Harry Poulton, 24, is a British expat living in Benidorm, Spain, and he says the destination is ‘paradise’. But he warned holidaymakers to avoid certain areas of the hotspot
16:02, 01 Jul 2025Updated 16:03, 01 Jul 2025
Benidorm welcomes around five million visitors each year(Image: pabloarias imágenes via Getty Images)
Benidorm, a top Spanish holiday destination, welcomes around five million visitors each year.
Harry Poulton, 24, fell in love with the city after a trip with friends at 18 and now considers his decision to move there as the best choice he’s made.
However, Harry wants to share his insider knowledge with tourists thinking of visiting the popular coastal city. Using his TikTok platform, where he has 40,000 followers, he’s highlighted three areas to avoid in Benidorm’s vibrant nightlife scene.
First on his list is the ‘Yellow Brick Road’, a bustling hub of pubs and restaurants that’s a hotspot for local entertainment. This area includes streets like Leanto Street, Ibiza Street, and Leerida Street.
Harry warns: “The Yellow Brick Road – this little public pathway […] leads all the way up to the Rio Park. Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing. Generally, during the day, it’s absolutely fine. I’d recommend avoiding it at night.”
Second on Harry’s list is Pueblo Alley, located near the Hotel Pueblo and Levante Beach. The content creator, originally from Brighton, advises: “This is one I definitely recommend avoiding, especially late at night, as you do get the pickpockets hanging around this area”.
Harry fell in love with the city after a trip with friends(Image: Jam Press/@harrytokky)READ MORE: Brits left ‘fearing’ Turkey holidays after locals give ‘scary’ warningREAD MORE: Jet2 launches huge sale with flights from Bristol for £49 or less
Harry adds: “You also get the odd lady of the night. There are plenty of other ways around.”
Leading Harry’s list of places to avoid is the infamous ‘Mugger’s Alley’. He emphatically states: “It is the most notorious – it’s the one we all know. Known for pickpocketing, ladies of the night, it’s just an area I would avoid.
“They’re even doing these new taxi scams. It’s crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road.”
Meanwhile, a warning on the public Facebook page Benidorm Forever read: “It’s located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white ‘SATE’ building, near Morgan Tavern. It’s safe enough in the day but late at night you’ll likely get approached by ‘hugger muggers’ (individuals who will invade your space pretending to know you while swiping your valuables), prostitutes and robbers.”
The post continues: “Men on their own are the main target so stay together and walk in front of the sate building, not behind it. Remember most crimes in Benidorm are non violent, it’s your phone and cash they’re after, so keep both out of sight and if you do get robbed you need to visit the SATE office (opposite the hotel Flash) in office hours to make a police report.”
Harry’s list of places to avoid is the infamous ‘Mugger’s Alley'(Image: Jam Press/@harrytokky)
Despite shining a light on potential dangers, Harry has plenty of positive things to say about the popular tourist destination.
He claims that many Brits have an inaccurate view of Benidorm, debunking myths of widespread deceitful tricks and inflated pub charges as simply not true.
Since relocating from Brighton to Benidorm, Harry has noticed a significant decrease in his cost of living. He now pays between £500 and £1,000 per month, which includes all bills.
Harry stated: “If you live here, you get it. Benidorm is paradise – and anyone who says otherwise is lying.”