West End / Haymarket

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.

Haymarket Station is a major transport hub with connections across Scotland. The surrounding streets mix Victorian townhouses, shops, and restaurants. The area has more locals than tourists - office workers, families shopping on Morrison Street, students from nearby universities. You're 10 minutes' walk from Princes Street but the atmosphere feels more residential. William Street and Stafford Street in the West End have restaurants and gastropubs in converted Georgian buildings. Crime rates are low and streets stay lit with consistent foot traffic from early commuters through evening diners. The Ghillie Dhu on Rutland Place does traditional ceilidh nights with live music and dancing. It's quieter than Old Town, safer than Leith, cheaper than Stockbridge, and you can still walk to the main attractions.