Is Edinburgh Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Edinburgh

Safety rating

Safe
4.2 /5

Women living in Edinburgh consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Crime rating

Low
1.8 /5

Women living in Edinburgh consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.

Violence rating

12.3%

On average 12.3% percentage of women in United Kingdom have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 27 experiences

Safety rating:

4.2/5Safe

Safety walking alone after dark:

3.9/5Safe

Safety using public transport:

4.4/5Safe

Crime rate:

1.8/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.5/5Not at all worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.2/5Not at all worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.2/5Not at all worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1/5Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1/5Not at all worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1/5Not at all worried

How safe is Edinburgh?

Charlotte

Charlotte

Edinburgh is well lit and super safe for women walking home alone at night or during the day. There is a large student population who look out for you and even in the darker alleyways, in the centre of the city there is always someone around.

Posted: January 19, 2025
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I have been pretty safe here as long as I know what areas to avoid. Strangers are very helpful and always willing to check in on you. I have had experience as a tourist and a local now so both of my experiences have been great! Specially as a racial minority in this country

Posted: January 11, 2025
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I've lived in edinburgh for over 2 years now, and I'd confidently say it feels very safe, even at night. I'd still say it's best not to take chances at night because you never know, but I've never felt unsafe.

Posted: January 3, 2025
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Edinburgh is one of the safest cities I've been in. It's a good destination for solo travel as a woman for that reason. I'm not even worried about something being stolen or pick pockets. I've rarely been harassed. But still worthwhile watching your drinks as I have been spiked before.

Posted: December 29, 2024
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Edinburgh, I think is fairly safe to travel for women. I personally have not felt extremely unsafe compared to a few other places I've traveled. And I think, people are nice and friendly as well. The public transport is fairly safe and easily accessible.

Posted: December 24, 2024
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Kirsty

Kirsty

Usually if you are sticking to the main tourist areas you will be safe. I'm not usually approached by others if I am out and find it safe to walk home even late in the morning. Public transport is safe late at night too.

Posted: November 19, 2024
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Patricia

Patricia

Ediburgh it’s such a safe city and that is one of the reasons I decided to move and live here! I would not be concern or fear walking a night with is rare for a woman, th e crime rates are so low as well

Posted: October 28, 2024
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Edinburgh is the safest city in the UK. I have been living in here for the past 13 years. I can definitely say that I feel more secure in this city and country than in my home town. People is nice and kind.

Posted: October 22, 2024
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iola

iola

I’ve grown up in Edinburgh for most of my childhood, and Ive always felt pretty safe. Of course, there are men who won’t respect you and will cat call etc., but I personally don’t worry too much about anything further than that. It’s important to know what areas in Edinburgh to stick to and avoid if you’re out at night, but I’d say a good majority of the city is busy enough that it’s safe if you have your wits about you.

Posted: October 7, 2024
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Stefanie

Stefanie

Lived here for 7 years, never felt unsafe. Even when walking home drunk after a night out on my own for 30min through the whole city centre. Just made friends along the way! Obviously I can't say nothing ever happens, this is just my own experience.

Posted: August 20, 2024
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Is Edinburgh worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.7 /5

based on 57 experiences from female travelers

CARMEN

CARMEN

United Kingdom

Group travel

I highly suggest going to Captain's pub, near the city centre and has live music, going there that night was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, we went with a big group and felt welcomed, people in Scotland are so nice

Posted: May 4, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Estefania

Estefania

Germany

Solo travel

Loveee Edinburgh, been twice so far, people are super friendly, everything is reachable by public transport and the entire city is very walkable. There's lots of attractions and sights outside and museums are free !! So you don't need the break the bank at all to have fun and explore.

Posted: May 2, 2025
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Meet locals in Edinburgh

Trishaa

Trishaa

About Me

Hi, I'm Trishaa. I'm a student at The University of Edinburgh. I love travelling and have explored France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Lithuania, Latvia in the last 2 years and plan to continue travelling further. I'm originally from India but have been staying outside the country for my studies. I'm an extroverted person often described as warm, fun-loving and cheerful.

Speaking

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Sarah

Sarah

About Me

Hi! I'm Sarah, I'm 22 and from Philadelphia, but I have lived in Edinburgh for 4 years whilst I study art history at the uni here! I am moving back to the US in September, so I am planning lots of solo trips this summer to make the most of being in Europe! I am super chill and flexible in regards to planning trips, I love to hike and be outside but also visit museums and historical sites! I am very happy to show people around or host if needed if anyone is interested in visiting Edinburgh!🥰

Speaking

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Safety in United Kingdom

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh safe?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Is Edinburgh safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Edinburgh consider walking alone at night to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider public transport to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.5 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.2 out of 5

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the risk of being physically attacked to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.2 out of 5

What is the risk of burglary in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the risk of burglary to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1 out of 5

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1 out of 5

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Edinburgh?

Women living in Edinburgh consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1 out of 5