London, like any major metropolis, has its darker sides, and while most of the city is perfectly safe, there are a few areas where it’s wise to be cautious, especially after dark.
Brixton
Brixton is known for its lively music scene and cultural diversity, but it also has a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges. While the area has improved significantly in recent years, it’s still a place where you might want to keep your wits about you, especially late at night.
Tottenham
With a rich history and home to passionate football fans, Tottenham also struggles with higher crime rates than other parts of London. After dark, it’s advisable to stay alert and avoid deserted areas, particularly around the Broadwater Farm estate, which has a notorious reputation.
Peckham
Peckham has undergone a lot of gentrification, making it a popular spot for young professionals and creatives; however, some parts of Peckham can still be quite dodgy at night. The area around Rye Lane, for example, can feel a bit unsafe after the shops close and the streets empty out.
Hackney
A trendy area with a thriving nightlife, Hackney is also known for its rough patches. While many parts of Hackney are perfectly safe, there are still some areas where you should be on guard at night, including the Hackney Central and Hackney Downs areas, which can feel a bit sketchy.
Harlesden
The area of Harlesden has a high crime rate, particularly when it comes to gang activity and drug-related crimes, and after dark, Harlesden can feel unsafe, especially if you’re not familiar with the neighbourhood. The streets can be eerily quiet, and some of the estates are best avoided altogether.
Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush is a bustling area with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants, but it also has its dodgy spots. The area around Shepherd’s Bush Market and the Westfield shopping centre is generally safe, but some of the surrounding streets can feel a bit unnerving at night, as there have been reports of muggings and anti-social behaviour.
Finsbury Park
Also one that has struggled with crime in the past, Finsbury Park can be a bit intimidating at night, with poorly lit paths and a history of muggings. The surrounding streets can also feel a bit sketchy after dark, particularly if you’re walking alone.
Elephant and Castle
Elephant and Castle is an area that’s seen a lot of redevelopment, but it’s still a place where you should be cautious at night, as the area has a bit of a reputation for being rough, with higher-than-average crime rates. This is particularly true around the shopping centre and the surrounding estates.
New Cross
A lively area with a strong student presence, thanks to Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross is nonetheless an area with a higher crime rate, particularly when it comes to violent crime. If you’re out in New Cross at night, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-populated areas.
Walthamstow
Walthamstow has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it’s still an area where you should be cautious at night. The area around Walthamstow Central can feel a bit unsafe after the shops close and the streets empty out, and taking a cab or using public transport is a safer option than walking.
Stratford
Home to the impressive Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Westfield shopping centre, Stratford still has its less savoury sides. The area around Stratford station can feel a bit intimidating at night thanks to muggings and anti-social behaviour.
Camden Town
Camden Town is famous for its markets, music scene, and alternative culture, but it’s also an area where you should be cautious at night. The area around Camden Lock and the High Street can get rowdy after dark, with a mix of tourists, locals, and partygoers.
Woolwich
An area with a rich history, but also one that has struggled with crime in recent years, Woolwich and its streets can be eerily quiet at night. Some of the local estates are best avoided, and walking through deserted streets is not recommended.
Kilburn
Kilburn is a diverse and lively area, but it’s also one where you should be cautious at night. The main roads, like Kilburn High Road, are generally safe, but some of the side streets and residential areas can feel dangerous at night, and there have been reports of muggings.
Bethnal Green
Despite Bethnal Green being a trendy area with a mix of old and new, it’s additionally one where you should be cautious at night. If you’re in Bethnal Green at night, it’s best to stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid wandering off into quiet streets.
Whitechapel
Whitechapel is an area steeped in history, and one that has its rough patches, particularly the area around Whitechapel Road which won’t leave you feeling too safe after dark. Public transport in Whitechapel is a safer option if you’re heading home late.
Edmonton
A residential area in North London that has a bit of a reputation for being rough, Edmonton, and the area around Edmonton Green, should be avoided after dark, with higher-than-average crime rates, particularly related to gang activity. The streets can be eerily quiet at night, and some of the local estates are best avoided.
Manor House
Sitting on the border of Hackney and Haringey, Manor House can feel intimidating at certain times of the day. The area around Manor House station has a reputation for muggings and anti-social activity, and the streets can feel deserted after dark.
Southall
Lastly, Southall should be avoided at night, despite it being a vibrant area during the day, and the area around Southall Broadway in particular can feel unsafe after dark. It’s better to stick to the main streets and avoid venturing into any side streets that might be poorly lit.
