London is amazing. If you are looking for a city to visit where you won’t get bored for even a second, this is the one. It has fantastic nightlife, lots of entertainment, great bars and even better pubs. No matter what kind of fun you like, London has something for you, and be sure it’ll have many surprises as well. But when you set out to look for those, you’ll need to be careful and aware of possible dangers.
Although London is considered to be safe for travelers, there were three terrorist attacks last year alone (The Independent). Add to that the regular threats of a big metropolis and a major tourist hotspot and you’ll see that staying on your guard is essential to be safe on your trip to London.
How to Have Fun in London: Where to Look for Entertainment
Entertainment is everywhere in London. The only thing you need to do in order to enjoy yourself thoroughly is to decide where you should go first. A show, a night out with drinks, a walk through the city, and listening to some live music should definitely be on your list.
You’d best start by exploring the city with walking tours in London. They will take you to all the most interesting places and give you a chance to learn how to navigate the streets better. You’ll need that skill when you decide to repeat the route to some attractions at night so you can see them lighted up beautifully.
As for the shows, London has plenty of concert halls and theaters where everyone can find something to enjoy. If you want to experience ‘classic’ London, you should visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, a recreation of the iconic place that changed the art of dramatic performance forever.
In case you are lucky enough to score a ticket, the Royal Court Theater is also a must-visit place. But don’t be upset if both of these are sold out. There are over a dozen of theaters in London and each is worth a visit.
For live music you should visit The Dublin Castle, The Troubadour, and The Jazz Café. Each of the venues is historic and housed celebrities from Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix to Cast.
Going out for drinks in London is exceptionally easy as pub crawling is a tradition here. And there are dozens of pubs and bars for you to crawl through. So long as you keep your head and observe some basic safety precautions, a night out in London is sure to become an amazing adventure.
How to Stay Safe on a Trip to London
The most important thing to remember when you are a tourist in London is that you are vulnerable alone. That’s why you should avoid going out alone, especially at night. The best setup for your bar crawl is to go with some local friends you trust. If that’s not possible, consider joining an organized tour like London Pub Crawl. Supervision from an experienced guide will help you both stay safe and have more fun as they will take you to all the best places.
Another important safety precaution for those who travel to London is having emergency numbers programmed to speed dial in your phone. The numbers you need to remember are 999 and 112. Use them to call an ambulance, police, and fire department.
If the situation isn’t urgent but you still need to contact the police in London, call 101. This will connect you to the local department. You should also memorize the number for the Anti-Terrorist Hotline, 0800-789-321.
Due to the recent terror attacks, you should always be vigilant when in public places. If you are suspicious, call the hotline or 999. It’s always best to be safe and report your concerns.
In the case you get caught up in an attack, consider your options. Will it be safer to run or hide? If the escape will expose you to more danger, consider hiding. However, assess the immediate risks yourself to make the decision. Drop your belongings when running so there’s nothing to hinder you. Call 999 as soon as you can.
To stay on the safe side, be sure to check where all exits are every time you enter a new building. Stay aware of them and do your best to not get trapped.
If you are hiding, find really solid cover as bullets can go through brickwork and even metal. Put your phone on silent and do your best to be quiet. Cover your nose and mouth when you need to stay extra-quiet.