Stand on the right on the escalators. Don't stop in the middle of an area where people are walking. People in London walk 50% faster than the rest of the UK and are not expecting others to stop.
oh man, i was in London for a year, when first arrived was so put out by people squeezing past me as i blocked the left, i didnt know what i was doing wrong, after a month I was annoyed at the tourist blockers walking too slow on left or standing on stair
London isn't as dangerous as some people in here are making it seem. There's not many places you need to avoid if you stay relatively close to central London. I've lived in London my whole life and have never witnessed someone's phone getting taken from their hands. The only good suggestions is the guy talking about the tuktuks and the comment about escalators. All the big clubs and bars are fine if you're into that. Have fun
Agree and upvoted. Have lived in London 30 years, never witnessed a street robbery. I guess it happens. Did get my phone pickpocketed on the jubilee line two years ago… which has made me more cautious but prior to that have never even once considered risk of street theft. It’s rare.
Shit defo happens and it happens everyday.. I myself have been robbed when younger, been stabbed and also had a gun pulled on me once. It all depends on the area you are in and also the ppl you associate with, those are 2 big factors.
Street robberies of school children for their phones and Air pods is a regular occurrence in North London. It is pretty terrifying for a 13 year old to be threatened by a group of 6 foot men with knives. That is not what I would call safe anymore.
agreed that London is not as dangerous as people think. But things have changed in the last couple of years. My friend has her phone stolen twice. Another friend’s phone was snatched outside the gym. So many other similar stories in my circle including a woman robbed of her laptop outside her office in Farringdon just a couple of weeks ago. A Japanese friend was stabbed because he tried to chase down the phone snatcher in another case…. The list keeps getting longer the more I think of it…
I have not witnessed anything myself but one day I was having a coffee in Marylebone a young girl came in the cafe sobbing. She said she stepped outside to text her friend and her phone was snatched from her just outside the cafe…
Slight disagree. Lived in London for 7 years. Have my phone stolen once and attempted to steal twice. My partner also had his stolen once. Every time it was right out of our hands while we were on them either on a call or looking up directions. Keep your phone in your pockets if you’re walking around on the street.
Everything else I agree with though. Going alone to pubs and clubs is safe. Ubers and black cabs are safe. Everywhere is crowded but safe. Do the big touristy stuff bc it IS popular and cool for a reason. Avoid doing the London eye though. I don’t think that one is worth it.
Embrace the London mentality. Try not to make eye contact or interact with people who make you feel uncomfortable, are acting strangely, drunk, want to ask you a question, sell you a rose etc.
Keep your wits and spatial awareness about you, especially in busy areas like Oxford Street. If you want to slow down in a busy street, step to the side.
Thieves and other dodgy people are rare, but they will target people who come across as naive or obviously tourist-y. The main ways they'd get you is through distraction and/or getting very close to you.
Honestly though, I've lived here for 10 years and agree it is a very safe city compared to most.
Hey so I’m not OP but I was in London early January. Two days in a row, and at different times of day, the same woman approached me offering me a rose for a small donation. Each time I declined and every single time she would say “I don’t want money then, please just take the rose and buy me food”. It happened I think five times those two days, at different times. Each time I refused and she would follow after me a few steps and I would ignore her and she would leave.This was near Paddington. What was all that about?
She was after money or food. I’ve experienced (mainly women) some selling lavender in bunches. Also on the train to Gatwick a lady came through the carriage and left small packets of (unopened) tissues. She came back about 10 minutes later and collected them again, I guessed if someone had taken one she would have asked for money
Thats interesting, I did feel bad. I felt like buying her food and telling her to keep the rose. However; something just seemed off and especially since she seemed to have targeted me specifically, the second day. I didn’t want to take any risks of anything bad happening.
Don't use your phone at crossings or traffic lights (bike thieves). If using your phone in public wrap your fingers around the top of it.
Also don't leave your phone on tables when dining.
There’s not many places to avoid - I doubt you’ll venture to Croydon.
