Is Bethnal Green Safe: The Ultimate Safety Guide For Travel
Bethnal Green is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in East London, and for a good reason. It’s home to incredible street art, delicious food, and some of the best nightlife in the city if you’re looking to party on the cheap.
But is Bethnal Green safe? As a Londoner who frequents the area, the short answer is yes, Bethnal Green London is safe.
In the 2021 Safe Cities Index from The Economist – London was ranked as the world’s fifteenth safest city. However, as with any large city, there are some precautions you should take as a solo traveller. One way of doing this is getting travel insurance. Safety Wing is an excellent travel insurance company for budget-conscious travellers who seek comprehensive coverage.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about safety in Bethnal Green, from crime rates to walking around at night.
Is Bethnal Green Safe?
Yes, Bethnal Green is safe. It is part of the Tower Hamlets borough in East London, which has consistently been ranked among the top five most dangerous boroughs in London. However, Tower Hamlets is a large borough with areas that are less fortunate, as well as other areas like Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and Bethnal Green which have been gentrified and have less crime.
Some of the most common crimes in Bethnal Green are violence, sexual offences, and robbery (mostly of bicycles). Fortunately, there are ways we can help prevent these types of criminal activity from happening.
Bethnal Green has dedicated Metropolitan Police officers who are part of the Safer Neighbourhood Team and patrol the area.
While Bethnal Green may have been unsafe after the world war, those days are now in the past.
The area may still appear a bit gritty with an urban edge; however, the Bethnal Green area is generally perfectly safe.
Is Bethnal Green Safe for Solo Travelers?
Yes, it is safe for solo travellers. The area is safe to walk around at night, and there is a large young professional and student population. So, there is always something happening or people on the street, especially on a Friday night.
Is It Safe To Walk Around at Night?
Yes, Bethnal Green is generally safe to walk around at night, but like any other area of a big city, there are always pockets of crime. Use common sense and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
If you ever feel unsafe or like something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to call a friend or grab a taxi.
What Is The Bethnal Green Crime Rate?
When it comes to the question of “is Bethnal Green safe?”, one of the first things most people want to know is the crime rate. The good news is that the Bethnal Green crime rate is relatively low compared to other areas of London.
Although crime is still an inevitability in Bethnal Green, like many other areas of London, the rates are lower than average compared to similar locations in the United Kingdom. There is also a Safer Neighbourhood Team of Metropolitan Police officers dedicated to keeping residents safe in Bethnal Green.
In fact, as you can see from the graph below that Tower Hamlet is safer than popular tourist boroughs such as Westminster, Camden and even Kensington and Chelsea, which means it’s one of the safer neighbourhoods in London.
Where is Bethnal Green located?
Bethnal Green has been commonly known as a hipster mecca and this once dodgy neighbourhood has recently been turned into a blooming paradise for bohemians through the power of gentrification.
Bethnal Green is located in the east of London, England. It is situated in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and is bordered by the districts of Shoreditch, Stepney, Hackney, Whitechapel, Brick Lane, Bow and Poplar.
It is about three miles from the city centre of London and is one of the most sought-after areas in East London due to its affordable housing.
Best Safety Tips for Travel to Bethnal Green
Here are a few tips for staying safe in Bethnal Green London:
- Avoid shortcuts through dark alleyways or empty streets
- Stick to well-lit areas as much as possible
- Be aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night
✔️Keep your valuables safe
Some easy tips to keep your valuables safe while travelling are to keep them close to your body and out of sight. You can also deter pickpocketers by carrying a dummy wallet. Several secret travel wallets are available to make things even easier for you. Other options include money belts, bras, and hidden bag sections.
Opt for a safe backpack with hidden compartments to store your more valuable adventure gadgets, like travel cameras and smartphones.
✔️Be aware of your surroundings
Be aware of your surroundings when walking, especially if there are motorcyclists or cyclists nearby. These riders have been involved in petty crimes such as phone snatching, bag grabbing, or other quick theft.
If you plan to travel solo in Bethnal Green, let someone know where you’re going and your plans/itinerary. This can help if you get into a sticky situation and need to be rescued.
✔️Travel Insurance to Protect
Finally, make sure you have travel insurance to protect yourself if something goes wrong.
Following these simple tips can minimise your risk and help you enjoy a safe solo visit to Bethnal Green.
Is Bethnal Green A Good Area To Live In?
The area has become a cultural hub of the East End with a large Bangladeshi community, attractions and diverse restaurants in Bethnal Green. And even amid gentrification, the area remains affordable.
Affordable Accommodations
The area’s residents are a mix of working-class families and young professionals looking for an affordable place to live who have been priced out of areas such as Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Hackney.
For perspective, the average house price in Bethnal Green was 38% cheaper than the most expensive area of Tower Hamlets and Tower Bridge.
The area is popular with young professionals because of the short commute to central London and the active nightlife.
