London neighborhoods to avoid

To avoid choosing accommodation in a dangerous location, do you want to identify dangerous areas and areas of London to avoid? Indeed, even if London is not a dangerous city, it is better to find out to avoid choosing your rental or hotel in a red-light district of London.

London dangerous neighborhoods

This is what I did by researching reliable information on forums, the media, the business press and by studying some rankings and statistics. The article that I am sharing with you below is therefore only the synthesis of information and figures. It therefore does not involve any judgment or discrimination.

Discover the 2024 guide to identify and avoid certain neighborhoods that are less safe than others in London.

Is London a dangerous city?

London is not one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but it is not one of the safest either.

Indeed, according to the 2024 crime ranking of 328 cities around the world, London would be the 90ème the most "criminal" city in the world with a crime index over 53.37. This level of crime places the British capital in the high average.

By comparison, London is more dangerous than Los Angeles, Milan, Cebu, Cairo ou Toulouse.

See on the map of the most crime-ridden cities on the Numbeo site where London appears in orange (high average crime rate):

London neighborhoods to avoid - europe map
Print Numbéo ranking screen

In fact, this ranking is subjective because it is established according to the opinions and feelings of Internet users who rank the cities according to their own criteria.

However, these indices which indicate a strong insecurity in London are given as an average. But we know very well that insecurity in London is concentrated in certain places. Apart from some neighborhoods, the city of London is no more dangerous than another big city like New York, Paris, Rome ou Barcelona.


Map of neighborhoods to avoid in London

To help you identify the areas of London to avoid listed below, here is a map that you can enlarge to locate them.


Figures on London neighborhoods to avoid

Before giving you the list of the most sensitive neighborhoods in London, here is a well-documented article that compares the main London neighborhoods and boroughs by type of crime and misdemeanor (firearm or knife) and their developments:

London crime statistics: Interactive map and crime rate data Source: https://www.finder.com/uk/london-crime-statistics
Analysis conducted by finder.com/uk

For more details, figures and in-depth information with a map of the most dangerous neighborhoods, do not hesitate to consult the Crime Dashboard on the official website of the Metropolitan Police (Met). Indeed, this administration identifies and publishes in complete transparency statistics on crimes committed in the capital of London.


London red light districts

In London, as in the majority of European capitals, there are red-light districts in the city center that are best avoided when traveling with family.

London's main red light districts are located in the streets around Trafalgar Square and especially to Soho. It is in fact Soho, the most famous red light district in London, which can be visited without any problem during the day but which is best avoided at night (many bars, clubs and places of entertainment for adults).

Which neighborhoods should you avoid in London?

Among the 33 districts of the city of London, here are the main districts which are deemed to be the least “secure” in London (non-exhaustive list):

  • Brixton
  • H
  • Harlesden
  • Peckham
  • Seven Sisters
  • Finsbury Park
  • Stockwell
  • Willesden Junction
  • lime house
  • Canningtown
  • Elephant & castle
  • Lambeth
  • Tower Hamlets

However, here too we must put things into perspective. Indeed, these are not dangerous areas of London but simply the least safe.

Now let's see where exactly these different neighborhoods are.

Harlesden AREA TO AVOID IN LONDON
Street in the Harlesden district

Where are the areas to avoid in London?

Brixton – Dangerous part of London?

Brixton is located south of London and is part of the district (or borough) of Lambeth. This district is known to be a mecca for music, pop and rock (the Clash, David Bowie…). It is a culturally rich district where a population mainly made up of Afro-Caribbeans lives.

Unfortunately it is also a mecca for drug trafficking. More than a hot district (alcohol, prostitutes…), it would be, according to Londoners, a not very popular district of London!


Hackney - Red light district?

This district located in the North East of London has the reputation of being dangerous, especially late at night or at night. It is a very lively district (pubs, clubs, bars, etc.) and avant-garde (ranked by Vogue magazine in the 15 trendiest districts in the world). But in some places, there are many thefts and / or assaults.


Harlesden – Dangerous part of London?

In the North West of central London, this district is part of the Brent district. According to figures from the MET (Metropolitan Police), it would be dangerous because it has (among other things) a high rate of violence against people. See also the article by Mylondon.news


Peckham – Dangerous neighborhood?

South of central London, this district, which is part of the London borough of Southwark, has a very bad reputation for being a dangerous area.

“Peckham is a place of the greatest diversity. Murders in connection with gangs, assaults and robbery with violence are part of the representation we have ” Wikipedia source


Seven Sisters and Finsbury Park - Dangerous neighborhoods?

Here are 2 other neighborhoods not very "secure" very close to each other north of the London capital. Indeed, even if they are quite safe during the day, they have some areas where it is better not to venture at night.


Camberwell – Neighborhood to avoid in London?

South of central London, this district which is located between Brixton and Peckham which, according to many Internet sources, is also to be avoided.

Stockwell - Red Light District?

Yes, this area, right next to Brixton, is not the most dangerous in London but it is known to be another red light area of ​​London.

Willesden Junction - Dangerous neighborhood?

This area has a higher crime rate than the London average.


London is a dangerous city for tourists?

NOT provided you do not walk late at night in the areas listed above. But what must be recognized is that the beautiful historic district of Westminster has a very high rate of thefts and assaults. It is because it is the most touristy in London that it attracts thieves and other delinquents.

So even in Westminster, tourists should be on their toes. Because just like the big cities very visited in Europe (Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Venope), tourists are subject to pickpockets and sometimes attacks.


Best area to stay in London?

The most beautiful and safest areas of London are Mayfair and Marylebone. These are chic, residential neighborhoods which have the advantage of being surrounded by 3 beautiful parks (Hyde Park, Green Park and Saint James Park). Whether for rental or for a hotel, these two neighborhoods are calm and quiet while being close to tourist sites, shops, restaurants.

Other nice neighborhoods and quite popular with bobos: Kensington, Chelsea, Covent Garden (ideal for shopping in London) and Kingston upon Thames.

Which hotel to choose in London?

The hotel that I recommend below is located in the most beautiful areas of London in Mayfair! Its location is ideal for tourists who want visit London on foot. Indeed, it is located 800 meters from Oxford Street and Buckingham Palace. In addition, the Green Park underground station is only 300 m from this magnificent hotel.

14 thoughts on “London areas to avoid”

  1. Greenwich in London is not a dangerous area! I should know, as I lived there for five years and still live very close. The other areas you listed as unsafe are definitely correct.

    1. Thank you for this very useful information for my readers. I have corrected it on the article. Have a nice day in the beautiful English capital!

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