Solo Travel in Edinburgh: The Essential Guide

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is the perfect city for solo travellers, with plenty to do, easy transport links and safe, welcoming accommodation options!
I’ve visited Edinburgh multiple times now, both with friends and as a solo female traveller, and I can’t recommend the city highly enough. The city attracts over 5 million visitors per year, including thousands of solo travellers from Europe and beyond. From the medieval architecture of the Royal Mile to the rugged Scottish countryside of Holyrood Park, spending a weekend in Edinburgh should be high on any traveller’s bucket list.
With a lively hostel scene, plenty of group tours to join and a low crime rate, Edinburgh is especially great for solo travellers.
In this guide, I’ve shared my best tips for a solo trip to Edinburgh, including the best things to do, where to stay and how to budget!
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Edinburgh Solo Travel Essentials
- Where to stay: On a budget? Check out Castle Rock Hostel. My top hotel affordable hotel pick is the cosy Grassmarket Hotel, and luxury solo travellers will love 100 Princes Street.
- The best tours: Get acquainted with the Old Town and Royal Mile, discover the history of Edinburgh Castle; and find out more about Edinburgh’s haunted history.
- Essential sights: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Park.
- Where to eat: Haggis Box, Makar’s Mash Bar, Paradise Palms (vegan).
Want to plan a weekend trip? Check out my ultimate guide and itinerary for two days in Edinburgh!


Why Edinburgh is the perfect solo travel destination
I loved visiting Edinburgh solo, as it gave me time to soak up the city at my own pace. It’s a city filled with character and fascinating history, combined with all the modern conveniences you’d expect from an urban capital. There’s so much to do here, from museums and historical attractions to great walks and live entertainment – which means you won’t get bored!
The city centre is compact and easy to navigate, with most popular attractions in walking distance. And if you do want to explore further afield, Scotland has great transport links. Locals are friendly and welcoming – and you’ll get to experience one of my favourite accents in the world!
Is Edinburgh safe for solo travellers?
As a busy, multicultural city, Edinburgh is a great place for solo travellers to feel safe. The city has a low crime rate, especially when it comes to violent crime against tourists. The main thing to watch out for is pickpocketing – as is the case in most cities that attract a large amount of visitors.
Edinburgh is a safe city for solo female travellers, with well-lit streets, reliable public transport and female-only dorms available in most hostels. It’s a multicultural city, with a strong LGBTQ+ community.
Of course, like any city in the world, there are areas which feel a bit sketchier, but if you stick to the city centre, you’ll be fine. I’ve always felt safe on my visits to Edinburgh, even when staying slightly out of the Royal Mile area.
Tips for staying safe in Edinburgh
- Keep your personal items and money secure, ideally in a cross-body bag or money wallet.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and don’t leave drinks unattended.
- Stick to busy, well-lit streets after dark.
- Avoid empty train carriages late at night, and choose a seat on the lower deck of quiet buses.
- Prepare for the weather! Edinburgh weather can be very changeable, and I’ve gone from vest and sunglasses to rain jacket and umbrella within the hour.
- If you’re planning on hiking to Arthur’s Seat solo, check the weather first and let someone know when you expect to be back. If you can, stick close to other hikers, or join a guided hike to Arthur’s Seat to make some walking buddies.
- If you need to call for urgent help, 999 is the emergency number in Scotland.
- Watch out for the uneven pavements. I fell off one, and spent the rest of my trip hobbling around on a twisted ankle…


Budgeting tips for solo travel in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a reputation for being on the more expensive side of Scotland, and indeed the UK as a whole. That doesn’t mean a solo trip has to break the bank, as there are plenty of ways to save money on your Edinburgh trip.
My tips for a budget-friendly solo trip to Edinbugh:
- Don’t visit during Edinburgh Festival Fringe if you’re looking for a cheap stay! During the month of August, accommodation prices shoot up. If you’re visiting for the Fringe specifically, try and book as far in advance as possible and consider budget accommodation options like hostels.
- Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) are also more expensive times to visit.
- Stay at a hostel to keep accommodation costs down. Edinburgh has plenty of them.
- There are plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh and admission-free museums, including the Scottish National Gallery, National Museum of Scotland, and the Museum on the Mound.
- Save on tour costs with a tip-based Edinburgh Walking Tour.
Find the best free things to do in Edinburgh with my complete guide!


How to get to Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a well-connected city, with plenty of transport options:
Trains to Edinburgh
Taking the train is my favourite way to get to Edinburgh, as you get to see all the sights of the northwestern England and Scottish countryside on the way!
Edinburgh Waverley Station has direct train links with major UK cities including London (around 4hrs 30min) Manchester (around 3 hours) and Birmingham (around 5 hours). Or, if you want to make the most of your days by combining travel with snoozing time…
Caledonian Sleeper
You can also travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London. Prices for a solo sleeper cabin are around £250 per person, so it’s not the most budget-friendly option. The train also offers seats from around £80pp, however I found this to be quite an uncomfortable journey compared to the daytime trains, which take around half the time!
Flying to Edinburgh
Edinburgh Airport is served by global airlines, including major destinations in Europe, the USA and the Middle East. Flying is often the quickest and cheapest way to travel to Edinburgh – but also the least sustainable.
Once you’ve landed in Edinburgh, you can take the tram from the airport to the city centre and Royal Mile. The tram costs £6.50 for a single ticket (or £9 for an open return) and takes around half an hour to get to the centre of Edinburgh.
Driving to Edinburgh
If you’re based in the UK and don’t mind solo car time, you can also drive to Edinburgh using your own car or a rental car. This way, you can combine your visit with a solo Scotland road trip!


