Navigating London Safely: Essential Tips for Visitors

Join us as we explore the UK from cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages , from historic castles to beautiful islands and from the picturesque countryside to seaside towns .

We know this , and it's generally a safe place to visit . But London is a major city and , like any major city , it has its fair share of petty crime and tourist targeted scams .

So in this episode , I'm going to share my top safety tips for navigating London with confidence , protecting yourself from pickpockets and avoiding some of those most common scams that you may see . So these are the same precautions I take on every visit , and I can confidently say that I've never fallen victim to crime in London . So let's dive in .

So first , while crime does exist , london is considered safer than cities you might ordinarily consider safe , such as Malmo in Sweden or Hamilton in New Zealand , and has a rating of 44.8 on the Numbio Crime Index . So there you go . So , with the right precautions , you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to London . So these are my top general safety tips .

When you're going out for the day plan your route before leaving your hotel . So because if you're looking lost with a paper map in your hand or you've got your phone out , this can make you a target . So walk with confidence and purpose .

If you do need to use online maps , I would recommend nipping into a shop or another building to do so so you don't look too conspicuous . Even me , who knows London really well , I will plan out my trip .

So I know exactly if I'm going from A to B , where I'm going , how I'm going to get there , and you know if I'm going to change tube trains , where I'm going to change , and I usually write them on a piece of paper , so I know exactly what I'm doing .

So that's how I plan and I usually write them on a piece of paper , so I know exactly what I'm doing . So that's how I plan and I know London really well . So if you're going to be out and about at night , just stick to busy , well-lit areas , so avoid empty streets and shortcuts through unfamiliar places and neighbourhoods .

Also , keep an eye on your belongings . Pig pockets operate in tourist hotspots . So always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you , and use common sense . If something feels off , trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation . So those

are kind of my general things to consider . Now let's talk about staying safe at your accommodation . So you've got to think about choosing the right place to stay . That's a big part of staying safe in London . So here's a few key tips for that . Research the area so you can join our Facebook group for recommendations from other travellers .

You'll find out what other travellers like about where they've stayed , what they thought about the area . We also have articles on our website that recommend the best areas of London to stay in . We actually have dedicated articles to each of the main areas in central London with accommodation recommendations . So do take a look at that .

So research where you're going to stay and , if you're not sure , ask in our Facebook group . Read reviews this is really really important Before you book a hotel , and you can check as well on Google Maps . I go onto Google Maps and check the area around where I'm going to stay what does it look like ? But read the reviews as well .

I always do this , you know check , read all of the reviews . Like . I generally will never book any accommodation unless it has an eight and above on Bookercom . That's where I use for my bookings and I always check that it's eight or above , and I check how old the reviews are . You know , try and find the reviews written by other travelers that are like you .

So , if you're a solo traveler , try to find those mature travelers or visitors with kids so that you can see what they think about the accommodation . Now , one thing we always try to do as well is make sure that there's a hotel safe wherever we go , so that we can keep our valuables locked up in there . Don't leave them lying around .

Never , ever , leave your luggage unintended outside your room or in the hotel for you , you know , always have an idea where your things are , and if you are staying somewhere that doesn't have a safe in your room , it's always worth asking a reception if they have a safe and then you can leave your valuables there .

I would recommend not leaving them in your room if you're unsure . Just don't leave them lying around . Obviously , keep them with you or keep them secure . Make sure you lock doors and windows . So always double check that your accommodation is secure . So if you're staying in a vrbo , for example , um our apartment , like we are at the moment .

Actually , it was in spain , it's in an apartment . But we always make sure that before we go out that the windows are secure , for example , that nobody can climb over the balconies and get in through sliding doors . Make sure that the doors , you know , are unlocked before that you go out and double check those sorts of things .

Also , which is really important as well , know the fire exit route . So familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency . And again I can say Doug and I were staying in Cardiff in September and the fire alarm went off at three it was about 3am and it kept going off . So we got up , got dressed , went out .

