Safest Places to Stay in London in 2025 [& Where to Avoid]
Looking for the safest places to stay in London?
Look no further as in this post I’ve covered the safest places to stay in London, including the safest London areas and best hotels in each one.
As someone who has been there many times, I know deciding where to stay in London can be intimidating. After all – London is a massive city and unlike other cities in Europe it doesn’t really have a central area/old town. Instead there are lots of different neighborhoods in London, so in this guide I’ve detailed the 7 safest places to stay in London to help you find the perfect area for you.
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Don’t have time to read this whole post?
Here are the best & safest places to stay in London:
🇬🇧 Best for first timers: Wilde Aparthotels in Covent Garden
🇬🇧 Nightlife scene: The Resident Soho in Soho
🇬🇧 Best for families: The Resident Kensington in South Kensington
🇬🇧 Historic charm: The Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill
7 Safest Areas to Stay in London for Visitors
Below, you’ll find a guide to the safest places to stay in central London. These locations are perfect for those who are visiting London and want to be in a safe area that is also close to all the main attractions.
1. South Kensington
South Kensington is a beautiful and safe area on London’s west side. The area is more residential and has stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture. You will also find high-end boutique shop and several cultural sites like the Natural History Museum here.
South Kensington is perfect for families as it has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. However there is still plenty to do here, including wandering around Hyde Park or visiting Kensington Palace.
Plus, it is well connected to London’s public transportation system which makes it easy to explore other parts of the city.
🛑 Safety in South Kensington
South Kensington is an affluent neighborhood in London, that is known for being more of a residential area with a low crime rate.
Why Stay in South Kensington
☑️ Safe area in central London
☑️ Perfect for families
☑️ Elegant Victorian architecture
☑️ Close to the lovely Hyde Park
Best Hotels in South Kensington
South Kensington has plenty of great accommodation options. Below are some of the best and highest-rated hotels in this area of London.
📍 Budget-Friendly: Kensington Prime Hotel
📍 Mid-Range: The Resident Kensington
📍 Luxury: The Ampersand Hotel
2. Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is located in central London, near the West End. The convenient location makes it an ideal place for where to stay in London. The area is known for its Georgian and Victorian architecture, and does a good job mixing historic charm with modernity.
Fitzrovia has a rich history as a cultural and intellectual hub, and you will find many art galleries, independent shops, and a wide variety of food options here – from traditional English pubs to international restaurants. It is a less touristy area and will give you a more authentic experience while in London.
🛑 Safety in Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is a well-patrolled area that is considered a safe place to stay in London.
Why Stay in Fitzrovia?
☑️ Less touristy, more local vibe
☑️ Central location near the British Museum, Oxford Street, and the West End.
☑️ Artistic and cultural hub
☑️ Vibrant food & drink scene
Best Hotels in Fitzrovia
Here are some highly-rated hotels in London’s Fitzrovia neighborhood:
📍 Budget-Friendly: The Fitzrovia Belle
📍 Mid-Range: The Rathbone Hotel, Fitzrovia
📍 Luxury: The Mandrake
3. Convent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the best places to stay in London for first-time visitors due to its central location and vibrant atmosphere.
The area is lively and is close to popular places such as the British Museum, Leicester Square, and the West End theaters. It’s best known for being home to the famous Covent Garden Market and having a dynamic food & drink scene.
Covent Garden is easily the best place to stay in London if you are looking for a safe area that is in the center of all the action.
🛑 Safety in Covent Garden
While Covent Garden can be busy, it is considered a safe area of London to stay in. Its popular with both locals and tourists, and the area is well-policed and safe. As with any popular tourist area, you will want to keep an eye out for pickpockets and petty theft.
Why Stay in Covent Garden?
☑️ Home to Covent Garden Market
☑️ The neighborhood blends historic charm with modern London
☑️ Walkable area of London with many boutique shops & restaurants
☑️ Cultural hub with places like the Royal Opera found here
☑️ Vibrant area with street performers, craft vendors, and plenty of food options
Best Hotels in Covent Garden
Covent Garden has tons of hotel options, but below are some highly rated places to stay in this London neighborhood.
