Is Edinburgh Safe? As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh has always been considered one of the safest cities in the UK. With over 600 years of history, Edinburgh is home to many famous tourist attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, National Museum of Scotland, Arthur’s Seat, etc., and receives 16 million tourists yearly. Edinburgh is also home to some of the most prestigious universities, such as the University of Edinburgh and the Heriot Watt University, where more than 60,000 students study. Before visiting and studying Edinburgh, people need to know: Is Edinburgh safe? Edinburgh safe zones, how to stay safe when travelling in Edinburgh, and more.
Is Edinburgh Safe
Is Edinburgh Safe? This is a concern for everyone travelling and studying in Edinburgh. There is no doubt that Edinburgh is a safe city, with Edinburgh topping the list with a crime index of 31.1 and a safety index of 68.9, as well as having the lowest rate of violent crime in the UK, which means that there are very few fights, attempted murders or murders. The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, offering a wide range of subjects, an efficient emergency service, and a safe campus environment. Not only does Edinburgh have a better law and order situation and a lower crime rate, but students can get a high-quality education here and enjoy a safe living environment.
Is Edinburgh Safe at Night
Edinburgh is safe at night. Edinburgh is ranked 5, with 62 per cent of students feeling safe walking alone at night in Edinburgh, according to Get Licensed UK’s latest Survey of Students Feeling Safe Walking Alone at Night 2024. As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh City Council invests around £28 million a year in managing safety in the city. Although the cobbled streets may be slightly slippery in wet weather in the historic Old Town, medieval-style street lights every 20 metres provide plenty of light and a cultural atmosphere for nighttime travel. The city also has an excellent public safety system, with an adequate police force and frequent patrols to ensure the safety of citizens and students travelling at night. It is worth mentioning that Edinburgh residents generally have a high level of legal awareness and public civilisation, which is one of the important factors in ensuring good security in the city. When travelling at night, try to choose well-lit and densely populated areas. If travelling at night in Edinburgh, try using public transport, such as night buses like the Lothian Buses N route.
Is Edinburgh Safe for Tourists
Edinburgh is one of the very safest cities for tourists, which is one of the key reasons why it is one of the UK’s most popular cities to visit. With 15 million visitors a year, tourism brings a steady stream of consumers to Edinburgh, and the Scottish Government, Edinburgh Police and tourism organisations have a longstanding commitment to creating a safe, orderly and friendly environment in the city. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Police Scotland, Edinburgh’s overall crime rate is 1/3 of the national average, lower than any other major city in the UK. Violent crime against tourists in Edinburgh is sporadic, and the vast majority of cases are not tourism-related. Police Scotland also increases patrols during the peak tourist season, especially in areas with a high concentration of tourists, such as the Royal Mile, Grassmarket Street, around the Castle and the railway station. Edinburgh also has a number of Safe Haven Spots, which provide help, rest and emergency support for visitors.
Edinburgh Crime Rate
Edinburgh has a very low crime rate of 67.9 offences per 1,000 population. In Edinburgh, the coefficient for domestic burglary is 2.9, robbery of personal property is 0.4, violence against the person causing injury is 0.5, and the coefficient for total crime is 3.9. Edinburgh has a more stable law and order situation than large cities such as London and Manchester, where the crime rate is 105.8 offences per 1,000 inhabitants, and Manchester, which is 114.6 offences per 1,000 inhabitants.
Safe Areas of Edinburgh
Morningside
Morningside is one of Edinburgh’s safest and most pleasant areas to live in, with an exceptionally low crime rate of 36.2 offences per 1,000 people, which is consistently amongst the lowest in the city. As one of Edinburgh’s premier residential areas, Morningside is a clean and tidy neighbourhood with a warm and welcoming community atmosphere and a strong sense of neighbourliness amongst its residents. The area is moderately populated, with relatively few tourists and mainly local long-term residents, resulting in a peaceful environment and a comfortable pace of life. In addition, Morningside’s comprehensive amenities, including excellent educational resources, high-quality schools, distinctive independent cafes, a small theatre and a variety of boutique shops, make it an excellent place to live, both in terms of convenience and culture. This makes Morningside a safe and best part of Edinburgh for families, academics, residents, and international students looking for a high quality of life.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge is an affluent area of Edinburgh on the edge of the city centre that maintains a low crime rate. With a quiet and elegant environment, independent shops, art galleries, speciality bookshops and a popular farmers’ market lining the streets, Stockbridge attracts visitors and residents with a love of arts and culture and a slower pace of life, resulting in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. In addition, the convenience of the area’s amenities, proximity to the Water of Leith Trail, and its natural and cultural environment make it an ideal location for young professionals, academics and international students. In addition, Stockbridge is particularly well-protected in terms of security, with a steady stream of patrols and security measures in place daily.
Colinton & Fairmilehead
Colinton & Fairmilehead is one of Edinburgh’s better-policed areas, with a crime rate of around 40.5 per 1,000 population and a quiet and pleasant environment with the tranquillity of an old-fashioned village, rich in natural resources and open green spaces. Fairmilehead has woodland walks and nature reserves and is perfect for those who love the outdoors and have a peaceful lifestyle. It has mostly long-term residents, a stable community structure, and strong neighbourhood ties, further enhancing the sense of security in the area. The low density of living makes it relatively easy to manage policing, with more targeted police patrols and community safety measures.