We kind of had already you know hours check which is the safe way out of the building . What is the exit route in case of fire . So just familiarize yourself with that if that's on the back of the door , so that you know if you need to get out in case of emergency , where you're going .

Now , if you get somewhere and we have had this before we've been contacted people who've gone to a hotel and they just didn't feel like somewhere . They wanted to stay and it's just the best thing to do is find alternative accommodation .

Really , if something a hotel , airbnb or VLB it doesn't feel safe , just find alternative accommodation , trust your instincts and then contact Bookercom or Airbnb or whoever you booked it through , contact them through and say that you didn't feel safe at that particular accommodation .

So that's something that was worth considering and I know , actually , on a podcast episode I did recently on the Global Travel Planning Podcast , where I interviewed , chatted with Shelley , who does a lot of solo travel around the world , and she's had this happen before where she's been dropped off at an Airbnb and did not feel safe . So then she managed to .

She just said you trust your instincts and she managed to get an alternative accommodation and I think that sometimes you've got to do that . You just have to trust how you feel and go for it and find somewhere else to stay . Now getting around . Let's talk about moving around London safely . So getting around London is easy . Streets

are generally wide , with lots of safe crossings for pedestrians , and there's an extensive public transport network . However , it's really important to be aware of your surroundings .

Leave extra time for travel , because if you're rushing around , that can lead to accidents or careless mistakes , because if you're stressed out in a rush , you're not as aware of your surroundings . So leave plenty of time for your journeys so you can travel slowly and without stress . Be mindful when crossing the streets .

Remember that Londoners drive on the left , so always check for cyclists before stepping out the road . London roads are busy , so make sure you cross at designated crossing points such as a pedestrian , traffic lights or a zebra crossing . Those are the black and white striped crossings . You make sure that you do that .

Be really careful , because if you drive on the other side of the road , you're going to look in the wrong direction . You're going to look in the opposite direction than the one that you need to look at .

So I always look both ways and also be really and when I say this about cyclists , I'd be really , really mindful of cyclists in London , because they seem to go at a million miles an hour and if it wasn't for Domi , our hunter photographer , recently , I would have gotten knocked over myself because she pulled me back just as a cyclist whizzed past .

I don't know what he was doing far too fast , but you really need to keep your wits about you when you're crossing the streets . I really , really want to stress that Now . Stay alert as well . So pickpockets are looking for those people who are distracted . So be mindful of your surroundings .

Don't listen to headphones , don't have your head in a book on your phone . You need to just keep be vigilant about what is happening around with you . Keep in touch with family or friends . So it's a good idea for all travelers , particularly if you're traveling solo . But let someone know what your plans or itineraries for that day .

Check in with someone at the end of the day and especially after a night out , so that people know where you are . Now let's talk about staying safe in restaurants and bars Now enjoying London's incredible food scene why wouldn't you ? Because it is amazing . Here's how to stay safe while dining out . So choose well-reviewed restaurants .

Look for good hygiene ratings and busy locations . If locals are eating there , it's usually a sign that it's good . When you are eating in a restaurant . Make sure you keep your belongings secure . Don't leave your phone or wallet on the table . If you leave them lying around , encourage snatch and grab , so somebody might just try and snatch it away .

Also , I will say if you have your phone on your table and this happened to my daughter somebody came in , put a whole load of leaflets on top of her phone , picked up the leaflets and her phone and left Actually , it was her phone . It was a small handbag that she had . They took the phone handbag , everything . She didn't realize for a couple of minutes .

She kind of looked around and she realized that they'd picked them up . So really be aware of that . Again , make sure that it's a secure bag . Loop your bag around a chair leg or keep it on your .

Also , beware of distractions . If a stranger starts causing a scene , it may be a setup for theft . So protect yourself . So don't drape your bag over the back of your chair . Loop it around the chair or table legs , I've already said or even your legs , so that you're not , you're not getting .

