday' London then check it out.
Bar Crawl Me Please - If you are a night dweller looking to explore Sohos night scene in a safe way, one of the best ways to do this is to book onto a bar crawl where you have a dedicated chaperone, you will get to meet new people and it takes the stress of off trying to work out which places are 'best'. At £25 with some shots included, its a good way to explore the Soho night life.
9 - Piccadilly Circus
Think a crap version (sorry London) of Times Square! ✨ This famous junction is where London cranks up the wattage and shows off its flashy side. Those massive electronic billboards have been making tourists look at screens since before instagram or TikTok was even a thing! I have never understood the allure of these billboards however if you look at the flanking buildings you get treated to some stunning architecture.
Piccadilly Safety in 2024 ... Its very secure thanks to heavy CCTV coverage and constant foot traffic, but it's also prime territory for street scammers running the old cup-and-ball game. My advice? Keep walking, there are much more exciting places to explore in London.
Not to be Missed Near Piccadilly Circus
Fortnum & Mason - (Free to browse) It's like if luxury had a baby with British tradition. The food hall is basically edible art, and their hampers are what I imagine the Queen had for picnics!
Japan Centre - A slice of Tokyo in London! Their food court will make you forget you're in England – until you step outside into the rain, that is! But if like me you are a little obsessed with the culture of Japan, then make sure to drop into this unique place.
10 - Leicester Square
Lights, camera, action! 🎬 This is where Hollywood meets London, complete with red carpets, movie premieres, and street performers who really want to tell you about their one-man show. It's basically London's version of the Walk of Fame, just with more rain and better accents!
2024 safety stats show it's well-policed but, this area is prime snatching area. All of our early safety advice applies here ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. The Mcdonalds is a massive draw for people leaving bars, pubs and clubs and snatchers will have a keen eye out for the vulnerable person attempting to throw some food on top of an evenings boozy antics. This is where my friend had his phone stolen from.
Also watch out for ticket touts trying to sell you "discount" theatre tickets – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Not to be Missed Near Leicester Square
M&M's World - (Free entry) Four floors of chocolate madness! Is it tacky? Yes. Will you end up buying a Union Jack M&M cushion? Probably Yes!
The Hippodrome - Ok ... Is it a 'not to be missed' London experience? Absolutely not, but if you are reading from somewhere in the UK and enjoy a game, this is the mecca of UK casino experiences.
TKTS Booth - (Various prices) This is a fantastic travel hack for the slower backpackers or those with an evening with nothing to do ... or heck the local Londoners. Score same-day theatre tickets for up to 50% off, if a show is not full, prices are discounted and you could end up seeing a champagne show for the price of a lemonade.
IS LONDON SAFE FOR TOURISTS?
LONDON UNDERGROUND SAFETY
If you have made it this far then holy smokes well done we have gone through a lot! Please subscribe on the Backpacker's Blueprint Homepage as you are clearly a dedicated and responsible explorer and we write for dedicated, responsible explorers. So final things on the safety of the London Underground.
The London Underground, or "Tube," is generally safe and efficient for travelers, with millions using it daily. Most stations and carriages are monitored by CCTV, and staff are present in major stations to assist. However, pickpocketing can occur, especially on crowded lines like the Central, Piccadilly, and Jubilee, or at busy stations like Oxford Circus and King’s Cross. The other thing that is getting more common are quick snatches at the doors close on the tube. Do not have your phone in your hand as the doors are closing. Those early suggestions I am going to link here again for you.
Anti-theft bags: Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag
Locks TSA approved lock
At night, avoid isolated carriages, and always keep your belongings secure. If traveling after hours, stick to well-lit areas and main platforms. Overall, it’s a reliable way to explore London. Below are the latest (Jan 2025 PDF maps for the tube. Download them and save them to your devise for reference.
LONDON UNDERGROUND MAPS
London Underground Standard Map
London Underground Night Tubes
BIGBUS VS PUBLIC BUS
Big Bus tours in London offers numerous advantages over using public buses, especially for tourists. Unlike regular public transport, Big Bus tours provide a dedicated, safe, and convenient way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. The open-top buses ensure a clear and unobstructed view of attractions like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben, accompanied by informative commentary, enriching the experience.
BigBus tours operate on hop-on, hop-off schedules, allowing passengers to explore at their own pace. Additionally, Big Buses are designed with tourist safety in mind, featuring well-trained drivers, clear boarding systems, and a relaxed, stress-free environment. For visitors seeking a comprehensive, comfortable, and secure way to experience London’s highlights, BigBus tours provide an unmatched blend of value and convenience. A BigBus day ticket is well worth its value if you want to reduce your stress in this busy city.
UK EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
Dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance services in emergencies.
Dial 101 For non-urgent police matters
Dial 111 If you need medical advice but it’s not life-threatening.
Dial 112 for the EU-wide emergency number, which works across the UK.
For missing passports or travel documents, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in London. It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your phone and ensure you have international roaming or a local SIM to stay connected during your trip. If your roaming charges are extortionate consider getting an Airalo to save yourself money on international calls or to avoid having to seek out a local seller in the country you are in. This can be a nightmare, especially if you do not speak the language so can take a lot of stress out of the whole thing.
FINALLY
Thank you so much for joining me, Jack the backpacking architect, on 'Is London Safe for Tourists?. If you found it useful please consider booking through my links. If you would like to help support Backpacker's Blueprint but cannot use the links, please consider buying me a coffee below, its much appreciated. If you have London Safety tips to share with you fellow explorer please feel free to drop them in the comments below.
For the intelligent explorer
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