If you're wondering where to stay in Southwark, Bankside and London Bridge are two of the safest and most popular choices, especially for first-time visitors. Both areas are well-lit, lively, and home to some of London's top attractions, including the iconic Borough Market and Tate Modern.
Bankside is a vibrant neighborhood with an enviable location on the Thames, right across from the City. Bankside has an average violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for London.
Looking for a vibrant and historic neighbourhood? Bankside is the perfect destination. This riverside area, dating back over 6,000 years to Roman Londinium, lies along the River Thames between London Bridge and the Southbank, offering excellent transport links and a thriving cultural and culinary scene.
Richmond upon Thames (including areas like Teddington) consistently ranks as the safest borough in London, thanks to its low crime rates (about 72 crimes per 1000 people as of 2024), riverside parks, strong community vibe, and excellent schools.
To OP, I'd echo the same as others: pricing is sky high and parking is terrible. But it's a beautiful area, mostly nice people and sense of community, good shops and great schools and green spaces. If you can afford it, South Bank is a lovely area and I totally recommend it.
Where to Stay in London? 4 Best Areas (+ Insider Tips) 🇬🇧
Why is South Bank so popular?
With its lush parklands, buzzing eateries, and a sparkling lagoon perfect for cooling off, South Bank is the ultimate playground loved by locals and tourists alike.
Herne Hill in south London took the title of the UK's poshest suburb. In the area neighbouring Brixton, the average household annual income is nearly £150,000, and the average house price is £1.6 million.
Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Croydon top the danger list for 2025. East and South London face more crime, and tourist hubs like Westminster add risk too. Stay sharp and use safety tips to stay secure.
Kensington and Chelsea welcome people from various countries, making up 53.9% of its population in 2021. Many international residents, including diplomats and professionals, add to its diverse population. The area's diverse culture is evident in its shops, eateries, and events.
1. Shetland Islands. The Shetland Islands are one of the safest places to live in the UK, with only 19.76 crimes per 1,000 people reported during 2020-2021- the lowest crime rate city in the UK.
Bankside, loosely defined area along the south bank of the River Thames in the London borough of Southwark. Bankside is also the name of a street in the district, which lies between Blackfriars Bridge (west) and London Bridge (east) and more or less defines the extent of the area.
Is Edgware Safe? Edgware is generally a safe place to live, not only is Edgware's crime rate very low compared to its surrounding areas, but also very low compared to the capital as a whole. Violence and sexual offences have unfortunately been on the rise, this is reflected in many areas to live however.
The South Bank is predominantly pedestrianised, allowing you to walk freely and safely, all the way along the edge of the river, as well as off the beaten track into the side roads, wharfs, gardens and tunnels to encounter its hidden gems.
Bankside is a relatively small part right along the river (hence the name), and Southwark is one of the boroughs of London that stretches pretty far south away from the river. Generally speaking, the closer to the river the better in this part of the city, at least for your purposes as a tourist.
The district is one of London's most desirable areas due to its proximity to the capital. Living in Southwark offers many benefits including great transport connections, a diverse cultural offering and leafy parks. For more information on why Southwark is a great place to live, read our guide below.
As with any urban area, Waterloo experiences some crime, but the rates are generally lower than the London average. The most common types of crime in the region are theft and antisocial behaviour, but incidents of violent crime are rare.
The four boroughs with the highest levels of child poverty are all in Inner and East London - Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Newham. In these boroughs, more than 40% of children are in poverty.
Where do billionaires live in London? Billionaires in London often reside in affluent neighbourhoods like Mayfair, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge. These areas are renowned for their luxury properties, exclusive amenities, and proximity to high-end shopping and cultural attractions.
West London is generally considered the most posh, encompassing prestigious areas like Chelsea, Kensington and Belgravia. These areas are known for their elegant architecture, high-end boutiques and serene garden squares, contributing to their reputation for affluence.
It's no surprise that South Bank is a highly desirable tourist and residential location in London. South Bank is located in Central London in zone 1, opposite the City of Westminster; it's a narrow pedestrianised bank over a mile long by the River Thames.
Southbank offers good value for money compared to other suburbs in Melbourne. While it is close to the city, it tends to be more affordable than areas like Docklands or the CBD. Southbank is a popular location for property investors, and apartments in the area have the potential to increase in value over time.
The safest parts of Southwark, such as Bankside, London Bridge, and Bermondsey, are well-lit, busy, and generally feel secure at all hours. However, some areas, like Elephant and Castle and parts of Peckham, have a reputation for higher crime rates, so it's best to be cautious there, particularly at night.
Stick to main streets, avoid unnecessary confrontations, and rely on rideshares to get home. The CBD: Quieter at night except around nightlife venues. Stay in well-lit areas and avoid deserted streets. South Bank: Popular with families and tourists and relatively safe, though caution is advised in less crowded spots.
Covent Garden is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in London due to its notable police presence. This area is ideal for those who enjoy a touch of luxury, with close proximity to world-famous attractions like the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market.