They might be distracting , so you look away and then they can grab your bag . So just be careful of that . Don't accept drinks from strangers . It's always best to buy your own drinks . So those are things to consider when you're eating out in London . Now how about handling money safely in London ? Cash or card ?

Here's what you need to know about handling money safely . So I'd say avoid carrying large amounts of cash . To be honest , I have really used contactless a majority of the time . I can't even think the last time I used cash in London , to be honest , probably a few years ago when I bought a scarf at Covent Garden and

they wanted cash . So use contactless payment if you can . If you do need to pay in cash , try to hide your wallet or purse and only take out the cash you need to pay with . So if you're flashing a wallet of cash in your wallet or purse , it could potentially make you a target for thieves .

Of cash in your wallet or purse could potentially make you a target for thieves . Use an ATMs to get money out . Choose ATMs inside banks rather than on the street Street . Atms are generally okay , but do watch who is around you and hide your PIN and look out for any suspicious additions to the machine , such as a camera .

So , generally speaking , it is safe to use an ATM inside a bank for these reasons . That's why we tend to do that Obviously , protect your PIN whether you're paying or withdrawing cash . Cover the keypad when entering your PIN .

Now I have an RFID wallet so that protects against digital theft such as card cloning , and I do have a crossbody bag which also has that protection inbuilt . So if you want to know more about handling money in the UK , do check out our previous episode on how to use money in the UK and our cash versus card payment .

So we have got a previous podcast episode and we also have articles about cash versus contactless , so I will link to those in the show notes . Articles about cash versus contactless so I will link to those in the show notes .

Now , if you use a phone , for any money transactions or any internet browsing , I would strongly recommend using a VPN , so that's a virtual private network . It's used for many things , such as encrypting your internet traffic , but for travelers , it's so useful for shielding your browsing and internet usage when using public Wi-fi .

So if you're using public wi-fi in london for you know , accessing maps , checking timetables or whatever um , it's always a good idea to use a vpn . I use one all the time , so all you need to do is download the app to your phone and switch it on before surfing the internet on public wi-fi .

We always use vpn when we travel and we use our provider is surf shark , so again , I can link to surf shark in the show notes .

Okay , I'm gonna talk about pick pockets . It's it's probably the most common crime affecting tourists in london and the hot spots you've got to be careful around are leicester square , trafalfalgar Square , oxford Circus and any crowded tube stations . So these are some things to do to outsmart the pickpockets is use an anti-theft bag .

These have got hidden zippers and locks that make theft more difficult . If your bag looks unattractive to a thief , they're probably more likely to move on to someone else . Now I always travel with an anti-theft bag . I've got loads of them . I also have well usually buy cross-body anti-theft bag . Keep it in front of you , never on your back .

So if you're going to use a backpack , carry it on your front in busy locations or on public transport , or use again an anti-theft backpack , which we also have Now . Another thing that I don't travel with anymore is a phone lanyard or you can get a wrist tether . So the reason for this is there's been a lot of phone snatching going on in London .

I think it's become pretty much a big problem . It's been in the news and I was reading recently that it's really been endemic , and I have read some cases where people have been on the phone and literally they go past these thieves on electronic bike , electric bikes and just snatch the phone out of your hand .

So I use a phone lanyard , but I'm still really careful because the last thing I want is somebody trying to snatch the phone , one with a lanyard and dragging me down . So you just still have to be really careful . So I don't , even though I've got it on a lanyard , I still don't hold it out .

Um , it's just that I kind of took it into my pocket and I'm still really careful when I use my phone . So you can you obviously you can also tether it to your . I've got a tether that I can put it , attach it to on top of my jeans as well . So for me , losing my phone would be a complete disaster because I've got absolutely everything on it .

But really think about whether you want to use a lanyard or whether you want to use a wrist tether or just clip it onto your clothes or keep it in your bag . Honestly , it's probably the safest . So , you know , consider those things .

