What Areas Should I Avoid in Edinburgh, Scotland, as a Tourist?
What Areas Should I Avoid in Edinburgh, Scotland, as a Tourist?: A Complete Guide
Edinburgh is one of the most intriguing destinations in Scotland, with millions of people being lured by its medieval Old Town, its Georgian buildings, various historic sites, and its panoramic scenery. Although the city is quite friendly and safe to travel to, some districts may not appeal that much, especially at night and/or if you do not know your way around the city. It is always helpful to know where you should be cautious during your holiday.
Planning the transportation to your next destination may also be relevant for those who plan to visit several cities in Scotland. If your trip includes Edinburgh and Glasgow, then you will need proper transport arrangement to make your trip more convenient. If you decide to use a Glasgow City Private Hire Taxi, it will greatly facilitate your transportation within Glasgow prior to your further Scottish adventure.
Is Edinburgh Safe for Tourists?
On the whole, it is regarded as being a fairly safe city for tourists. Tourism district in Edinburgh stays very busy most of the time during the year as they offer attractions, restaurants, hotels, shopping facilities, public transportation and other facilities for visitors during day and even till the night time. But like all big cities of Europe, there are certain parts in Edinburgh where visitors need to take extra care.
Most often, problems for tourists are not about the violent crimes, but the issues include petty thefts, robbery, antisocial behavior, lack of proper lighting and feeling uneasy about being in the unknown places after dark. There may also be cases where tourism districts become overcrowded, which provides scope for petty thieves.
What is important is that "avoid" doesn’t always imply dangerous area.
1. Wester Hailes: Exercise Extra Caution
Wester Hailes is found in the western region of Edinburgh and is more of a residential suburb and not really an attraction for tourists. Unless one has a particular motive, there is hardly any reason to visit Wester Hailes.
There are certain areas within this suburb that could be unwelcoming for tourists who may not be aware of the area, especially during the quiet times. Tourists visiting Edinburgh do not necessarily have to include Wester Hailes in their visit plan.
It is advisable to visit Wester Hailes during the day and stick to the main roads and use safe forms of transportation.
2. Niddrie and Parts of Craigmillar
Niddrie and Craigmillar are residential neighborhoods situated in the southeast region of Edinburgh. The Craigmillar neighborhood has experienced regeneration with new housing estates and community centers among other things. However, parts of the area have been experiencing higher levels of deprivation and antisocial behavior than the rest of the tourist spots in Edinburgh.
There is no need for sightseeing in such an area for tourists. If your stay is near these neighborhoods, consult your host or hotel on the best means of getting around.
When in a new city, do not walk alone on secluded streets at night especially after drinking or with valuable equipment.
3. Moredun: Know Your Route
Moredun is yet another residential area in southeastern Edinburgh which will rarely find a mention in the list of things to visit for a first-time visitor of Edinburgh. Moredun cannot be compared to places like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, or Royal Mile.
However, visitors who by mistake land up in such residential areas owing to taking a wrong bus or walking out of the popular attractions should not worry too much. Just get your bearings sorted and head back to a more crowded area or take a reliable taxi ride.
The important thing is not to wander around blindly in an area one is unaware of, particularly during nighttime.
4. Parts of Pilton and Muirhouse
The two neighbourhoods of Pilton and Muirhouse are situated in the north of Edinburgh. They are both residential in nature and are far removed from the traditional tourist centre of the city.
Even though the above-mentioned neighbourhoods are not those tourist spots that would automatically qualify as dangerous for tourists, there might be certain streets where a visitor unfamiliar with the city may feel somewhat insecure. The most important thing to do is plan your route in advance and not get lost while exploring secluded residential streets.
5. Haymarket and Waverley: Be Careful Around Busy Transport Hubs
However, interestingly enough, there are many areas where tourists have to stay especially alert that cannot be considered “bad neighbourhoods.” Transport terminals like Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket may be very crowded, especially during festival time, sport events, concerts and holiday seasons.
In case your tour plan in Scotland involves travel by air, then booking transportation beforehand will help you to ease the process. For those who arrive at Glasgow Airport pick up and drop off and head further to cities, booking pick-up and drop-off services from the airport in advance will definitely be helpful, especially if you have kids or much luggage or leave at unusual hours.
Do not forget to secure your money, cell phone, passport and bags at busy train stations. Never leave your bags unattended, especially during boarding of buses or trains.
6. Leith: Explore Selectively After Dark
Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most interesting areas that has changed significantly over time. This area has restaurants, bars, independent businesses, the water front and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Tourists would be wrong if they were advised not to visit Leith at all. Some areas are good to visit during the day time and early evenings. Some other areas might have a different feel to them after night fall, especially if one was walking alone and did not know the area very well.
One should follow busy paths especially near the waterfront and main business centers. Public transport and taxis should be used when going back to central Edinburgh in the evenings.
7. The Cowgate: Watch Your Belongings at Night
The Cowgate lies below the Old Town and is known for its nightlife. There are various pubs, clubs, bars, and entertainment establishments here, which draw many people.
The place can get crowded and noisy at late hours, especially on the weekends. So tourists must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions for securing their belongings.
While you are having fun in Edinburgh's nightlife, it is recommended that you move around with friends, avoid any conflict, and have a planned way back to your destination.
Areas Tourists Should Generally Feel Comfortable Visiting
Travelling within Edinburgh need not become an overwhelming concern for visitors. Many of Edinburgh’s more popular areas are vibrant, established tourist sites.
The Old Town, Royal Mile, New Town, Princes Street, Stockbridge, Dean Village, and Holyrood are just some of the more popular areas for tourists to visit. Nevertheless, even in these places, taking common safety measures for city living is a good idea.
During large-scale events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Hogmanay, concerts, and sports events, people crowds can become very dense. Keep your things close and stay alert.
How to Stay Safe While Exploring Edinburgh
Here are a few easy tips to make your experience better:
Store your wallet and mobile safely in crowded places.
Do not flaunt a lot of money.
Keep to well-lit areas once it gets dark.
Never walk through unfamiliar residential areas at night.
Always use licensed taxis and reputable private hire transport.
Have the location of your place of accommodation saved on your mobile.
Think about how you will get back once you step out at night.
Be extra cautious near crowded railway stations and nightlife spots.
Never leave your bags unattended.
If you feel uncomfortable, head to a public place.
Should You Avoid Any Part of Edinburgh Completely?
For most tourists, it is not necessary to avoid entire parts of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a much easier place to navigate if you manage to discern tourist sites from neighborhoods and entertainment districts.
Certain neighborhoods have more social deprivation and reported antisocial behavior, but this does not mean that each person and street within those areas is dangerous. There may be very different situations on different streets, and neighborhoods can evolve over time.
Rather than having a list of “dangerous areas,” it makes more sense for tourists to take precautions.
Final Thoughts on Staying Safe in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is still a good choice for vacationing in Scotland and most travelers find that their stay in the city is enjoyable without any major issues. The central tourism area is usually easy and lively enough to explore, but there are also several local neighborhoods which give tourists little incentive to visit them unless they have somewhere to go.
The best approach is quite straightforward – plan your routes, keep alert, protect your property and use safe means of transport if you need to go out after dark. By taking such measures, you will be able to freely enjoy exploring the streets, charming Old Town, beautiful parks, museums, restaurants and other attractions of the historic city.
Whatever your destination in Scotland, whether Edinburgh or something else, you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying yourself if you prepare properly before coming here.
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