Is Edinburgh Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Edinburgh, is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. It has a friendly atmosphere, well-patrolled streets, and public transport that runs reliably into the late hours. There are excellent security measures in place, with CCTV widely used across the city. However, like any other city, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night in less busy areas. Always keep your belongings close to you and avoid displaying expensive items. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and always tell someone where you're going or use a trusted taxi service if you're out late.

Safety rating

4.7 /5

Based on 61 experiences from female travelers

4.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 30 experiences from local women

Edinburgh is currently ranked #20 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.7 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Edinburgh?

Safety at night:Safe

Edinburgh is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, even at night. Though certain areas might be more bustling during the day, the city center and tourist-heavy areas remain quite active and safe into the evening. As always, it is important to maintain normal precautions such as sticking to well-lit streets, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding less populous areas late at night. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, but violent crime is rare. Public transportation and taxis are readily available if you prefer not to walk.

Public transportation:Very safe

Edinburgh has highly trustworthy public transportation services. The city buses, trams, and trains are well-maintained, punctual, and have clear route information which makes commuting hassle-free. The transit hubs and stops are well lit, often with CCTV surveillance, which enhances safety especially during off-peak hours. It's also commonplace for transport staff and friendly locals to assist if you have queries or concerns. However, like any place, it's recommended to remain alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Street harassment:Low

Edinburgh is generally a safe and welcoming city. Street harassment is not a common occurrence and incidents are not widely reported by solo female travelers. However, like any major city, certain areas can be less safe at night, so it's advisable to stay within well-populated areas especially after dark. Overall, locals are usually friendly and respectful. The use of common sense and standard precautions are always recommended.

Petty crimes:Low

Edinburgh is one of the safer cities in the United Kingdom. While petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag theft do occur, they are relatively infrequent. It is always advisable to stay attentive to your belongings especially in crowded areas like public transport or tourist spots. Don't flaunt expensive gadgets or jewelry to avoid unwanted attention. However, generally speaking, you can feel quite comfortable while navigating Edinburgh alone.

Is Edinburgh worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 61 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Solo travel

Edinburgh is a great city to visit. It’s very cultural and if you put in a little work you can plan a great trip. Theres a lot of free museums such as national gallery. Theres also comedy clubs and they do deals if you are a student. I would recommend going the week before the fringe as there will also be people trying out their acts, but the accomodation isn’t insanely expensive.

Posted: September 1, 2025

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Solo travel

Edinburgh in June is an amazing experience, its still not overcrouded but lots of activities, the wheather was great, the sunset is really late and sunrise is super early so you can travel and walk feeling safe if you dont like doing it at night. The people are super nice and friendly, public transport is clean and reliable. I felt super safe, all of the city is beautuful, not only the center. There are lots of fields, lochs and parks within the city and right outside. Many trees among the streets so the city is green and you can get everywhere by foot. Good coffee and tasty food.

Posted: July 17, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

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Julia

Poland

Family travel

I never thought a trip can be THAT wonderful. The days in Edniburgh were the best days of my life. Not only the city is goregous and dark academia vibes, but also the people and the cafes are so good! If I could visit only one place in my entire life it would defintly be Edinburgh

Posted: July 14, 2025Experienced: August, 2024

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Robin

Netherlands

Solo travel

Edinburgh was absolutely amazing. A great place for history buffs. I was there for 2 weeks which was a bit on the long side but let me to get to know the city and surrounding area very well. If you are there for a longer while I would definitely recommend taking trips to outside the city. Like holy island, craigmillar castle, alnwick castle and lauriston castle. All easily accessible through bus or organized trips. The botanical gardens are also beautiful on a sunny day. There are also cute antique bookshops and cafes like book ‘n cup. I made sure to stay inside while it was dark but it felt like a very safe city.

Posted: July 11, 2025

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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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Is Edinburgh safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Julia

City centre especially is very safe, well lit and usually not that dangerous. There are darker alleys in the city, which are a bit more dangerous but compared to Glasgow it's much safer. I'd stay away from residential areas after midnight

Posted: September 4, 2025

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