Despite its proximity to Central London and Liverpool Street, Bethnal Green offers cost-effective housing options.
Great Transportation Links
Bethnal Green is an excellent location for those who want to be close to central London but still have some peace and quiet. Only 3 miles away from the hustle and bustle of London, Bethnal Green has great transport links.
Bethnal Green underground station (Zone 2) is on the Central Line and Holborn in 15 minutes and the West End in 20 minutes. Liverpool Street station is within walking distance.
The newly opened Elizabeth Line connects the area with Paddington and Reading.
Bethnal Green primary schools have been voted at least “good” or “outstanding” by Ofsted.
Pubs in Bethnal Green
The area is still full of traditional East End charm, with cosy pubs like The Old George and The Hare.
Bethnal Green Gardens
You can visit Bethnal Green Gardens, another popular, family-friendly spot with a play area, a football pitch and a basketball area. The beautiful Victoria Park one of the top parks in London, is where you can have a picnic or visit nearby Weavers Field.
Visit The Markets in East London
You can find Bethnal Green Market on Bethnal Green Road, running from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. This market in East London sells everything you could need, including fresh fish and produce, clothing, and toiletries.
What is there to do In the Bethnal Green Area?
I have written a more in-depth guide on the top things to do in Bethnal Green. However, I’ll give you a brief over of things to do in the area.
Visit Brick Lane
Brick Lane has frequently been voted the destination for London’s best curry houses and is a top place to visit in East London.
Visit Columbia Road, Flower Market
Columbia flower market is open every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm, and it’s located in the East End of London near the Brick Lane neighbourhood.
There are over 100 stalls selling flowers of all kinds, plants, herbs, and spices. If you’re looking for something truly unique, this is the place to find it.
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
You must visit Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in London if you’re a cat lover. It’s one of the first cat cafes in London. In this two-storey building, you can unwind and de-stress in their peaceful Basement Forest or be surrounded by serene cats in their Mad Catters Tearoom.
Eat At E Pellicci
Visit this Vintage Art Deco workers’ cafe in Bethnal Green that has been serving the full English breakfast and Italian classics since 1900. You will not be disappointed to have brunch in Bethnal Green at E Pellicci.
Explore Shoreditch
Shoreditch is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in East London and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of the city.
With an abundance of art galleries, trendy bars and restaurants, and lively nightlife, Shoreditch has something for everyone. And with its central location, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in London.
What is Bethnal Green famous for?
Bethnal Green is most famous for the stampede which killed 173 people, 62 of them children in the Bethnal Green tube station. This occurred during an air raid in March 1943 and is considered the worst civilian disaster of WWII.
The area is also known to have links to the criminal underworld via infamous locals the Kray Twins in the 1970s.
Where To Stay In Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action but also have a more local experience. There are plenty of Airbnb and hotels in Bethnal Green and some excellent hostels if you’re on a budget.
The area is well-connected by public transport, so getting around is easy. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in London with a bit of everything, Bethnal Green is the perfect option for anyone staying in East London.
Yotel London Shoreditch
Yotel London Shoreditch is a great option for travellers to London. This 3-star hotel is located just 200 yards from Bethnal Green underground station, which has direct links to Liverpool Street.
The hotel offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, a bar and rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The breakfast at Yotel London Shoreditch is excellent, with continental and à la carte options.
Hoxton Square is just 1.1 miles from the hotel, and London City Airport is only 5 miles away.
⭐️ Rating: 7.7/10 |📍 Location: Tower Hamlets| 🏩 View Latest Price On Booking
Beautiful, Secure, 2-bedroom Canal-side Apartment
This beautiful and secure two-bedroom apartment is located near Victoria Park and offers free WiFi.
With the Olympic Stadium just 1.3 miles away and Brick Lane just 1.4 miles away. The apartment is fitted with two separate bedrooms and has a kitchen, dining area, flat-screen TV and seating area. Plus, there’s a terrace where you can enjoy the fresh air.
⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10 |📍 Location: Tower Hamlets| 🏩 View Latest Price On Booking
City Living Apartments
The apartment is within a 5-minute walk of Brick Lane and iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Sky Garden making it easy to explore all that the city.
The apartment is fitted with 3 bedrooms, and the fully equipped kitchen has a dishwasher and a microwave. There are 2 bathrooms, one with a hot tub, bath and shower.
Guests can use the hot tub to relax after a day of sightseeing. London Bridge is less than 1.2 miles from the apartment, and London City Airport is 6.2 miles away.
How To Get Around Bethnal Green
The easiest way to get around Bethnal Green is by train.
The area is service by two train stations: Bethnal Green and Cambridge Heath railway stations.
The nearest Underground station is Bethnal Green Underground Station which is in Zone 2.
Conclusion: Is Bethnal Green Safe
Overall, Bethnal Green is a safe area for travellers who use common sense and take basic precautions. The community has a low crime rate compared to other parts of London.