A solo trip to London is a perfect way to see the world alone as a woman. London is one of my favorite cities as it has a lot to offer solo female travelers and families or groups. From rich history, and famous sights that you’ve probably read in books, to skyscrapers, great parks, and gardens, you can never run out of things to do in this beautiful European city.
Like you, I research the safety of any place I plan to travel to. London is safer to visit than major cities in the USA. But as in every city, you should be cautious, as petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams are prevalent.
Hence, in this solo female travel to London guide, I will share safety tips, ideas of where to stay, the best places to visit, how to get around London, and more.
Also read; Best European Solo Travel Destinations in 2025.
Is London Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
With law enforcement and security agents around neighborhoods, London is a safe city for solo female travelers. London made 15th place for the safest cities in the world in the Economist’s 2021 Safe Cities Index.
One of the things that makes the United Kingdom safer than some other Western countries is the strict laws against carrying firearms. So, you would not likely witness the crime of weapon possession in London.
But crimes such as pickpocketing, scams, and sexual assault happen, especially in tourist areas like Leicester Square and Oxford Street. Of course, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of these crimes by:
- Staying aware of your surroundings.
- Never travel alone by night.
- Avoid carrying lots of cash and valuables around.
- Have London emergency contacts handy if you feel threatened.
Solo Female Travel to London – Safe Places to Visit
While in London, here are 7 safe places to visit and things to do alone.
1. The British Museum
The British Museum, London
Start your vacation to London with an educational visit to the British Museum. The museum holds one of the largest collections in the world with artifacts arranged by location.
Some of the big hitters include Rosetta Stone carved in 196 BC, an ornate iron helmet, and jewelry from the 7th century Sutton Hoo burial site. It is a popular tourist spot in London, seeing about 6.5 million visitors every year.
You can spend a lifetime in the museum as there are lots of galleries to visit. Although admission is free, I’ll advise you to get the audio app for £4.99 which has self-guided themed tours and information on over 250 objects.
However, if you’re looking to interact with other tourists, you should consider paying £14 for the guided “Around the World” tour. This takes you around the big hitters but bear in mind that it involves a great deal of walking.
2. London Eye
Solo Female Travel to London – London Eye
Located along the Thames River is the iconic place in London which you must have seen in movies or books. The London Eye is another top attraction in the city and is almost always packed full of people. But, it’s worth a visit anyway!
Take the 30-minute tour of the capsules for amazing views of London including, the House of Parliament, The Shard, the Dome of St. Paul, and more.
Be there early in the morning to beat the queue especially if you’re traveling during the peak season.
3. Tower of London
The Tower of London
If you want to learn about British history, the Tower of London is where you should go. It is a 1000-year castle that was first a secure fortress, a royal palace, and then an infamous prison.
Now, it houses the Crown Jewels displayed to the public. You can tour alone or pay for the famous Beefeaters Tour which is a tour by the Yeoman Warders who have protected the tower for centuries. The 2-3 hour guided tour is usually fun due to the story-telling abilities of the Yeoman Warders.
While here, don’t miss out on the age-long ceremony called the Ceremony of Keys. A ceremony used to lock the towers at night.
Although the ticket price to the Tower of London is high at £44.26 per adult, I still strongly recommend you try it. Book in advance as tickets sell out fast.
4. Westminster Abbey
Must-Visit Attraction in London – Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a stunning historic landmark in London that is worth an afternoon visit.
Apart from the admirable architecture, you will see the coronation corner where kings are crowned, the tomb of Elizabeth I and Mary Tudor. Also, in the Abbey, you will see the final resting place of famous poets like Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
You can also stay for the evening song service to listen to beautiful choral music.
5. Big Ben
Best Places to Visit in London – Big Ben
Big Ben is every visitor’s dream when visiting London. The great bell officially called Elizabeth Tower is another historic icon of Britain.
You can book tickets free of charge via the UK Parliament website and join a tour to climb the 336 steps to witness the Big Ben strike.
At the top, you will get breathtaking views of the city.
6. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, London
For solo female travelers to London, this is a great place to relax from sightseeing the city, just stretch your legs, have a packed lunch and drink, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
It is the perfect spot to have a feel of Central London. Make sure your camera is handy, so you can take pictures with Nelson’s Column. From there, visit the National Gallery close by to see a vast collection of paintings.