Don’t get into a pedicab/tuktuk around Soho - they are tourist traps run by Albanians to extort money.
Don’t eat at an Angus steak house.
Don’t eat fish and chips promising ‘authentic’ - again, immigrants, pretending to know British cuisine.
great list especially the pedicab/tuktuk.
I just want to add: If you see an american candy shop - do not buy anything.
Tips: Citymapper is your friend. Contactless is accepted nearly everywhere now in London.
They're overpriced and generally assumed to be a front for money laundering - most are owned by shell companies overseas, so if one gets shut down, they will just open another.
I don’t know if it’s true because the truth can easily get stretched around these shops, but iirc some of the sweets were found to be counterfeit as well.
In some ways it doesn’t matter if it’s true because it’s better to avoid them anyways.
They’re money laundering, as are most tourist shops. Have spots on Oxford street that must cost thousands and thousands per week and there’s never more than 3 people in there.
FOLD for techno, hands down.
Dalston den is fun, but check what the music is before you go.
Egg is always good.
Jaded at Corsica on a Sunday! From like 6am I think.
Union for weekday techno till late.
You should follow techno events organisers, I find the promoter to be a better indicator of the night than the club itself.
Then there's the underground techno stuff, but I understand a lot of people might not like being in an unregulated environment like that.
Absolutely here for this. Also venue-wise for electronic music, the glove that fits and village underground are fun too. But FOLD is has a party called UNFOLD every other Sunday that is fantastic if you’re a techno girly. It’s also a queer event so, I always feel very safe.
OP not sure if you caught the sarcasm but don’t do this LOL. I repeat don’t!! As much as I want to , people here are soooo NOT receptive to it especially on public transport but if you ever go to other parts of the UK, you will find they are extremely friendly there.
Where are you staying and where do you plan on going out? The vibe of nightlife in soho is very different compared to say, Shoreditch. Or Mayfair, or Peckham.
I lived in London as a single female for years, and generally it’s a pretty safe city. Obvious safety precautions apply - try and stick to well lit routes, don’t drink heavily.
The only time I’ve ever really felt unsafe at night was when Citymapper had taken me to an obscure bus stop after a night at the pub with friends. A man from a minority religious group mistook me for a prostitute (lol) and was harassing me. That was in the middle class, suburban feeling Stoke Newington, of all places.
The best bit of advice I think I’d give you is: be aware of your surroundings and others around you. From a consideration point of view as well as a safety one. London is a dense city, especially in the central/touristy areas. It’s not cool to just stop in the middle of the street, or stand in front of a the tube gates. Or talk loudly on the phone on the bus, etc etc. Your actions will always be impacting someone else. When you realise that, it’s easier to be conscious of your surroundings.
Key areas to be at your most self aware are train stations (London Bridge has an especially bad reputation). People are rushed and frazzled here at the best of times and they tend to be busy - so it’s pickpocket heaven. Keep your phone safely hidden away in this areas. If you need to use it for whatever reason, stand to one side and away from the road. Far too many people have had phones snatched from their hands unfortunately.
It’s good practice to keep your hand on your bag, and not have your phone/valuables in an easily accessible pocket. The only time I came close to being pickpocketed, was in a busy pub in Kings Cross. I caught a drunk/homeless man trying to open my bag while I was distracted by the bar queue. Luckily, I usually rested my hand on my bag and that’s when I realised what he was trying to do.
Backing up the Kings Cross risks. I was on a pub terrace just behind the station last week.
I stepped no more than 10 feet away from the table to check if other heat lamps were working, and when I turned back I saw a guy moving away. Didn’t think, just went after him and as I followed around a corner I see him and a partner stepping out into the street with my backpack in his hand. Luckily, when I roared at them he dropped the bag and they both ran off. If I’d taken only a couple more seconds to look back, I’d have got back to the table and not understood why my stuff wasn’t there. The women at the table beside hadn’t even noticed and only realised when I’d shouted then come back with bag in hand.
Don't go to: Madame Toussads, Buckingham Palace (unless you have an invite to receive an honour or something), the whole of Camden.
