7 High-Crime Areas To Avoid In London

London is a vibrant and dynamic city that attracts millions of tourists from all over the globe every year. The city boasts an impressive variety of attractions, ranging from world-class museums and galleries to iconic landmarks and historical monuments. While London is a generally safe place to visit, there are certain areas that tourists should avoid due to high crime rates. These areas, commonly referred to as ‘high-crime areas’, are notorious for their robbery, assault, and drug-related crimes.

Tourists visiting the city should be aware of the dangers of wandering alone or in small groups in certain neighborhoods, particularly at night. The most notorious ‘high-crime areas’ in London include parts of Hackney, Brixton, and Tottenham, which have been plagued by gang activity and drug-related crime in recent years. Tourists are advised to avoid these areas altogether, especially after dark, in order to stay safe.

Fortunately, the police in London have made significant efforts to address crime in these areas, and many of them now enjoy much lower levels of criminal activity. However, it is still important for visitors to exercise caution and stay alert to their surroundings at all times when traveling around the city.

Westminster / Brixton / Camden / Peckham / Tottenham

There is no one definitive answer to where not to go in London, but Westminster, Brixton, Camden, Peckham, and Tottenham are neighborhoods where tourists may want to exercise caution. Busy high streets, crowded markets, and underground stations can attract pickpockets and opportunistic thieves. Out of respect for the communities living in these areas, it is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local cultural norms around dress codes. To learn more about cultural norms around dress codes, check out our article on is it ok to wear shorts in London.

where not to go in london

Hackney / Lewisham / Croydon / Newham / Southwark

Public health campaigns promoting London tap water safety emphasize the importance of answering the question is London tap water safe to drink. When it comes to areas to avoid in London, Hackney, Lewisham, Croydon, Newham, and Southwark are typically considered less desirable. While these boroughs have undergone gentrification, they still suffer from high crime rates and poverty levels. Hackney is known for its gang activity, while Lewisham has been identified as a place to avoid due to high rates of violent crime. The borough of Croydon has also experienced an increase in crime in recent years, and Newham has been labeled a high-risk area for muggings and robbery. Similarly, Southwark is known for its high levels of violent crime, including knife attacks. Overall, while there are certainly areas within these boroughs that offer attractions and amenities, visitors to London are advised to exercise caution when venturing into these neighborhoods, especially after dark.

Note in Closing

In conclusion, while London has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions and experiences, there are certain areas that visitors should avoid. These areas include Tottenham, Brixton, Hackney, and some parts of East London. Tottenham has a reputation for being a rough area with high levels of crime, while Brixton has a history of gang violence. Hackney can be dangerous at night, and some parts of East London are also known for high levels of crime.

where not to go in london

It is important to note that while these areas may have a higher crime rate than others, it is always possible to fall victim to crime in any part of the city. Visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is also advisable to stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night.

where not to go in london

While it may be tempting to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the less-touristy areas of London, visitors should do so with caution. It is always advisable to research an area before visiting and to ask locals for advice. By staying safe and being aware of potential dangers, visitors can enjoy all that London has to offer without putting themselves at risk.