7. Borough Market
Borough Market, London
The best way to conclude this solo female travel to London guide is to tell you where and what to eat – and Borough Market is the place. The market is one of London’s oldest and largest food markets where you can find fresh British foods at affordable rates.
Join a food and market tour, so you don’t miss any of the best stalls. While here, try the oyster at Richard Haward and the traditional sausage rolls at the Ginger Pig.
If you’re a vegetarian, you should eat the chocolate-coated strawberry at Gujarati Food Platter, Dosa, cheese, and coconut tarts. The mulled wine is also great to taste.
Other things you can do are to visit Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and Afternoon Tea, an expensive ritual in London.
Best Places to Stay in London for Solo Female Travelers
London is one of the most expensive places in Europe and you can see this in the prices of hotels or accommodations. However, booking ahead of your visit and keeping an eye out for promotions or discounts can save you money.
Apart from that, factors like safety, transportation links, and choosing accommodations close to attractions, are important when you’re on the lookout for where to stay in London.
Safe Areas to Stay in London
Bearing the above factors in mind, these are the best places to stay in London for solo female travelers:
- Covent Garden – this place is vibrant and well-connected by public transport.
- Bayswater – has a good transportation link and is close to attractions
- Westminster –
- Kensington – this place is a quiet and upscale area in London.
- Bloomsbury – offers affordable and safe accommodations.
Where to Stay in London – Accommodation Recommendations
For this solo female travel to London guide, here are my recommendations on where to stay.
Budget Hotels
Budget travelers can stay at the Premier Inn, Travelodge or The Resident Kensington are the right hotels for you.
Premier Inn and Travelodge have safe budget hotel chains around the city with proximity to the London Tube Station. The rooms are usually neat with essential amenities.
Rooms in The Resident Kensington even come with a mini-kitchen at affordable prices. The prices of these hotels are under £200 per night which is cheap for London.
Mid-Budget Hotels
For mid-budget stays, Hilton London Bankside is a great option with spacious rooms and good room service. It is a 5-minute walk to Blackfriars Train Station. So, if you plan on taking the train to and from the airport, this is a convenient place to stay.
Other options I recommend include Kimpton Fitzroy and The Waldorf Hilton.
Luxury Hotels
If you have a higher budget, some luxurious options in the city center are Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Rosewood London, The Savoy, and The Ritz.
Solo Female Travel to London – How to Get Around London Safely
As a big city, London offers diverse ways of moving around. However, for solo female travelers in London, here are safe ways to travel around the city.
- Public Transportation
Use the Tube (London Underground), buses, and trains during the day. Make sure to opt for carriages with other passengers.
- Taxis
Another way of getting around London is by using private taxis. This is a safe option especially at night because you will be dropped off at your destination. But choose licensed black cabs and note the driver’s details.
- Uber or Rideshare Apps
This is another safe option to move around the city. Just like the taxis, make sure to note the driver’s details.
- Walking Routes
London has a lot of alleyways and dimly lit areas. Stick to the main roads and avoid the alleyways, especially at night.
The bottom line is to stay aware of your surroundings and be alert. In addition, keep your valuables close on public transport or while walking.
Emergency Contacts and Resources for Solo Female Travelers to London
It’s important to know the local emergency numbers when you visit a new location. Hence, in this solo female travel to London guide, these are emergency contacts you must have at hand:
- 999 for emergencies
- 101 for non-urgent police
- 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 for the transport police.
Best Time for a Solo London Trip
The best time for a solo trip to London depends on your preference. Summer (June to August) is usually the peak season; the weather is hot, attractions are packed full of tourists and accommodations are more expensive.
But, visiting in spring (April to May) and in autumn (September to October), there are fewer crowds and the temperature is mild.
Winter in London comes with the festive season where Christmas decorations light the streets and you can visit the Christmas markets or catch a show at London’s West End. However, January and February are the quieter months for budget travel.
Solo Female Travel to London – Final Thoughts
London is one of the safest cities for solo female travel. No barrier in language as the city has an English-speaking population which gives solo travelers confidence. There are also iconic sites, museums, parks and gardens, and many other fun things to see and do in the big city.
In addition, some basic London customs you should be aware of is that Londoners queue for everything. Hence, don’t be surprised if you have to queue at attractions. Also, Londoners stand on the right-hand side of escalators, so people can pass on the left.
Have you ever traveled alone? Share your solo travel experience in the comments!
If you’re planning a trip, let’s help with your itinerary. Check out more information on travel guides and destinations on Tour Vertex.