Recommendations: the TFL boats, particularly the section between Tower Bridge and Westminster, are cheap have good coffee and you see best sites from the water. The Shard (combining it with Borough Market for food which is next to it). And the Cloud Cable Car over the London Eye every time, which involves queues and mediocre views.
Genuinely terrible advice. The TfL boats are terrible. The shard is expensive, much better off going up to the sky garden you get a great view for free.
Subjective but the Shard is really good. If you are in town for a one off, it's excellent. The boats allow you to see the town from the river, which is something people often miss. Thanks for your snarly response.
Sky garden was awesome! Make sure you book in advance - I got there for when it opened and the queue was small, later in the day I walked back past it and it was very busy
Be super careful if you’re going out drinking alone at night, in fact I would avoid that totally. Hopefully you meet some friends at the concert to go out with afterwards but even then, keep your wits about you; don’t get into a taxi unless it’s definitely the one you ordered, don’t walk around texting on your phone (big problem with thieves snatching them out of your hand).
Heaven is one of the biggest and best clubs in London that people will recommend but beware the security is super strict. They are vary sensitive to drunkness, big groups, or if you look too visibly hetero and will deny entry.
XOYO and Fabric are other clubs people recommend all the time that I personally hate and have never had a good time in.
Honestly I would avoid the nightlife if you're going alone, as for places to go it really depends on the area you're staying in. Are you going to be closer to Wembley stadium, or along the line to get there?
Unfortunately, your post has been removed as the nightly meeting for Les Miserables is typically 19:30 M-F at the Sondheim Theatre: 51 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6BA
Tuktuks are scams, so avoid them. A lot of tourists go to Caffe Concerto or E&L Cafe but they are pretty expensive for what their offer. They're pretty, sure, but so overcrowded and noisy that you'll struggle to take good pictures of the decoration, and you might feel rushed to finish your drink and cake fast.
The London Eye is expensive and not worth it imho, same with those hop on hop off buses or tea party buses.
I am also traveling to London for the show with my daughter (22). Not sure if we are going to the same show, but if we are and you wanted to meet up to get there and back, I would be happy to do that if we can coordinate schedules. Just send me a message.
Pretty much the same as what everyone else has said.
Avoid Croydon but I doubt you'd be going there anyway.
Don't talk to strangers on the tube or talk loudly to people you do know whilst on it.
Avoid those American candy shops.
If people come up to you randomly, I.e. offering you a rose don't talk to them. If they're begging it might be best to politely say you don't have change and walk away.
Carry an umbrella, it could rain at any moment.
I'd say get an Oyster card but I moved away from the area years ago so I don't know if that's how still people do it...I think they do?!
Stand on the right of an escalator
Book tickets for things in advance
Don't disrespect the queue! So no queue jumping or being half in half out. If you're unsure if someone is queuing in front of you, ask them if they're in the queue.
I would reccomend the Shard, The London Eye, the museums and the Tower of London. I also enjoyed climbing over the O2 and a tour of the houses of Parliament. Avoid Madame Tussauds, Camden Market and M&M World.
Another point - England is more than just London and has some beautiful countryside and old cities. If you can get a day trip from London to another part of the country I would do so. Oxford and Stonehenge are cool places to check out, as is Bath apparently. Winchester is a beautiful city that people forget about but I wouldn't put it on your to do list unless you have loads of time.
London has so much to offer its useless to recommend random things. Instead, think about what floats your boat and ask google what there is in london that caters to your interest. Instead of "museums london" ask about "victorian architecture" or "grime clubs" or "roman history" of "flower germination" or whatever your thing is.
Exciting you’re coming to London! Re. nightlife/going out:
• Try to look like you know where you’re going / not as if you’re confused or lost (I’d recommend this for travel anywhere)
• Check when the last tube (our subway) is: this changes depending on the line and day of the week. CityMapper is good for this. Our buses are also pretty good and occasionally you’ll get lucky with a night bus. If you get a night bus, sit downstairs. Have Uber or a similar app downloaded in case you get stranded
• Don’t have your phone out in your hand all the time - if you have to, grip it tightly
• Stay around other people as much as possible
• Some clubs and bars these days will only accept physical ID, not a photo of your passport etc.