📍 Budget-Friendly: The Z Hotel Strand
📍 Mid-Range: Wilde Aparthotels Convent Garden
📍 Luxury: The Savoy Hotel
4. Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is another London neighborhood near Hyde Park. Its an affluent area with elegant architecture, charming streets, and a calmer vibe than many other parts of the city.
Knightsbridge is known for its luxury shopping. This is where you will find Harrods, one of the world’s most famous department stores.
Other nearby attractions include the Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park.
🛑 Safety in Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest areas to stay in London. The neighborhood is also quite secure and well-patrolled.
Why Stay in Knightsbridge?
☑️ Beautiful atmosphere with elegant architecture
☑️ Luxury shopping, including the famous Harrods Department Store
☑️ Upscale, yet calmer vibe compared to other areas of London
☑️ Near beautiful green spaces like Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Best Hotels in Knightsbridge
Looking for where to stay in Knightsbridge? Here are some of the best hotels in this London neighborhood:
📍 Mid-Range: Beaufort House
📍 Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
5. Soho
Another popular London neighborhood, Soho is an excellent choice for those who want to experience some of London’s vibrant nightlife.
This is the perfect place to stay for those who want to experience some of London’s best art & music scene or to enjoy some of the bars and clubs.
The neighborhood is very walkable, with plenty of food and drink options. From trendy cafes to eclectic eateries, you can find it all in Soho.
🛑 Safety in Soho
Soho is a safe area in London. While it can get busy there is also a good size police presence, especially at night.
Why Stay in Soho
☑️ Located in the heart of London with convenient access to other areas
☑️ Vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues
☑️ Lively & fun part of London that is still safe at night
☑️ Unique boutique shops, trendy cafes, and quirky eateries
☑️ Close to London’s West End Theater District
Best Hotels in Soho
Below are some of the best hotels in London’s Soho district.
📍 Budget-Friendly: The Z Hotel Soho
📍 Mid-Range: The Resident Soho
📍 Luxury: Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
6. Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is an area in London that is best known for being a rich cultural and academic hub, as it is home to famous institutions such as the British Museum and the University of London.
Bloomsbury is also very centrally located, making it a fantastic choice of where to stay in London. Its nearby other popular London neighborhoods such as Covent Garden, Soho, and the West End.
Bloomsbury is also quite charming, especially with its Georgian architecture and historic squares like Russell Square and Bloomsbury Square.
🛑 Safety in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury has low crime rates and is a safe area in London to stay. This area has well-lit streets and has good security. It is home to the University of London and isa safe place for both students and tourists alike.
Why Stay in Bloomsbury?
☑️ Beautiful Georgian architecture and historic squares
☑️ Cultural hub – home to the British Museum and University of London
☑️ Centrally located London neighborhood
☑️ Lots of restaurant options
Best Hotels in Bloomsbury
Here are some of the best places to stay in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood:
📍 Mid-Range: The Bloomsbury Hotel
📍 Mid-Range: Radisson Blu Hotel
7. Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a charming neighborhood in London that has more of a residential feel. Its ideal for those looking for a safe area of the city that is a bit on the calmer side and also less touristy.
Notting Hill is best known for its quaint streets that are filled with colorful houses. The area mixes old world charm with a laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxing trip to London.
Not only is there a lot going on within this area of London, but its also easy to hop on the tube and quickly reach other areas of the city.
🛑 Safety in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a quiet and well-maintained area that has a community/residential feel . As it is a less touristy area, there are fewer tourist targeted crimes such as pickpocketing and petty theft.
Why Stay in Notting Hill
☑️ Picturesque streets, colorful houses, and charming mews
☑️ Located close to Paddington Train Station
☑️ Plenty of cafes & restaurant choices, from trendy brunch spots to fine dining
☑️ Home to the Portobello Road Market which has everything from antiques to fresh food
Best Hotels in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a beautiful neighborhood that has more of a residential feel. However, there are still a few great hotels in Notting Hill.
📍 Budget-Friendly: Urbany Hostel London
📍 Mid-Range: Ruby Zoe Hotel London
📍 Luxury: The Portobello Hotel
Areas in London to Avoid Staying In
I want to preface this section by saying that these areas aren’t completely dangerous, and locals to London may find them perfectly safe. However, some of these areas have had higher crime rates when compared to other parts of London.
