Is Edinburgh safe?
Very safe for a capital, with normal care. Petty theft in the Old Town and drunken disorder during festival and weekend nights are the main issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate in United Kingdom: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in United Kingdom: 3.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999.
Safety in Edinburgh at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in crowds on the Royal Mile and Princes Street, bag theft in pubs, and weekend drunken fights around Cowgate and Lothian Road. |
| At night | City centre is lively until late and generally feels safe. Use taxis or Uber for the uphill walks and after bars close. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks on busy weekend nights and use licensed taxis after late events. |
| Other risks | Steep steps, cobbles and wet pavements; Cold and strong wind on Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake or resold tickets for Fringe shows and the Tattoo
- Unlicensed taxis touting outside clubs and the station
- Charity-collector pressure and card cloning by street 'fundraisers'
Take care
- Cowgate and Lothian Road late on weekends
- Quiet closes and steps in the Old Town at night
- Calton Hill after dark
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Riding a private e-scooter on public roads or pavements is illegal; only official rental schemes are allowed.
- Carrying a knife in public without good reason is illegal, including locking or long folding blades.
- Cannabis is illegal, and drinking alcohol is banned on London public transport.
How Edinburgh compares in United Kingdom
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Oxford | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Bath | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cambridge | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Scottish Highlands | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Isle of Skye | 5/5 · Very safe |
| York | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lake District | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cornwall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cotswolds | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Snowdonia | 5/5 · Very safe |
| London | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manchester | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Liverpool | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Glasgow | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Brighton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bristol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Belfast | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cardiff | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Newcastle | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leeds | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Birmingham | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Edinburgh safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks on busy weekend nights and use licensed taxis after late events.
Is Edinburgh safe at night?
City centre is lively until late and generally feels safe. Use taxis or Uber for the uphill walks and after bars close.
What is the crime rate in Edinburgh?
Pickpocketing in crowds on the Royal Mile and Princes Street, bag theft in pubs, and weekend drunken fights around Cowgate and Lothian Road. Nationally, United Kingdom records 1.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Edinburgh?
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999.
More about Edinburgh
Going to Edinburgh solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Lothian Buses
- Edinburgh Trams
- Edinburgh Airport
- VisitScotland
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.