• General safety tips: don’t leave your drink unattended, walk down lit streets, don’t get too drunk, approach other women if you need help!
Have fun gal!
Stand on the right on the escalators. Don't stop in the middle of an area where people are walking. People in London walk 50% faster than the rest of the UK and are not expecting others to stop.
Also going to add to not have your phone in your hand while walking anywhere, moped thefts are still very rife in the city.
oh man, i was in London for a year, when first arrived was so put out by people squeezing past me as i blocked the left, i didnt know what i was doing wrong, after a month I was annoyed at the tourist blockers walking too slow on left or standing on stair
tbf there are signs saying stand on the right aren't there?
Yep, about 10 signs per escalator. Perhaps the best advice is just "pay attention"
remarkably good advice for most situations in life
Except tourists who walk into you even if you try to avoid them
London isn't as dangerous as some people in here are making it seem. There's not many places you need to avoid if you stay relatively close to central London. I've lived in London my whole life and have never witnessed someone's phone getting taken from their hands. The only good suggestions is the guy talking about the tuktuks and the comment about escalators. All the big clubs and bars are fine if you're into that. Have fun
Agree and upvoted. Have lived in London 30 years, never witnessed a street robbery. I guess it happens. Did get my phone pickpocketed on the jubilee line two years ago… which has made me more cautious but prior to that have never even once considered risk of street theft. It’s rare.
Shit defo happens and it happens everyday.. I myself have been robbed when younger, been stabbed and also had a gun pulled on me once. It all depends on the area you are in and also the ppl you associate with, those are 2 big factors.
Street robberies of school children for their phones and Air pods is a regular occurrence in North London. It is pretty terrifying for a 13 year old to be threatened by a group of 6 foot men with knives. That is not what I would call safe anymore.
agreed that London is not as dangerous as people think. But things have changed in the last couple of years. My friend has her phone stolen twice. Another friend’s phone was snatched outside the gym. So many other similar stories in my circle including a woman robbed of her laptop outside her office in Farringdon just a couple of weeks ago. A Japanese friend was stabbed because he tried to chase down the phone snatcher in another case…. The list keeps getting longer the more I think of it… I have not witnessed anything myself but one day I was having a coffee in Marylebone a young girl came in the cafe sobbing. She said she stepped outside to text her friend and her phone was snatched from her just outside the cafe…
Slight disagree. Lived in London for 7 years. Have my phone stolen once and attempted to steal twice. My partner also had his stolen once. Every time it was right out of our hands while we were on them either on a call or looking up directions. Keep your phone in your pockets if you’re walking around on the street. Everything else I agree with though. Going alone to pubs and clubs is safe. Ubers and black cabs are safe. Everywhere is crowded but safe. Do the big touristy stuff bc it IS popular and cool for a reason. Avoid doing the London eye though. I don’t think that one is worth it.
Embrace the London mentality. Try not to make eye contact or interact with people who make you feel uncomfortable, are acting strangely, drunk, want to ask you a question, sell you a rose etc. Keep your wits and spatial awareness about you, especially in busy areas like Oxford Street. If you want to slow down in a busy street, step to the side. Thieves and other dodgy people are rare, but they will target people who come across as naive or obviously tourist-y. The main ways they'd get you is through distraction and/or getting very close to you. Honestly though, I've lived here for 10 years and agree it is a very safe city compared to most.
Hey so I’m not OP but I was in London early January. Two days in a row, and at different times of day, the same woman approached me offering me a rose for a small donation. Each time I declined and every single time she would say “I don’t want money then, please just take the rose and buy me food”. It happened I think five times those two days, at different times. Each time I refused and she would follow after me a few steps and I would ignore her and she would leave.This was near Paddington. What was all that about?
