Which side of London is the safest?
Finding the safest areas in London doesn’t just mean peace of mind—it’s about choosing a lifestyle that fits your family, career, and budget. Richmond, Kingston, Sutton, Bromley, and Hampstead stand out as the top choices for 2024, offering a mix of safety, community, and charm. Most places where tourists are likely to stay in London are safe in terms of a very low risk of physical violence. If you want an area that is more residential (which often can feel more comfortable to people not used to big cities), South Kensington or Chelsea might be a good choice.Westminster –High Crime Rates in London ✔ Westminster has the highest crime rate in London, primarily due to the crowds of tourists visiting famous landmarks. Locations such as Oxford Street, Soho, and Trafalgar Square are frequented by pickpockets and muggers and are hotspots for fraudulent activity.Where are the best walkable locations to stay in London? The areas around Covent Garden, Southbank, and Soho are among the most pedestrian-friendly but if you are looking for somewhere with green spaces and nature, Regent’s Park is ideal as it is close to London Zoo.Covent Garden is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in London due to its notable police presence. This area is ideal for those who enjoy a touch of luxury, with close proximity to world-famous attractions like the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market.
Which location is best to stay in London?
West is best, so look at Kensington, Chelsea or Notting Hill. For shopping, restaurants, theatre and nightlife, Soho and Covent Garden are great spots in the centre, while King’s Cross and Camden are lively options, too. And if the river is calling, the South Bank and Westminster are your best bet. Determining the safest place to live near London involves considering various factors such as crime rates, community services, and overall quality of life. Areas like Richmond, Kingston and St. Albans are often regarded as safe and family-friendly with low crime rates and good amenities.The West End is a major tourist district right in the centre of London. It’s where you’ll find lots of theatres, great shopping, excellent restaurants and buzzing nightlife. High hotel prices reflect the West End’s outstanding central location, and there are many 4-star and 5-star hotels in the area.West is best, so look at Kensington, Chelsea or Notting Hill. For shopping, restaurants, theatre and nightlife, Soho and Covent Garden are great spots in the centre, while King’s Cross and Camden are lively options, too. And if the river is calling, the South Bank and Westminster are your best bet.Richmond upon Thames. The borough was the safest in 2024, with 12,113 incidents recorded by police – working out at 60.So where are the safest areas in London? Well, our London-based experts have found four safe neighbourhoods for you: Richmond, Kensington & Chelsea, Fitzrovia, and Hampstead.
Which part of London is safe for tourists?
For the full experience, we suggest sticking to Holland Park and Notting Hill Gate areas. You can also venture further into swanky Kensington and Chelsea if you prefer designer boutiques to independent shops. See more of this home. Explore our collection of long-stay homes in London. West is best, so look at Kensington, Chelsea or Notting Hill. For shopping, restaurants, theatre and nightlife, Soho and Covent Garden are great spots in the centre, while King’s Cross and Camden are lively options, too. And if the river is calling, the South Bank and Westminster are your best bet.For your first trip to London, I recommend keeping things central so you’re close to the top attractions in the city. Covent Garden is a fan-favorite that combines historic markets, great dining options, and shopping just a stone’s throw from some of the best theater shows.
Is London a good place to travel with kids?
Of all the countries I’ve been to, I think London is the best place for kids of any age. My husband and I took our son to the city when he was a baby, a preteen, and a teenager. The city has many museums, parks, and other activities to entertain kids of all ages. London’s public transportation system is family-friendly and, with thoughtful planning, you can comfortably and safely explore the city with your children.This post was updated June 2025. London is one of the very best places to travel with children – there are so many fun things to do in London with kids! There is so much variety – everything from world-class museums to outdoor space to live theater, much of which is free. Planning a family trip to London?Travelling with children Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult. If your child is under 11, they can travel free on: Buses and trams. Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and some National Rail services.
Where not to stay as a tourist in London?
Neighborhoods to avoid in London include Peckham, Elephant & Castle, Brixton, Tottenham as well as certain neighborhoods in East London, such as parts of Tower Hamlets and Newham. These areas have historically experienced higher crime rates, so it’s advisable to exercise caution when navigating them. While most parts of London are safe, it’s wise to be aware of specific areas where crime rates might be higher. Neighborhoods to avoid in London include Peckham, Elephant & Castle, Brixton, Tottenham as well as certain neighborhoods in East London, such as parts of Tower Hamlets and Newham.Richmond upon Thames (including areas like Teddington) consistently ranks as the safest borough in London, thanks to its low crime rates (about 72 crimes per 1000 people as of 2024), riverside parks, strong community vibe, and excellent schools.Travel across Piccadilly Circus at midnight, and you could be mistaken for thinking it was the middle of the day. It’s best to stay on well-lit streets after dark all the same, which will often have the added security of CCTV cameras. If you choose to walk, do so confidently.London is generally a safe city – even at night. Almost all of central London is well-lit and I very rarely find myself alone as it’s a 24-hour city. Public transport runs 24 hours a day, too, so it’s easy to get around even after dark.
What is the best area to stay in London for first time visitors?
Top Pick for First-Timers: Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho. If you want to be in the center of all things London, being within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions is essential. If London is your only stop and you have the time, stay a week or at least five days. You won’t be sorry. We’ve included a busy five-day itinerary below. If you can stay an extra couple of days, spend the time exploring London’s many neighborhoods, like Notting Hill and Kensington.If it is either a short trip (four days or less) or it’s your first time in London, I’d stay in the trio of central neighborhoods that includes Covent Garden, The City of London, and Bankside/Southwark.If it is either a short trip (four days or less) or it’s your first time in London, I’d stay in the trio of central neighborhoods that includes Covent Garden, The City of London, and Bankside/Southwark.If you’re planning a stay in London, there’s no better area to stay than around Tower Bridge, no matter on which side of the Thames you find yourself. Get a taste of the culture and entertainment in the surrounding area and have a quintessentially London experience!For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least four or five days in London, which will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its main sites. With so much to do and see check out this article on how you can make the most of your time in London!