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 58 experiences from female travelers

4.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 27 experiences from local women

Edinburgh is currently ranked #19 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 58 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

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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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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Couple travel

Such a lovely city, the weather was not pleasant tho. It was raining every other day The food were very nice although I mostly just went to Asian restaurants. But the fish and chip at Victoria street was kinda lovely

Posted: April 20, 2025

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Solo travel

I felt very safe in edinburgh. I stayed at the st. christophers hostel, which has female only dorms. The hostel had a great location right next to the train station. I loved walking around in the old town and visited free museums. You can stay on a budget but it depends on what you want to do. You can reach pretty much everything by foot if you dont mind walking up and down allot;) My highlight was definitely Arthurs seat wich you can climb in about 40 minutes and get really stunning views!

Posted: April 11, 2025

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Ioana

Germany

Solo travel

I went as a visiting student to edinburgh. That's why I stayed with a boarding family, that was very nice. Eventhough I was out late, I never felt unsafe, even if I was alone. The public transportation is quite cheap in my opinion and you've got an excellent bus connection all around Edinburgh. Definitely can recommend to go to the Portobello beach and have a look at the museums around there. The castle is also amazing, although quite expensive. I really loved it there!

Posted: March 6, 2025

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Is Edinburgh safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

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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