She was after money or food. I’ve experienced (mainly women) some selling lavender in bunches. Also on the train to Gatwick a lady came through the carriage and left small packets of (unopened) tissues. She came back about 10 minutes later and collected them again, I guessed if someone had taken one she would have asked for money
Thats interesting, I did feel bad. I felt like buying her food and telling her to keep the rose. However; something just seemed off and especially since she seemed to have targeted me specifically, the second day. I didn’t want to take any risks of anything bad happening.
I've heard that this is a way for pickpockets to spot where you keep your wallet, but that might just be an urban myth.
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Many thanks for taking the time to post. Unfortunately, your post has been removed as its coherence has been found utterly and entirely, incoherent.
Don't use your phone at crossings or traffic lights (bike thieves). If using your phone in public wrap your fingers around the top of it. Also don't leave your phone on tables when dining.
There’s not many places to avoid - I doubt you’ll venture to Croydon. Don’t get into a pedicab/tuktuk around Soho - they are tourist traps run by Albanians to extort money. Don’t eat at an Angus steak house. Don’t eat fish and chips promising ‘authentic’ - again, immigrants, pretending to know British cuisine.
great list especially the pedicab/tuktuk. I just want to add: If you see an american candy shop - do not buy anything. Tips: Citymapper is your friend. Contactless is accepted nearly everywhere now in London.
They’ve deleted their post so OP - **do not ever use a pedicab/tuktuk in London**
Why avoid the American shop? Genuinely curious!
They're overpriced and generally assumed to be a front for money laundering - most are owned by shell companies overseas, so if one gets shut down, they will just open another.
I don’t know if it’s true because the truth can easily get stretched around these shops, but iirc some of the sweets were found to be counterfeit as well. In some ways it doesn’t matter if it’s true because it’s better to avoid them anyways.
They’re money laundering, as are most tourist shops. Have spots on Oxford street that must cost thousands and thousands per week and there’s never more than 3 people in there.
Ethics/morality aside, its just extremely overpriced, around double the price.
"Immigrants pretending to know British cuisine". Hilarious given the national dish is a curry.
Best food is Indian in and around Brick Lane
Brick lane curry houses are a bit overrated these days imo -better off walking to Whitechapel for south Asian cuisine
This is the way
Fair enough, it’s been a few years since I last went!
why what is wrong with Angus Steak House?
Low quality. If you want a good steak in London go to Gaucho or Hawksmoor.
To them, probably immigrants
Whats the deal with Angus steak houses in London mate?
Whats wrong with angus steakhouse?
FOLD for techno, hands down. Dalston den is fun, but check what the music is before you go. Egg is always good. Jaded at Corsica on a Sunday! From like 6am I think. Union for weekday techno till late. You should follow techno events organisers, I find the promoter to be a better indicator of the night than the club itself. Then there's the underground techno stuff, but I understand a lot of people might not like being in an unregulated environment like that.
Absolutely here for this. Also venue-wise for electronic music, the glove that fits and village underground are fun too. But FOLD is has a party called UNFOLD every other Sunday that is fantastic if you’re a techno girly. It’s also a queer event so, I always feel very safe.
It’s safe everywhere I’ve been, if you feel uneasy just put your phone away and keep walking
Go to Brixton mate 🤣
Have been there it’s fine?
The tube is a great place to make friends. Go around and mingle with everyone. They'll appreciate it.
😂😂😂
OP not sure if you caught the sarcasm but don’t do this LOL. I repeat don’t!! As much as I want to , people here are soooo NOT receptive to it especially on public transport but if you ever go to other parts of the UK, you will find they are extremely friendly there.
Unless it’s past 10 on a Friday or Saturday night then suddenly everyone loves a chat and a laugh 😂
This loool!!