Um , as I say , I use a kind of cross body lanyard , um , so it's , rather than being around my neck and just hanging around my neck , it actually goes across my shoulder and under my arm . So I think that's probably safer . But I would look into those as a way to just keep your phone a little bit safer .

But , as I said , you've got to be really aware of your surroundings and concentrate on what's going on around you . Don't keep valuables in your pockets . Use a secure wallet or pouch instead . Or you know , doug's got a crossbody pickpocket proof bag that he uses . If you're on public transport .

Keep your bag in front of you , secured on your body , and stay aware of those around you . So just make sure , like if you're on an overland train leaving from London to somewhere else , make sure that you can see your luggage at all times and pay particular attention at station stops .

If you use the overhead rack , keep your luggage slight in front so you can always see it . This isn't about London , actually , but I did have a time when I was in Paris on the Underground In fact , I've seen this a couple of times in Paris and we got on the train , the metro , at Montmartre , I got surrounded by a pickpocket gang .

I literally could not move and they opened my backpack . Now , I hadn't secured it , it was a theft-proof one , but it had nothing in it . It had just my clothes , because it was my dirty clothes to be canned . That was all that was left in it . I had my crossbody bag , which I had close to me , but I couldn't move . Look at they didn't get .

They couldn't get into the one that was in the front , but they did manage to get into the one at the back . Well , I'll just say I didn't secure it , so my fault . But , as I said , there was nothing in it , but obviously they didn't know that and I couldn't move . So you just have to be careful .

That was in Paris and I have heard of other incidents in Paris where that's been a problem . People have lost their passports , phones . Do not keep anything in your back pocket because , honestly , you won't keep it . Now there are some common scams to watch out for as well . So unfortunately , as we all know , tourist hotspots attract scammers .

So here are some of the most common scams that you may see in London Street gambling scams . So don't fall for guess which cup the ball is under , which is a scam commonly seen on Westminster Bridge . I've only seen that the last couple of years , but that's been going there . I've also seen it actually in Paris as well , near the Eiffel Tower .

So I'll just mention if you plan to pop over to Paris , keep an eye out . So any scam where you bet on the outcome is not left to chance . It's manipulated by the scammer . So if you see someone else winning it , don't trust them . They're usually in on the scam anyway and they're just trying to encroach you to part with your money .

The other one to watch out for are fake charity collectors . Always check for official identification before donating anything . Under UK law , charity collectors must be licensed and have a charity collecting permit , so if in doubt , you can ask them to see that .

You will see people selling the Big Issue magazine , which is a long established magazine from which all profits go to support the capital's homeless population . But make sure the seller has an official , licensed seller's badge . If not , wait till you see a seller who has .

This way , you know your money will go directly to the homeless people who need it , rather than an unscrupulous scammer . Free gifts Be careful . If someone offers you a flower or bracelet , they'll just demand payment afterwards . Ticket scams .

Always buy theatre and concert tickets from official sources , not from touts people selling tickets outside the theatres and venues . There are licensed ticket outlets all over London or you can use the official half-price theatre ticket booth which is found in the middle of Leicester Square . So I recommend that Be careful about the unlicensed rickshaws .

These colourful music-blaming rickshaws are a fun way to grab a quick ride and most drivers are genuine and trying to learn a living . But these vehicles are unregulated and there have been reports of scams . So always agree on a price before riding to avoid being overcharged and make sure you get dropped off in a busy , well-lit area .

And I will also say if you are paying by card , double check the amount that they are charging you absolutely . Be 100% sure what they're going to charge before and also afterwards , and if possible , that would be a time to pay cash , so you know exactly what you're handing over . To be honest , I don't take them .

I don't recommend taking them personally because it's I just I don't know . To me it feels like it's too easy to um to be scammed with something like that . Now , staying safe on public transport London's transport system is generally safe , but here are some essential safety tips .