East London
East London was once known for being a less safe part of the city due to its high poverty levels and higher crime rates.
While this may still be the case in some parts of East London, other parts (such as Shoreditch) have become gentrified and popular over recent years. These parts of East London have also seen major improvements on safety.
Due to this, East London is safe to visit. However, I would avoid staying in the following East London neighborhoods: Tower Hamlets and Newham.
South London
South London also tends to have higher crime rates compared to other areas. For example, the neighborhood of Southwark tends to have higher rates of theft compared to other parts of London.
Southwark is a popular tourist area, and I feel safe walking around here but I’d recommend being extra cautious of theft.
Other South London neighborhoods have worse reputations when it comes to crime, including violent crimes (most violent crimes tend to be gang related and don’t target tourists). Most of these neighborhoods are further removed from central London and aren’t where tourists would venture into anyways.
As a tourist in London, I’d avoid the areas like Brixton, Croydon, and Lewisham.
Westminster
Believe it or not – the popular area of Westminster ranks quite high for having issues with crime, specifically theft.
Westminster is home to some of the most popular attractions in London, including the iconic Big Ben. While Westminster is safe to visit (and to stay in), I’d recommend some of the neighborhoods that have less issues with theft and more character/charm.
Safest Places to Stay in London for First Time Visitors
Anytime I visit a new city, safety is definitely a priority. So, I completely understand that one of the concerns for first time visitors is to find somewhere safe to stay in London, that is also central to everything you want to experience.
The good news is there are several great London neighborhoods that are ideal for first-time visitors.
If you are looking to be in the center of the action, I’d recommend staying in Convent Garden, Bloomsbury, or Soho.
If you are looking for a quieter, family-friendly area then South Kensington is a perfect choice or for an upscale version head to Knightsbridge.
For somewhere that is central yet a little more of a local vibe than neighborhoods like Notting Hill or Fitzrovia.
Tips for Staying Safe in London
No matter where you stay in London, its always a good idea to follow common safety precautions. Below are some of my best tips for staying safe in London:
- Keep careful watch over any valuable items as pickpockets can be common, especially on public transport or at major attractions when you are distracted.
- Avoid protests – if you see a protest going on just leave that area.
- Don’t walk by yourself late at night, especially in areas you aren’t familiar with. Instead take a taxi or an Uber late at night.
- While rare, terrorist attacks have occurred in the UK. Its good to be cautious of your surroundings (especially at places of worship, major events, or on major holidays). Don’t let this deter you from coming to the UK, just be aware of things going on around you.
- If you are a US citizen, enroll in the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler STEP program. This will help you to receive information on any safety alerts when abroad and also can help the US embassy to locate you in case of an emergency.
- Check the US Department of State’s UK Advisory page for any travel advisories or safety advice. You can also refer to Canada’s UK Advisory page.
FAQ: Safest Places to Stay in London
There are many safe areas to stay in London, especially on the city’s western side. Some of the safest London neighborhoods include Notting Hill, Little Venice, Richmond, South Kennsington, Bloomsbury, Maida Vale, and Fitzrovia. Popular tourist areas such as the West End, Soho, and Convent Garden are also very safe places to stay in London.
Hyde Park is a safe area, especially during the daytime. Hyde Park is also surrounded by some of the safest areas in London such as South Kensington and Knightsbridge. However, as with any big city it may be best to avoid walking around Hyde Park by yourself late at night.
Covent Garden is the best area to stay in London for first time visitors. Covent Garden has a central location, great public transportation connections, and is home to the iconic Covent Garden market with a variety of restaurants and shops. Plus, its a charming and safe area to stay in London.
The Wrap-Up: Safest Places to Stay in London
When visiting a major city such as London, finding a safe place to stay is essential in helping you enjoy your trip. The above 7 neighborhoods are some of the safest places to stay in London, plus each one has so much to offer – from historic charm to proximity to some of the best attractions in the city.
Planning a longer trip to Europe? Why not visit Paris next! Like London, Paris has so much history, culture, beautiful landmarks, and hidden gems. If you decide to visit – check out my guide on the safest places to stay in Paris.