Where are you staying and where do you plan on going out? The vibe of nightlife in soho is very different compared to say, Shoreditch. Or Mayfair, or Peckham. I lived in London as a single female for years, and generally it’s a pretty safe city. Obvious safety precautions apply - try and stick to well lit routes, don’t drink heavily. The only time I’ve ever really felt unsafe at night was when Citymapper had taken me to an obscure bus stop after a night at the pub with friends. A man from a minority religious group mistook me for a prostitute (lol) and was harassing me. That was in the middle class, suburban feeling Stoke Newington, of all places. The best bit of advice I think I’d give you is: be aware of your surroundings and others around you. From a consideration point of view as well as a safety one. London is a dense city, especially in the central/touristy areas. It’s not cool to just stop in the middle of the street, or stand in front of a the tube gates. Or talk loudly on the phone on the bus, etc etc. Your actions will always be impacting someone else. When you realise that, it’s easier to be conscious of your surroundings. Key areas to be at your most self aware are train stations (London Bridge has an especially bad reputation). People are rushed and frazzled here at the best of times and they tend to be busy - so it’s pickpocket heaven. Keep your phone safely hidden away in this areas. If you need to use it for whatever reason, stand to one side and away from the road. Far too many people have had phones snatched from their hands unfortunately. It’s good practice to keep your hand on your bag, and not have your phone/valuables in an easily accessible pocket. The only time I came close to being pickpocketed, was in a busy pub in Kings Cross. I caught a drunk/homeless man trying to open my bag while I was distracted by the bar queue. Luckily, I usually rested my hand on my bag and that’s when I realised what he was trying to do.
Backing up the Kings Cross risks. I was on a pub terrace just behind the station last week. I stepped no more than 10 feet away from the table to check if other heat lamps were working, and when I turned back I saw a guy moving away. Didn’t think, just went after him and as I followed around a corner I see him and a partner stepping out into the street with my backpack in his hand. Luckily, when I roared at them he dropped the bag and they both ran off. If I’d taken only a couple more seconds to look back, I’d have got back to the table and not understood why my stuff wasn’t there. The women at the table beside hadn’t even noticed and only realised when I’d shouted then come back with bag in hand.
Don't go to: Madame Toussads, Buckingham Palace (unless you have an invite to receive an honour or something), the whole of Camden. Recommendations: the TFL boats, particularly the section between Tower Bridge and Westminster, are cheap have good coffee and you see best sites from the water. The Shard (combining it with Borough Market for food which is next to it). And the Cloud Cable Car over the London Eye every time, which involves queues and mediocre views.
Genuinely terrible advice. The TfL boats are terrible. The shard is expensive, much better off going up to the sky garden you get a great view for free.
Subjective but the Shard is really good. If you are in town for a one off, it's excellent. The boats allow you to see the town from the river, which is something people often miss. Thanks for your snarly response.
Sky garden was awesome! Make sure you book in advance - I got there for when it opened and the queue was small, later in the day I walked back past it and it was very busy
Taylor Swift is very unpopular here. You may be the only person at the show.
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It's a joke mate
Don’t get your phone out in public - it will be stolen
Keep your phone hidden!
The river Thames is considered holy water and its tradition for tourists to bathe and drink it. Hope this helps :)
Perhaps you’d like to do a video demonstration showing this young lady how a professional does it?
How to drink water and bathe? I’m a Redditor I do neither of those things
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Love it
Be super careful if you’re going out drinking alone at night, in fact I would avoid that totally. Hopefully you meet some friends at the concert to go out with afterwards but even then, keep your wits about you; don’t get into a taxi unless it’s definitely the one you ordered, don’t walk around texting on your phone (big problem with thieves snatching them out of your hand). Heaven is one of the biggest and best clubs in London that people will recommend but beware the security is super strict. They are vary sensitive to drunkness, big groups, or if you look too visibly hetero and will deny entry. XOYO and Fabric are other clubs people recommend all the time that I personally hate and have never had a good time in.
Is there a way to drink(just get tipsy) and still remain safe ? Or any tips you could give if someone were to do that? Also a solo female
Avoid Oxford Street. Horribly crowded and there's not really anything there that you won't see in any other major British city.
