Is London Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

London is generally safe for solo female travelers. It is a busy city with a high level of security measures in place. The public transportation is reliable with CCTV on buses and trains, and metro stations are usually populated even late at night. However, as is the case in any major city, pickpocketing and other small crimes can occur, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. It is recommended to remain vigilant, especially at night, and avoid isolated areas.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Safe

London is generally a safe city. It's equipped with plenty of CCTV cameras and well-lit areas, with generally calm residential areas and popular tourist locations. Nonetheless, like any big city, it has less safe areas too. Walk with confidence, avoid poorly-lit areas, and it is best to use reliable public transport or reputable taxi services at night. Always stay vigilant and trust your instincts.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in London is generally safe though it can be crowded at times. The buses, trains, and tube networks are well-maintained, with CCTV surveillance and regular patrolling officers. There are well-lit platforms and there's plenty of signage. Always have your belongings where you can see them to avoid pickpocketing and try to avoid traveling alone late at night.

Street harassment:Low

London is generally safe and respectful towards solo female travelers. Like any major city, occasional cases of street harassment can occur but they are not the norm. It is still advised to take necessary precautions, especially when traveling at night or in less crowded areas. Overall, the atmosphere is predominantly welcoming, making the city a good destination for solo female travelers.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In London, tourists could occasionally encounter petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist spots and public transport. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings and secure your belongings. However, the city is generally secure with an active police presence.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in London is of exceptional quality and it is absolutely safe for drinking. The water supply is subject to stringent regulatory controls and testing to make sure it's clean and doesn't contain any harmful substances. It goes through a rigorous purifying process, which includes filtering, disinfection, and pH balancing. You can drink it straight from the tap without getting any water purifying tablets.

Is London safe to travel?

4.7 /5

Based on 50 experiences

Solo travel experience

I felt safe and it was lovely to stroll around parks and visit all the landmarks. Getting a photo by Big Ben and telephone booth was fantastic. People were kind and transportation went always so smoothly. Lovely city with lots of things to do and great British food.

Posted: February 8, 2024
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Zara

Zara

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Solo travel experience

Budget wise London is definitely not the most friendly place I’ve been, but communication is definitely not a problem and I’ve met really nice people in London. I felt safe most of the time, except when I was walking alone at night in some streets with fewer lights

Posted: January 12, 2024
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Sabrina

Sabrina

United States

Solo travel experience

I absolutely loved London! I stayed in the East End (by Mile End) and didn’t feel entirely safe when the sun went down, but during the day it was fine and it was incredibly easy to travel to other parts of London. In Central and West London I felt safe the entire time. Nobody ever bothered me and I was comfortable taking the tube alone and exploring. So much to do and the museums are all free and excellent. There are some really pretty neighborhoods and good shopping. On top of that, if you’re there for long enough I’d recommend visiting via train the White Cliffs (which are stunning), Oxford, and Cambridge. However, try to buy these tickets at least a week or two in advance for the best prices. I know some also fly to Edinburgh for cheap. London is not a cheap city, but I definitely recommend it due to its safety, things to do, good metro system and proximity to other great places through its train stations.

Posted: January 2, 2024
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Solo travel experience

I was in London for 6 nights and it was simply fantastic. The atmosphere in London is amazing, and I felt safe wherever I went. The metro was very easy to understand, and I really enjoyed my stay in the Bloomsbury district. I especially recommend this place to solo travelers. A few things I recommend: 1. Purchase a London Pass 2. Get an Oyster card and use it for commuting 3. Take a day trip by train to Bath 4. Use the Heathrow Express to get to central London. 5. Watch some shows 6. Make sure you have a contactless credit card. Almost everything (including public toilets) accepts contactless payments. 7. There's no need to carry a lot of cash.

Posted: December 31, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I was in London alone this year and absolutely loved it. Especially during this period, with all the Christmas lights in the city center. I also stayed around Kings Cross, which was really good. I felt safe and happy all the time.

Posted: December 30, 2023
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Solo travel experience

My experience in London was amazing! In the beginning, I was worried about my safety. But after a few days, I felt completely safe. There are a lot of different activities you can do in London. Apart from the obvious ones (London Eye, The Globe etc.), I strongly recommend watching a musical. & Juliet, for instance, is incredible! It’s also super easy to get to other cities from London. Some great places you can visit in a day trip are: Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath and Liverpool.

Posted: December 27, 2023
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Family travel experience

Is very friendly and beautiful place. I think is safe. But is a little expensive. But there are several to visit free. National Gallery, Toten museum I like chips and fish I would like visit one More Time in January

Posted: December 10, 2023Experienced: January, 2020
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Solo travel experience

I loved London. I used public transportation, which is very simple and cheap. Everyone I asked gave me directions and helped. Very friendly. I bought a hop on hop off bus ticket. It was worth it. I visited many places, buses stopped every 6 minutes. I saw Buckingham, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Westminster and many others. I was very nervous, but it turned out to be amazing. People are nice, there are a lot of tourists and I felt safe.

Posted: September 20, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I stayed in London for 6 days and it was incredible. The atmosphere was great and I felt safe everywhere. The tube was easy to use and I really enjoyed my stay in Bloomsbury. Here are my tips: 1. Get an Oyster card for transport. 2. Take a train to Bath for a day trip. 3. Use Heathrow Express to get to central London. 4. Have a contactless credit card, as most places (including public toilets) accept contactless payments.

Posted: August 8, 2023
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Solo travel experience

My first independent trip was to the United Kingdom, where I spent 3 days in London. I never really had any problems during the day, but for safety, I didn't go out too late at night. I had a fantastic time.

Posted: April 21, 2023
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Is London safe to live in?