Hold on to your belongings , so if you're sitting with your bag in your lap , loop it through your arm or body

Again . Have a crossbody bag . Makes it more difficult for somebody to try and snatch and grab . Avoid rush hour , if possible . Trains and buses are very crowded between 7.30 and 9.30 am and from 5 to 7 pm . Stand back from the platform edge right , you'll see . Mind the gap . You'll probably hear that .

Mind the gap when waiting for a train or tube and when getting on off the tube . Don't rush to jump on the tube if doors are closing . You could get seriously hurt . So just wait because there'll be another tube coming in a couple of minutes later . Avoid unlicensed minicabs , especially at nights .

Only use taxis from well-reviewed companies , ubers or , obviously , the famous black London taxis . Stay alert on night buses and the tube . If you're traveling alone , sit near the driver . The night buses and night tubes are a cost-effective way to get home after a night out , but we do recommend using a pre-booked taxi , especially if you're a solo traveller .

We recommend not driving in London , if you can . Roads are busy , congested and you've got the extra challenge of the ULEZ zones , which are restricted , which , of course , are going to charge you more money , restricted parking , parking fees and one-way systems to contend with . So , honestly , I used to drive in London .

I would never drive in London ever , ever , ever . It was only because I had to live in central London . I had to . Please don't drive in London . Please don't . If you have to make sure that you have good sat-nav and up-to-date on UK and London-specific driving regulations .

So if you're going to do that , we recommend TripBiama's driving guide to help you prepare for driving in the UK . So if you're really going to drive in London , honestly , you must do the TripBiama course 100% . I would highly recommend that you do that really , because you know I'm British , I've driven in London . Would I drive in London today ?

No , I wouldn't so , but follow the usual driving safety precautions . Don't leave valuables unattended or on display in cars and always lock your doors when driving . That's really important . Now , london's an amazing city and with a bit of preparation , you can explore it safely and with confidence and peace of mind .

So let's do a recap Stay away of your surroundings and who is around you . Be vigilant . Keep your belongings secure , whether out and about in your hotel . Never leave bags unattended and

report any bags that you see unattended , because , honestly , if you don't , somebody else will , because we're very conscious of bags that aren't unattended , so that will get reported . So do not leave your bag unattended because , honestly , and be very careful in places like train stations . Plan ahead to avoid rushing , confusion and stress .

Slow down and just be safe . Use reputable companies for taxis , tours and tickets . For example , book your London airport transfers and beyond with our partner Riz of Expert Cars or tours via our partners . We personally vet all the companies we partner with , so you know you will get the experience you expect .

We partner with , so you know you will get the experience you expect . Use anti-theft bags , phone lanyards and card covers the RFID card covers just for extra protection . Now , if you do need to contact any emergency service , the numbers in the UK are 999 or 112 . So thanks for Laura , who asked this question in our Facebook group .

So , with the right mindset and thorough planning and preparation , you'll have a fantastic , worry-free trip to London . And remember , trust your instincts , and if something is too good to be true , it probably is . Now . If you found this episode helpful , don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review and share it with fellow travellers .

We really , really appreciate those of you who do that . It just helps us to continue to produce all this free information for you guys . Now , as you know , for more UK travel tips and advice , check out our website and join our Facebook communities .

We've got London Travel Planning , we've got a UK Travel Planning and Doug runs a UK Train Travel Tip Facebook group too . If you have any questions about this episode , please pop over to the show notes and leave us a message via speakpipe and we will get back to you .

As long as you leave your email and name , we can reply to you , but that leaves me to say until next episode . Happy UK travel planning . Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of the UK travel planning podcast . As always , show notes can be found at uktravelplanningcom .

If you've enjoyed the show , why not leave us feedback via text or a review on your favourite podcast app ? We love to hear from you and you never know . You may receive a shout out in a future episode . But , as always , that just leaves me to say until next week . Happy UK travel planning .