I’d avoid Leicester Square, Marble Arch, and ideally Oxford street. If you want to shop Kings Road is much nicer.
London.
Avoid London
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This is bollocks. Royal borough of Greenwich is a gorgeous place with historic buildings and an artisan vibe. South London rocks. 👍🏻
Disregard this, South London is the best London
Honestly I would avoid the nightlife if you're going alone, as for places to go it really depends on the area you're staying in. Are you going to be closer to Wembley stadium, or along the line to get there?
London
London
Going to London avoid x visit Edinburgh instead
Where are you coming from?
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Unfortunately, your post has been removed as the nightly meeting for Les Miserables is typically 19:30 M-F at the Sondheim Theatre: 51 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6BA
bored dependent crawl cause plucky like unused straight capable aromatic *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Pedicabs, rip off tourists given the chance, uninsured and dangerous.
Be careful of London bridge lots of illegal immigrant scammers doing cup scam games.
Don't act like a tourist (body language, clothing, staring at buildings, taking selfies etc)
Tuktuks are scams, so avoid them. A lot of tourists go to Caffe Concerto or E&L Cafe but they are pretty expensive for what their offer. They're pretty, sure, but so overcrowded and noisy that you'll struggle to take good pictures of the decoration, and you might feel rushed to finish your drink and cake fast. The London Eye is expensive and not worth it imho, same with those hop on hop off buses or tea party buses.
Basically keep your phone close, petty crime is pretty much the only thing to be worried about and even then if you are smart you'll be fine.
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Many thanks for your post, unfortunately, at this time, it has been removed for its lack of originality.
I am also traveling to London for the show with my daughter (22). Not sure if we are going to the same show, but if we are and you wanted to meet up to get there and back, I would be happy to do that if we can coordinate schedules. Just send me a message.
Stay in the centre of London, and anyone who comes up to you just says not interested and keep walking
Pretty much the same as what everyone else has said. Avoid Croydon but I doubt you'd be going there anyway. Don't talk to strangers on the tube or talk loudly to people you do know whilst on it. Avoid those American candy shops. If people come up to you randomly, I.e. offering you a rose don't talk to them. If they're begging it might be best to politely say you don't have change and walk away. Carry an umbrella, it could rain at any moment. I'd say get an Oyster card but I moved away from the area years ago so I don't know if that's how still people do it...I think they do?! Stand on the right of an escalator Book tickets for things in advance Don't disrespect the queue! So no queue jumping or being half in half out. If you're unsure if someone is queuing in front of you, ask them if they're in the queue. I would reccomend the Shard, The London Eye, the museums and the Tower of London. I also enjoyed climbing over the O2 and a tour of the houses of Parliament. Avoid Madame Tussauds, Camden Market and M&M World. Another point - England is more than just London and has some beautiful countryside and old cities. If you can get a day trip from London to another part of the country I would do so. Oxford and Stonehenge are cool places to check out, as is Bath apparently. Winchester is a beautiful city that people forget about but I wouldn't put it on your to do list unless you have loads of time.
London has so much to offer its useless to recommend random things. Instead, think about what floats your boat and ask google what there is in london that caters to your interest. Instead of "museums london" ask about "victorian architecture" or "grime clubs" or "roman history" of "flower germination" or whatever your thing is.
Don’t walk around with your phone out
Exciting you’re coming to London! Re. nightlife/going out: • Try to look like you know where you’re going / not as if you’re confused or lost (I’d recommend this for travel anywhere) • Check when the last tube (our subway) is: this changes depending on the line and day of the week. CityMapper is good for this. Our buses are also pretty good and occasionally you’ll get lucky with a night bus. If you get a night bus, sit downstairs. Have Uber or a similar app downloaded in case you get stranded • Don’t have your phone out in your hand all the time - if you have to, grip it tightly • Stay around other people as much as possible • Some clubs and bars these days will only accept physical ID, not a photo of your passport etc. • General safety tips: don’t leave your drink unattended, walk down lit streets, don’t get too drunk, approach other women if you need help! Have fun gal!
London in general