Is London safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
London is a safe city for visitors overall, and the central areas tourists use are busy and well policed. The most common problems are pickpocketing and phone snatching, sometimes by thieves on bikes or e-scooters, plus a few street scams. Violent crime exists in parts of a city of nine million people but rarely involves visitors.
The real risks
Phone snatching
Thieves on bikes or e-bikes grab phones from people's hands on pavements, especially in the West End, Westminster and the City. Step back from the kerb or into a doorway when using your phone, and hold it with both hands.
Pickpocketing
Common on crowded Tube lines, on Oxford Street, in Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Camden and at Borough Market. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
Bag theft in pubs and cafés
Bags hung on chair backs or left under tables get taken. Keep straps around a leg or the bag on your lap.
Street gambling and petitions
Cup-and-ball games on Westminster Bridge are rigged, and clipboard 'charity' petitions can be a distraction for theft. Walk on.
Unlicensed minicabs
Drivers touting for fares outside clubs late at night are illegal and unsafe. Use a black cab, a pre-booked licensed minicab or a ride-hailing app.
Traffic
Traffic drives on the left; look right first when crossing, and follow the 'look right/look left' painted on many crossings.
Areas and times to take care
Busy nightlife areas such as Leicester Square, Soho, Shoreditch and Camden are generally safe but attract pickpockets, drunk crowds and phone thieves late at night. Westminster Bridge and the South Bank draw street scams and pickpockets in the day. Major stations such as King's Cross, Victoria and Liverpool Street are safe but busy; keep an eye on luggage.
Getting around safely
Black cabs can be hailed when the yellow 'TAXI' light is on and are metered; a ride from Heathrow is very roughly £70–110. Licensed minicabs must be pre-booked and cannot pick up on the street; Uber, Bolt and FreeNow work across London. The Night Tube runs on Friday and Saturday nights on parts of the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines, and an extensive night bus network runs every night.
Solo and women travellers
London is straightforward for women travelling alone, with busy streets and late transport. Harassment can happen on crowded Tube carriages and in nightlife areas; move away, tell staff, or report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016. Use licensed cabs or apps late at night, never touting minicabs, and keep your drink in sight in bars and clubs.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is safe to drink and free in pubs and restaurants on request. Weather is mild but changeable, with rain possible in every month, so carry a light waterproof; occasional summer heatwaves go above 30°C. NHS 111 (phone or online) gives non-emergency medical advice; pharmacies can treat minor problems. Visitors from outside the UK should have travel insurance; some reciprocal arrangements exist (check yours).
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is London safe for tourists?
Yes. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded areas and phone snatching on pavements, sometimes by thieves on bikes.
Is the Tube safe at night?
Generally yes. The Night Tube runs on parts of several lines on Friday and Saturday nights, and night buses run every night. Sit near other passengers and keep your phone secure.
What is the emergency number in the UK?
999 (112 also works) for police, ambulance and fire; 111 for urgent medical advice that is not an emergency.