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Solo Travel in London

I am planning a trip to London the start of June and this will be my first time traveling solo outside of the country. I am very familiar with the culture and history of London, but as a young female traveler I would like to get more information about the safety of the city. Are there certain areas I should look to book a hotel in that are more safe? I enjoy going out at night and wonder if it's safe to go to a pub at night alone? I'm familiar with the European culture and have previously traveled to Italy, Germany, Austria and Netherlands but have always had at least one person with me.

Any suggestions are helpful :)

Posted by
662 posts

Have you found any areas/hotels you like? Anywhere central west zone 1 will be fine, if not cheap... And its light out until gone 10pm in June... But you've really nothing to worry about if applying common sense as emma said.

Posted by
2805 posts

London is very safe, just use your common sense. The London Elizabeth Hotel is great, great location. It's two minutes from Lancaster Tube station, across the street from Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens and with a great pub The Swan around the corner a five minute walk.

Posted by
993 posts

How nice for you. I'd murder for the chance to go to London on my own. Or maybe with my BF. Remember what Rick said. If you want to be on your own in a pub, sit at a table. If you want to be more sociable sit at the bar. The neighborhood Robinz describes is quite safe and a good location too.
Also on the home page you can click on Hotel and Restaurant Reviews. Maybe that will help a little.

Posted by
149 posts

Hi Jenna- I spent time in London last year and am going again in May, and I am also a young(ish) female traveller. I spent a lot of time alone there and it was a great trip. I commend you for being brave enough to travel alone. The best part of it is getting to do everything YOU want.. As others said, just use your common sense. If you have ever spent time in any big city in America, just think of it the same way when it comes to safety. Depending on how long you will be there, I suggest some day trips out of the city if you are able to squeeze it in. I hope you have fun.

Posted by
1010 posts

If you are interested in seeing London proper, the Cotswolds, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle, etc. you might want to look into day trips served by Evan Evans tours. They do a great job. Their London city tour is fantastic. and thorough.

Posted by
4088 posts

Walking tours, especially if organized by a hostel, provide instant conversation for an hour or two. As to chummy discussions in pubs, American guests traditionally have found the English to be stand-offish. The English nature is genuinely a little more reserved. They, meanwhile, find Americans impolite and even pushy. A friendly smile over a pint will sweep these vast generalizations away. Anyhow, London is such a United Nations city that you may find yourself meeting others from around the world, particularly those tending bar in the pubs.

Posted by
565 posts

London is one of my favorite cities and it is very safe. I would consider AirBnb or HomeAway in addition to a hotel as these can be less expensive and in neighborhood areas known for their nightlife. Look into Shoreditch, Hackney, and Hoxton in the East End for a fun, young vibe without sacrificing safety. West End neighborhoods are usually quite nice too but are more expensive. As a solo female traveler, I would only advise you to watch your belongings like you do here, and don't go nuts with the alcohol intake. Keep your wits about you. You'll be fine. Street harassment is much less common in London than it is in Italy, France, or Spain, but not unheard of, especially on weekend nights near stag parties. Ignore and move on.

Posted by
251 posts

Thank you for all your replies! I will be setting up the trip with Gat1Travel and the hotel will either be "Lancaster Gate Hotel" near Hype Park or "Thistle City Barbican". Both look like they are in good locations.

Does anyone have any recommendations for getting around London? I don't like doing taxis since they are usually expensive and I enjoy taking public transit.

Posted by
662 posts

Just in London... The Tube (underground) with 270 stations will get you anywhere u need to go, another 112 Overground stations going a little further out, 45 DLR stations, hundreds of bus routes, river busses, Boris bikes and good old walking... Getting around is super easy. Get an Oyster card 👍 You then have national and international rail and coach services for places outside London.

Posted by
251 posts

Thanks!!! I feel a lot better about taking the step to travel alone outside of the country for the first time! I am always worried about safety being a young female traveler, but I'm thinking London would be a great place to start my adventure.

Posted by
9264 posts

Go for the Lancaster Gate option. You'll be very close to Hyde Park, 10 minute walk (if that much) from the Lancaster Tube station to the hotel. Typical London architecture. 15 minute walk to Paddington Station. The area is fine. I stay close by. Travel solo and am often out and about after dark returning from a pub meal or theatre or one of the London walks. www.walks.com. The Swan on Bayswater is a bit touristy for me but convenient to you. My old favorite the Leinster Arms is now a gastro pub. Sigh.

Don't miss experiencing a market. You'll be very close to Portobello Road. Its a pleasant 1.5 mile walk from the hotel. Walk along Bayswater Rd to Queensway and turn right at the Hilton. Follow Queensway through the Bayswater neighborhood on up to Westbourne Road and turn left. If you wish to start at the very beginning of the Portabello Road Market veer left at Cheapshow Villas off of Westbourne. If you don't care stay on Westbourne till it hits Portobello. You'll only miss a block and a half of the market if you turn right. Good coffee and pastries and a nice place to stop is Gail's Artisan bakery. It's about a block and a 1/2 from where Westbourne runs into Portobello Rd. Lots to see in London. Great city. Have a wonderful visit!!!

Posted by
2600 posts

as a young female solo traveller the best thing you could have done would be to stay in youth hostels - almost certain you would meet like-minded travellers and go out and enjoy the city together

in hoping to strike up conversations in pubs you might make unwanted friends!

Posted by
810 posts

In addition to Evan Evans tours, you should check out London Walks. They have great guides and cover a wide range of sights - there are 2-hour walks in various parts of London, as well as daytrips outside the city. I've never gone on one of their daytrips but have done several of the shorter walks, including a pub walk around Chelsea one evening where I got to try several different Pimms cups. All were fun, interesting, and very well done. The best part is you don't need to make a reservation; just show up at the proper time and place.

Have a wonderful trip!

Posted by
9264 posts

http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/. Not as busy on Tuesday but still occurring and the walk is very nice. Be sure to walk down to Goldbourne market. Food stalls. There are also wonderful stores along Portobello road. Check out the Vinyl cafe and Pylones. For your visit I also suggest Camden Lock market and a walk along the Regent Canal. Enjoy.

Posted by
101 posts

((((waving hello))))
I'm beginning my first trip to Europe in London this June 😊 staying beside Hyde Park as well. Thx for the tips friends... Oh ya I'm a solo girl.... Young at heart 40

Posted by
1206 posts

I think it is great your going to London in June. It really is a great city and you will enjoy it. Make sure you get the RS London guide book, take a look into going to see a play at least once during the time your there. The London theatre is excellent and you can go to the ticket's booth to get a discounted ticket. It is a nice way to fill up an evening alone and also take a look at going to churches to hear Evensong. Another nice way to have something to do at night. Take a look at the week long RS London tour ( I took the tour and it is excellent) on this website which will give you ideas on what to see and do.

I also suggest you go to Deborah Gruber website https://about.me/deborahguber -- An Independent Traveler. She is a college professor that started traveling to Europe on her own and her first trip abroad was London. Her website or blog is really good and she details her stay in London. You may find some interesting information about what to see and do and her experiences traveling along as a solo female traveler.

Have a great time and safe travels. Best, Ann