Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Leith has some of Edinburgh's best restaurants along The Shore waterfront. Visit for lunch or early dinner and take the tram. Don't stay overnight - higher crime rates than other areas.
Leith is the old port area about 3 miles from central Edinburgh. The Shore waterfront has Michelin-starred restaurants, galleries in converted warehouses, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. During the day and early evening, The Shore has decent foot traffic from people eating at restaurants and walking along the Water of Leith. The food scene is the draw - some of Edinburgh's best restaurants are here. The problem is safety. Despite gentrification, Leith still has higher crime rates than other Edinburgh neighborhoods - drug activity, property crime, occasional violence. The Shore itself is okay during dining hours, but surrounding streets empty out after 9pm and the contrast between redeveloped areas and rough pockets is stark. Visit during the day for lunch or early dinner, take the tram (20 minutes from center), and leave before dark. Avoid Salamander Street and Leith Link area entirely - it's a red-light district. Don't stay here overnight when safer neighborhoods are available nearby.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
HighHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Excellent"Great restaurants but didn't feel safe walking around at night"
"Took the tram for dinner at The Shore, left before it got dark"
"Worth visiting for the Michelin restaurants, just don't wander around"
"Fine during the day, wouldn't stay here at night"
"Good for lunch or early dinner, then go back to central Edinburgh"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Old Town has the medieval architecture and museums that bring people to Edinburgh. Visit during the day when there's police presence and crowds. Watch for pickpockets in busy areas. Plan to spend evenings in better-lit neighborhoods.
West End and Haymarket have good transport links from the train station, low crime rates, and a residential feel while staying close to central Edinburgh. More locals than tourists.
New Town has Georgian architecture, upscale dining, and good safety day and night. More expensive than other areas but streets stay lit and active late.
Help other women stay safe in Leith
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.