How Edinburgh Stole My Heart
I visited Edinburgh, I was 24 or 25, traveling solo with low expectations for my first solo female travel experience in Edinburgh during New Year’s Eve. But as soon as I arrived, everything changed.
I walked into a pub full of travelers from Couchsurfing, a platform where travelers connect with locals for affordable stays or social meetups. I wasn’t staying with a host, but I joined a Couchsurfing event where I met people from all over the world. That night, we hiked up Arthur’s Seat to watch the fireworks, and it felt like pure magic. Later, I joined a Latin party with new friends, and suddenly, I wasn’t alone at all.
Over the next few days, Edinburgh kept surprising me. I took a haunted hop-on hop-off tour, explored hidden alleys and charming little shops in the Old Town, and even met a kind Scottish local who introduced me to one of the coolest pubs ever—it had multiple themed rooms, and even a cinema inside! I can’t remember the name (if you know, tell me in the comments!), but I loved how effortlessly the city welcomed me.
If you’re considering solo female travel in Edinburgh, I promise you’ll feel safe and enchanted at the same time. Here’s my ultimate guide to exploring Edinburgh as a solo female traveler, with practical safety tips, must-visit spots, and my personal experiences.
✨ Bonus: At the end of this post, you’ll find a mini-tutorial on how to use Couchsurfing to meet amazing people while traveling solo!
Why Edinburgh is Perfect for Solo Female Travelers
1️⃣ Safety First: Is Edinburgh Safe for Women Traveling Alone?
✔️ Yes! Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the UK, with crime rates significantly lower than London and other major European capitals.
✔️ Low violent crime rates: Most crime in Edinburgh is petty theft (like pickpocketing in tourist areas).
✔️ Safe atmosphere at night: Compared to other cities, walking around central Edinburgh after dark feels comfortable—just stick to well-lit areas.
💡 My experience? I felt safer walking alone in Edinburgh at night than in many other European cities. The people were friendly, and I never felt uncomfortable exploring on my own.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh as a Solo Traveler
🏡 Old Town vs. New Town
🔹 Old Town (Medieval & Historic Charm)
- Perfect if you love history, cozy pubs, and gothic architecture.
- Stay near the Royal Mile, but avoid secluded closes (narrow alleys) at night.
🔹 New Town (Elegant & Modern Comfort)
- Safer at night with better-lit streets and upscale accommodations.
- A great choice for first-timers looking for a calm, stylish stay.
💡 Budget Tip: If you’re staying in a hostel, choose one with female-only dorms for extra comfort. Some hostels even offer castle views!
How to Explore Edinburgh Alone Without Feeling Awkward
1️⃣ Best Spots to Visit Solo
If you love books, magic, and cozy spots, Edinburgh is a dream. Here are two must-visit places for a solo traveler:
📚 The Elephant House – Famous as the café where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter, this is the perfect place to sit by the window with a coffee and enjoy the literary vibes. It’s touristy, but still worth a visit.
✨ Museum Context (a.k.a. The Harry Potter Shop) – This charming shop in Old Town is a must for any Harry Potter fan. With its magical decor and unique souvenirs, it’s a fun stop whether you’re a Potterhead or just love beautifully curated stores.
✔️ Solo Traveler Tip: These spots are great for people-watching, taking a break from walking, and even sparking conversations with fellow travelers.
2️⃣ Eating Alone Without Overthinking It
I used to feel self-conscious about eating alone, but in Edinburgh, I quickly learned that no one really cares. Here’s what helped me:
✔️ Sit by the window – It’s more comfortable to people-watch while enjoying your meal.
✔️ Bring a book or journal – Makes solo dining feel intentional.
✔️ Confidence is key – Walk in, ask for a table for one, and own it!
💡 One night, I randomly walked into a pub and ended up chatting with locals who gave me great recommendations on what to do next. You never know where solo dining might lead!
3️⃣ Getting Around Safely
✔️ Walk during the day – The best way to explore the city.
✔️ Use Uber or black cabs at night – Buses can be less frequent after 10 PM.
✔️ Download Citymapper – Helps you find the best routes.
Street-Smart Tips for Solo Travelers
1️⃣ The “Fake Local” Trick
✔️ Blending in helps – I wore a simple Scottish scarf to avoid looking too much like a tourist.
✔️ Avoid big cameras & unfolded maps – Use Google Maps subtly to avoid standing out.
2️⃣ Stay Connected
✔️ Buy a UK SIM card – I got a £10 Giffgaff SIM at the airport and it was a lifesaver.
Mini-Tutorial: How to Use Couchsurfing for Solo Travel
What is Couchsurfing?
Couchsurfing is a community-based travel app where locals host travelers for affordable stays or social meetups. It used to be free, but now has a low annual membership fee.
💡 How I Used It in Edinburgh:
- I didn’t stay with a host, but I joined a Couchsurfing meetup at a pub, where I met amazing people from all over the world.
How to Use It for Social Travel:
1️⃣ Create a profile – Add a friendly bio, your interests, and why you want to meet people.
2️⃣ Join local events – Many cities have Couchsurfing meetups, just like the one I joined in Edinburgh.
3️⃣ Check host reviews – If you want to stay with someone, always read their references first.
4️⃣ Be open to making new friends – You don’t have to stay with a host to enjoy Couchsurfing!
💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re hesitant about meeting strangers, start by joining group meetups instead of one-on-one hangouts.
Final Thoughts: Why Edinburgh is Worth It for Solo Travelers
I didn’t expect much when I first visited Edinburgh, but it ended up being one of the best solo travel experiences of my life. The city welcomed me with open arms, and I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there.
So if you’re wondering “Should I visit Edinburgh alone?” my answer is: Absolutely!
Have you traveled solo to Edinburgh before? Drop a comment below and share your experience! 💬
If you would like more ideas about solo living without feeling alone, check it out my other posts