The thought that some people might worry about safety when travelling to London had never crossed my mind before. In fact, I only thought about it when planning my 3 month trip around Asia. Plenty of people questioned on me on whether my plan was a safe one and I wondered if tourists felt a similar unease when visiting our capital. I’ve lived in London for 4 years and can only think of a single incident where I felt unsafe (and that was when I was walking around at 4am alone on a quiet street). For the most part, London is a safe place to travel to. That being said, whenever travelling somewhere new, it’s always important to keep your wits about you
My main rule for travelling to a new country is: if you don’t do it at home, don’t do it here. Which means no going down dodgy alley ways, no engaging with shady individuals and no walking around in a drunken stupor alone at night (do as I say, not as I did). Here are 10 ways to stay safe in London.
Act Confident
My number one tip for staying safe in any country is to act confident. If you look like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, people are far less likely to see you as an easy target. I don’t think this is as necessary in London as it is in many other countries and cities but it certainly won’t hurt. Try to work out where you’re going before you set off and if you feel uncomfortable, confidently walk away from the situation or area.
Beware of Pickpockets
Now, I’ve never had a problem with pickpockets. Nor have I ever heard of anyone I know having a problem with pickpockets. But that’s not to say it doesn’t happen and it’s definitely more prevalent in tourist areas. I’d recommend wearing a shoulder bag across your body, making it less difficult to grab. Also make sure your belongings, such as your phone and wallet, are in in your bag, rather than your back pocket, and that the bag is zipped up. If you find yourself in a particularly crowded area, keep any eye on your bag as pickpocketing is more likely to occur here.
Be careful on Bikes
Cycling around the city is a cheap and fun way to get around. However, it can also be dangerous. In fact, I’ve been on three buses before that have hit cyclists. Nobody was hurt and after a shouting match with the bus driver, the cyclists eventually rode off. If you’re going to cycle, I’d recommend sticking to the parks, rather than the main roads – particularly if you don’t know the city well.
Get a Cab
If you’re travelling on a budget, it can be tempting to walk home or get a couple of buses. Usually this is absolutely fine. However, if it’s late at night, I’d recommend forking out for a cab. Better to be safe and slightly out of pocket, than sorry. I once got the bus back to Waterloo on my own after a night out and walked from the bus stop to my boyfriends house. A man on a bike road alongside me the whole way and kept trying to speak to me. He eventually left me alone but I did feel very scared at the time and from then on always got a taxi. You can order one using the taxi app. Unfortunately there are leery men in every city and they seem to come out at night!
Stick to Safe Areas
Like any city, some areas are safer than others so bear this in mind when you’re travelling around. Walking around Fitzrovia, Hampstead, and Notting Hill for example is probably a bit safer than the back alleys of Hackney or Croyden on a Friday night.
Beware of Motorbikes
Over recent years, motorbike-enabled crime has been on the rise. Thieves grab your phone as they ride past you before you even know what’s going on. The best way to avoid this is to be aware of your surroundings and not be looking at your phone all the time as you’re walking along. Don’t make yourself a target! This type of crime is particularly prevalent in certain areas including Camden, Mayfair, Bloomsbury, and Hoxton.
Beware of Drinking Culture
Like the rest of the UK, drinking culture in London is a big thing. People tend to go out for drinks after work and even office drinking is fairly common on a Friday. Try not to get too sucked into this whilst you’re visiting and make sure you know your limits. It’s sad but true that when we’re intoxicated we’re much easier targets for crimes of all sorts.
Ask for Help
If you feel unsafe, don’t know where you’re going or need help – ask someone for help! Despite the stereotype that most Londoners are moody and rude, we’re actually alright! I’ve frequently helped travellers find their way on public transport and in the street and have seen many people do the same. The majority of people are kind, friendly and happy to help.
Is London Safe for Solo Female Travel?
Yes! I wholeheartedly believe that London is a safe place for solo female travel. Obviously you should exercise caution wherever you travel but London is a pretty safe place to be. If you follow the above tips, you shouldn’t have any trouble whatsoever as a solo female traveler in London.
