London is a vibrant and bustling city filled with history, culture, and exciting nightlife. However, like any major city, there are areas where it’s best to exercise caution, especially after dark. Here’s a rundown of 20 places in London where you might want to avoid walking alone at night.
Camden Town
“Camden is among the top 20 most dangerous boroughs in London,” according to Crimerate. While it’s famous for its alternative culture and vibrant nightlife during the day, at night, it can become a hotspot for rowdy crowds and, sometimes, less savoury activities. The narrow streets and alleyways can feel intimidating, so it’s best to visit with friends or in a group.
Shoreditch
A trendy hotspot for nightlife, full of bars and clubs, Shoreditch is generally safe; nevertheless, the backstreets and alleyways can be less so. After a night out, these areas can feel isolated and risky, so stick to main roads and busy areas if you’re on foot—or better yet, travel with friends.
Brixton
Although it’s undergone significant regeneration and is now known for its lively music scene and multicultural vibe, Brixton still has pockets that can be unsafe, particularly late at night. The area around Brixton station can attract suspicious characters, so it’s wise to remain alert and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
Peckham
Peckham is another area experiencing rapid change, with many trendy bars and restaurants popping up. Despite this, it retains a reputation for being unsafe after dark. Some streets are poorly lit, and the risk of encountering trouble increases late at night.
Elephant and Castle
Known for its busy transport hub and vibrant mix of cultures, Elephant and Castle is also an area that can feel less than safe after the sun goes down. The large, sprawling area, with many underpasses and isolated spots, makes it a place where you should be cautious.
Hackney
Hackney is an area brimming with creativity and nightlife, but it also has its share of problems when it comes to safety at night. Certain parts of Hackney can be quite desolate and poorly lit, making them potentially dangerous for those walking alone. Stay in well-populated areas and consider using a cab service for late-night travel.
Tottenham
While there have been significant improvements over the years, some parts of Tottenham remain challenging—especially after dark. The area around Tottenham Hale can feel isolated and deserted at night, increasing the risk of unwanted encounters, so it’s always best to travel with others or use public transport instead of walking on your own.
Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park is a bustling area during the day, but it can change character when it gets dark. The park itself and the surrounding streets can become quite deserted and aren’t very well lit, so it’s advisable to avoid walking in the park after dark.
Whitechapel
Rich in history and culture, Whitechapel can still feel intimidating at night. Some areas around the station and side streets can be poorly lit and very isolated, so it’s best to explore this area near the main roads and busier places, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the neighbourhood.
Stratford
The Olympic Park and Westfield shopping centre have transformed Stratford, yet you still need to be wary of some parts at night. The area around the station and quieter streets can be particularly unsettling if it’s not during the day or if you’re alone.
Newham
Diverse and bustling, Newham still has areas that can be risky at night. The borough has a higher crime rate than some others, and certain streets can feel unsafe any time of the day. So stay in the busiest, well-lit areas and tick this off as another place in London you shouldn’t venture into alone.
Woolwich
Woolwich is known for its history and development projects, but it also has a reputation for being unsafe in certain parts of the day. Some areas, particularly around the ferry and the town centre, can feel deserted and intimidating. It’s wise to travel with others and be cautious when walking alone after night falls.
Southwark
You’d describe Southwark as an eclectic mix of old and new, with plenty of attractions. However, parts of it can seem dangerous at night, particularly close to the borough market and some quieter streets.
Walthamstow
Although it’s true that Walthamstow has become quite trendy, parts of it are best avoided completely if you want to stay safe. The streets around the central station can be particularly intimidating when they empty out. Travel with friends or take a cab if you’re out late to ensure your safety.
Lewisham
Lewisham is a bustling hub during the day, but come the evening, certain locations are less than safe for someone travelling without company. The town centre can be a bit unsettling when the crowds thin out, and some residential streets are poorly lit. Only walk in areas with better lighting.
Haringey
Haringey is one area of London that’s diverse and vibrant when the sun’s shining, but like many other boroughs, it has its share of less safe areas. Certain streets can be quite lonely and shadowed in the evening, making anyone walking them feel a little wary.
Ilford
If you don’t want to venture anywhere dangerous in the city during the evening, then you’ll want to avoid Ilford, especially if you’re visiting alone. The town centre and surrounding streets can become quite deserted, which can be intimidating for the unseasoned traveller. Ensure you have company if you’re out late.
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green, with its mix of cultures and history, can be an interesting place to explore—during the day, that is. However, it has its fair share of safety concerns after dark, thanks to many streets with inadequate street lighting. It’s best to stay in well-populated areas.
Croydon
The good thing about Croydon is that it has undergone significant development over the years; the bad thing is it retains some areas that can feel unsafe at night. The main part of Croydon can be quite deserted when the sun sets, leaving it feeling quiet and isolated—so always be cautious.
Harlesden
One final place in London you should never walk alone at night is Harlesden. This area is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant community but also for parts that are a little more dangerous after hours, which is where you don’t want to be as a solo walker.