Stockbridge

Stockbridge has low crime, local cafes, and a residential feel. Good for people who want to stay somewhere quiet but still walk to tourist sites in 15-20 minutes.

Stockbridge sits in a valley along the Water of Leith river, about 15 minutes' walk from the city center. It feels more like a local neighborhood than a tourist area - independent bookshops, bakeries, and cafes where people know the staff. Raeburn Place has groceries, pharmacies, and a Sunday farmers market that draws people from across the city. The Pantry and similar spots regularly have people eating alone, and nobody thinks twice about it. Crime rates are low and streets stay well-lit at night. The area attracts professionals and families, so there's activity in the evenings. You can walk to Princes Street in 15 minutes or the Royal Mile in 20, which makes it easy to visit the tourist sites but come back to somewhere quieter. The Water of Leith walkway follows the river for miles - good for running or walking. Not many places to stay here compared to central areas, but worth looking.