Bruntsfield
Bruntsfield is a safe place to live in Edinburgh and is known for its pleasant living environment. Bruntsfield is well landscaped, with clean and quiet streets, and is close to large parks such as Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows, which provide plenty of outdoor recreational space and a green environment for residents to enjoy. With a population of mainly local residents and university students and a low number of tourists, Bruntsfield is an ideal location for students and young families as it is close to a number of University of Edinburgh campuses.
Bad Areas of Edinburgh
Leith
Leith is one of Edinburgh’s oldest harbour districts and has recently evolved into a multicultural and creative district. However, despite progress in urban redevelopment and cultural regeneration, Leith has a high crime rate in Edinburgh, with common types of crime including dishonesty (e.g. burglary, fraud), motor vehicle crime, criminal damage, and drug-related activity, particularly at night. To improve security, the local authority and Edinburgh Police have increased the frequency of community patrols in the Leith area, installed additional CCTV cameras, and worked with community organisations to deliver anti-drug and youth crime prevention projects. In addition, Neighbourhood Watch and safety education campaigns have been promoted to encourage residents to report suspicious behaviour. These comprehensive measures are gradually improving residents’ sense of security, but vigilance is still needed when travelling at night, especially in isolated neighbourhoods.
Sighthill & Gorgie
Sighthill & Gorgie is one of the bad areas of Edinburgh due to high unemployment. According to 2024 figures, the crime rate in the area is 102.2 per 1,000 population, which is one of the higher levels in the city, and security risks are more pronounced at night in some parts of the area, with room for improvement in terms of lighting conditions and public surveillance facilities. To improve security in the area, the local government, in conjunction with the Police Department, has taken several measures, including increasing the number of police officers patrolling the streets, installing more CCTV surveillance cameras in high-crime areas, and strengthening collaboration with the community to promote neighbourhood watch schemes and safety education programmes. Residents and visitors are advised to take care of their personal and property safety when moving around the district and to travel in groups, especially at night.
Portobello & Craigmillar
The Portobello & Craigmillar area has an overall crime rate of 84 crimes per 1,000 people and is a less safe area in Edinburgh. Whilst Portobello attracts a large number of tourists and families to live in the area with its scenic beaches and laid-back atmosphere, neighbouring Craigmillar has a high level of property crime due to the historic concentration of social housing and has faced a long history of poverty, unemployment and under-resourced education, which together have led to a breeding ground for anti-social behaviour and high levels of property-based crime. Although the local government has been actively promoting urban regeneration programmes in recent years, including upgrading the quality of housing and improving community facilities and public spaces, some areas still suffer from a lack of social cohesion and a lack of safety. To stay safe in Portobello & Craigmillar, residents and visitors are advised to avoid travelling alone at night in poorly lit or sparsely populated areas and to be vigilant when carrying valuables. It is also recommended that main streets and routes be used with good surveillance coverage and that attention be paid to community safety bulletins.
Tips for Safe Stay Edinburgh
Burglary and Residential Safety
Be familiar with the safety advice provided by the school and the Students’ Union to ensure that your home is safe. Ensure that doors and windows have effective locks and that valuables are kept in a hidden or secure location.
Safety Outside
Make plans when going out and avoid travelling alone through isolated areas such as poorly lit areas or alleys. Keep your mobile phone fully charged so that you can contact someone at any time. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, always be aware of your surroundings and do not accept drinks from strangers.
Financial Security
Protect personal information and handle sensitive data, including banking information, with care. Do not display valuables such as smartphones and jewellery in public. Keep a low profile and avoid being a target.
Memorise Local Police and Emergency Numbers
Ensure that you can call for help quickly in an emergency, 999 (emergency) / 101 (non-emergency).
Conclusion
Overall, Edinburgh is a safe city with a moderate pace of life, particularly suitable for students, tourists and long-term residents. Edinburgh’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than that of major cities in England, such as London and Manchester, as well as the Scottish and UK national averages, and it particularly excels in the areas of violent crime and burglary. The city centre and surrounding areas, such as Morningside, Bruntsfield and Stockbridge, have beautiful surroundings and friendly communities, good public safety facilities, and frequent police patrols to keep residents safe. Travelling at night is relatively safe in most areas, especially in well-lit areas with good transport links. For tourists, the main attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens also offer a high level of security. However, you should be aware of the problem of burglary when crowds are high. Overall, Edinburgh is one of the safest and best major cities in Scotland and the UK to live and study in. However, as with all major cities, it is still vital to remain vigilant and take safety precautions.
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FAQ About Is Edinburgh Safe?
Is Edinburgh safe to walk around at night?
Yes, central areas like Morningside, Stockbridge, and Bruntsfield are safe at night with good lighting, regular patrols, and a strong student and resident presence. It’s still wise to stay in groups or use trusted transport late at night.
What are the bad areas of Edinburgh?
Leith, Sighthill & Gorgie, andCraigmillar are less safe areas in Edinburgh and have higher crime rates. Even so, these neighbourhoods are improving, and many parts remain peaceful.
Is Edinburgh tap water safe to drink?
It’s best not to drink it straight. Tap water in Edinburgh is hard, so if you use it to wash dishes, vegetables, and clothes, it is still OK. However, tap water is a bit high in minerals and is prone to stone formation.
