mocat13

I posted a question about spending my layover in the city and I just wanted to know how safe it is for a woman by herself around the city. Thanks!

taggie

Safe as safe can be. Just be aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions, but you're safer in London that you'd be almost anywhere else.

Kyoko_S

If it is a daytime you will be fine if you are careful of your bags and pockets(no back-pack please!), but it is better not to walk around at the places like Lecester Square

Kyoko_S

but it is better not to walk around at the places like Lecester Square, I mean when it gets dark, like 11 pm. Summer time will be OK until 9- 10 pm since days are longer.

nytraveler

Sorry to disagree but have been to London dozens of times and all of the tourist areas are completely safe - even in the evening - as far as I have seen - at least compared to most places in the US. Violent crime is almost completely unknown in these areas - and while there are some pickpockets etc (like everywhere else) any normal precautions (awareness of those around you and not leaving you belongings around) will foil them. Also, unlike a couple of other places I have been a woman alone can be comfortable in restaurants, pubs etc.

Merseyheart

Take the normal precautions, as Taggie says. I've been to London several times on my own, and it's gone well, although I've avoided conversations with men on a couple of occasions while in England. I'll recommend one thing I do to be safer. I wear a money belt with my emergency information in it. That's phone numbers for home, travel numbers (the hotels where I'm staying, for instance), and medical information (my medical insurance policy number.) Photocopy your passport, and include the numbers of your credit cards and where to call if they're stolen. If I'm hit by a car and knocked unconscious, the emergency crew can find my phone numbers and know who to call!

janis

Please don't let Kyokos_S's warning scare you at all. With just the normal common sense you will be very safe in any area a tourist is likely to find herself.

Leicester Sq is near Soho and Shaftsbury Ave where there are many theatres, near Covent Garden, and near Trafalgar Sq and St Martins in the Field where you might attend an evening concert. It is safe to walk in the area . . . .

Surfergirl

In the four years I worked in London and lived just outside of it (taking the Tube to work), I had no fears and no worries -- rather surprising for a relatively paranoid person from L.A. Okay, I wouldn't go into Brixton or way in the East End late at night, but the center of London -- walked alone at night constantly without fear. If you get a little nervous, just pop into the closest pub. You'll find one on every block.

jpichicago

As any other city, London has it's share of pick pockets, but I've felt more secure in London than in almost any other city in the world. If you use common sense -- avoid dark alleys, and watch your pocket in tourity, congested areas (e.g. train stations) you should have a very enjoyable visit.

FromAtlanta

I've been to London (and a lot of places in England and Edinburgh) by myself. (more than once)

I never had a problem. Just use caution like you would (I hope) any other place.

YOU WILL BE FINE! - If it helps, London has security cameras EVERYWHERE! (I'm not kidding - I saw it on tv) Trust me, you are safe.

FromAtlanta

I forgot to add a bit of advice I got in orientation when I first came to London for a summer semester of college:

Don't get drunk in the bar and let a total stranger "watch your stuff" as you go to the loo.

mocat13

Thanks everybody!! Considering I'm travelling through to Naples, Italy (blah) where i am sort of living. I am always sure about the normal safety issues Thanks again!!!

mgmargate

Are you kidding?You live in Naples and your concerned about saftey in London.

bolt

Another thing to be aware of in London - lots and lots of street people and very agressive panhandlers. Just say 'Sorry mate' when they ask you for money, and have no further commment or contact with them; they're especially bad when the weather's nice and you're sitting at an outdoor table at a pub or restaurant. The locals just take it for granted, but I was a little taken aback by their agressiveness.
Otherwise, I think London is great for a single woman. I lived in Soho by myself for about 6 months, and my favorite restaurants always conducted me to the nicest tables after they got to know me.