Safety rating

3 /5

Based on 8 reviews the women safety index in London is 3/5. On average women living in London raises moderate concerns about women's safety.

Crime rates rating

1.8 /5

Based on 8 reviews the crime rate index in London is 1.8/5. On average women living in London raises relatively low concerns about crime and violence against women.

Rating summary

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.6/5
Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.7/5
Safe

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.5/5
A Bit Worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.8/5
A Bit Worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

2.1/5
A Bit Worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

2/5
A Bit Worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

2.4/5
A Bit Worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.2/5
Not at all worried
Tati

Tati

London is all in all a safe city. However you must keep your wits about you and try to make sure at night you are safe. The best way is to travel with a friend or if your worried to let someone know. I'd avoid going down dark alleys and sticking to main roads.

Posted: March 22, 2024
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It’s a large city… it can feel safe at times but I’ve heard too many horror stories too… always be careful! A lot of muggers out there too - they’re often on bikes and can snatch your phone easily if you have it out in a busy street

Posted: March 10, 2024
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London is overall a safe city, but I don’t take risks, walking after dark etc. I always get the bus, even for a 20 min walk during the winter months. In summer I barely feel worried at all though. In general I never feel unsafe though, especially not anywhere busy (most of London!)

Posted: March 3, 2024
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london is safe but some areas is not during the night. Especially crime rate is high. Usually they steel the phones so needs to be careful. But apart from that it is safe. I actually don't prefer to walk alone late night.

Posted: February 28, 2024
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Kiran-Lee

Kiran-Lee

I find London pretty safe. As woman you always have to take some precisions but in the 14 years I've lived her I've never really have any problems, that's not to say it's problem free I know people have but it dose seam to be a fairly low rate for problems.

Posted: February 21, 2024
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Phoebe

Phoebe

My personal experience of living in London for 6 years is that I’ve not actually witnessed any mugging or crime. And thankfully not been the victim of any crime only the occasional harassment from strangers. It is definitely a city to be wary in though and use common sense to always keep an eye out. Never leave your phone on a table or casually in your hand and ideally always wear a bag that wraps around your chest/body to avoid any snatching to take place. I’ve heard of many friends who have been mugged of their phones in London. I’ve never had my apartment broken into or been stalked. Mainly be wary of men or gangs of men when walking the streets. However I often walk alone and walk home alone at night and have not had any problems

Posted: February 20, 2024
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if you aren’t an idiot u should be fine, many muggers round here target men anyways. occasionally i get stared at on the tube and at night people will try and have a chat but ive never experienced anything truly scary.

Posted: February 19, 2024
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Jemima

Jemima

I’ve never personally been mugged/robbed, but I have experienced sexual harassment / light SA 3-4 times (I’m 30) - don’t walk with your phone in the hand closest to the road, as cyclist muggers may grab for it as they cycle by - don’t leave your valuables alone - meet men in public places

Posted: February 18, 2024
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Is London safe right now?

Before your visit to London, it's essential to check travel advisories for United Kingdom, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 25, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: November 20, 2023

Is London worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 50 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5
Stephanie

Stephanie

United States

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Piccadilly Circus/Soho, and I had a lot of fun. Every restaurant I went to was great, and every person I met was friendly. Getting around the city was easy on public transportation. I’d definitely go back!

Posted: March 6, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

London is so iconic and there’s so much to be found in every little nook and cranny! I left feeling like I could see myself living there. I loved all the diversity there and the constant buzz of the city

Posted: February 23, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in London

Meet local women in London who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Marianne

Marianne

About Me

Hi! I'm Marianne, travelling 4 days in Hamburg, Germany, looking for a sight seeing and drinks partner! I'm from Canada, I speak French and English and I think I' quite the company 💁‍♀️

Speaking

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Tamara

Tamara

About Me

I'm a freelance UX and service designer, currently community manager for a small non-profit. I enjoy solo travel as an introvert, going at my own pace and planning my day, but sometimes miss sharing experiences and adventures with others. I tend to stay in boutique hostels with female dorms or Airbnbs. (I'm always up for sharing accommodation or rentals!) I'm a foodie (vegetarian), coffee lover, culture vulture, love urban photography and just coddiwompling around. I don't drink much (maybe socially) and am not a party person. I kind of had an existential/early mid-life crisis during the pandemic, feeling like I'm missing out on life and what if the next year brings something even worse!? So I cancelled my lease in London and went travelling. As a millennial I'm unlikely to but my first home any time soon, and 50% off my income went on rent, so in order to save up (and work part time for my mental health), I'm house and pet-sitting. My itinerary: 🇵🇹 Portugal until 15.5. 🇪🇦 Spain 18.5.-1.7. 🇧🇻 Denmark 1.7.-20.7. 🇸🇪 Sweden 20.07.-22.7. 🇬🇧 UK 29.7.-24.8. 🇭🇷 Croatia 24.8.-20.9. If you'd like to follow along with my trips, you can find me on Instagram 📷 @coddiwomplingdumpling ✏️ Also! Please contribute to my list of hostels with female-only dorms if you discover a gem https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/D8OAFWAR7H21iTMn_rV_iYLuA9M6qQ

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Stay with locals in London

Stay with local women in London who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Yashvini

Yashvini

London

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I’m a fun loving travel lord who loves talking to ppl. Science math and music

Speaking

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Katia

Katia

London

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Fun, bubbly thoughtful, caring person! Love to enjoy life to the max when possible. Single mum to a little one.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to London

Connect with upcoming visitors to London who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Letizia

Letizia

About Me

I'm 24 y.o. and I love cinema, sport and art :)

Speaking

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Jackie

Jackie

About Me

My name is Jackie. I love being outdoors, going to sports events, and museums.

Speaking

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Safety in United Kingdom