Getting around Edinburgh
The main tourist areas of Edinburgh are close together, within the compact and easily walkable city centre. If you do plan on using public transport to explore further afield, city buses and trams cost £2 per journey. There are ticket machines at every tram station, and you can pay for buses using a contactless card.
Places to stay as a solo traveller in Edinburgh
As a tourist-centric city, Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodation options for your solo trip. From cheap hostel dorms and apartments to my favourite mid-priced hotel and 5* offerings, there’s something to suit every budget:
The best hostels in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has plenty of hostels if you’re looking for affordable solo accommodation. I personally love staying in hostels on solo trips – and not just because a dorm bed works out much cheaper than a hotel room! They’re a great place to make new friends, socialise with other solo travellers, and get deals on group activities and tours.
- Castle Rock Hostel offers dorms and private rooms in a characterful building in a prime location right next to Edinburgh Castle
- KickAss Hostels are great for sociable solo travellers – they have two locations, in Greyfriars and Grassmarket.
- Haystack Hostel offers a more laid-back hostel stay, with a homely feel that’s particularly popular with solo female travellers.
Hotels in Edinburgh for solo travellers
Not a fan of sharing your space? Edinburgh has plenty of hotels to suit all solo traveller budgets.
- For a modern, stylish chain offering, Motel One has comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
- I loved staying at the Grassmarket Hotel, on the corner of Edinburgh’s colourful Victoria Street. My Snug Double Room was compact but cosy, and decorated with old Beano magazine covers!
- Hotel du Vin is a stylish, four star hotel in the Old Town, with charming original features.
- If you’re looking for a luxury solo stay, check out 100 Princes Street – a 5* hotel with Edinburgh Castle views and traditional Scottish style decor.

Essential sights to see on a solo trip to Edinburgh
The Royal Mile
Linking Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile sits at the heart of historic Edinburgh. With its striking shops, tucked-away passages and historic facades, it also boasts a range of attractions and museums:
- St Giles Cathedral is a gothic medieval cathedral, with stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling.
- Lady Stairs Close, most famous side-streets in Edinburgh, leads to Makars Court, a popular national literary monument. You can also visit the Writers Museum to learn more about the lives of three of Scotland’s most notable writers
- Victoria Street is one of the city’s most photographed sites, best-known for its colourful facades and curiosity shops.
- The Real Mary King’s Close is a preserved 17th century street, sharing tales of medieval Edinburgh and the city’s darkest secrets. Book your tickets and guided tour to discover what life was like for people living here.
- The Vennel Viewpoint offers a great view of Edinburgh Castle from the top of the stairs.
- The People’s Story Museum brings to life the experience of working class Edinburgh residents between the 18th-20th centuries.
- Just off the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk and churchyard is the burial spot of some notable names, including the beloved terrier Greyfriars Bobby.


Edinburgh Castle
One of Edinburgh’s biggest draws for visitors is its impressive medieval castle, which towers over the city from its spot on Castle Rock. Home to multiple museums, galleries and exhibitions, the castle complex is a great place to start your dive into Edinburgh’s storied history. Some of the best things to see at Edinburgh Castle are:
- The Royal Palace: The former royal residence of Scottich monarchy.
- The Great Hall: The beating heart at the centre of the castle, used for historic regal functions.
- Honours of Scotland: Scotland’s most precious collection, including the crown jewels.
- National War Museum: Scotland’s military history, from the 1600s to present day.
- One o’Clock Gun: A gun salute is fired at 1pm every day.
Book a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle to learn from a local expert.


Princes Park Gardens
One of my favourite spots for a peaceful walk in central Edinburgh, this beautifully landscaped public park can be found a short walk from the Old Town. At the centre stands the Ross Fountain, a stunning water feature that has been meticulously restored to its former glory.
Continuing your walk, you’ll see the Floral Clock, multiple war memorials and statues. My personal favourite is Wojtek the Bear – a remarkable soldier who served with the Polish Army before ‘retiring’ at Edinburgh Zoo.


Holyrood Park
My last trip to Edinburgh was actually the first time I explored Holyrood Park, and it’s a great place to experience a taste of Scotland’s rugged countryside. It’s a wonderful spot for solo walks, and the busy paths feel like a safe place to wander for solo female travellers.
Some of the main sights to see in Holyrood Park are:
- Holyrood House: The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland.
- Arthur’s Seat: Hike to the top of this extinct volcano to Edinburgh’s highest point for panoramic city and countryside views. If you don’t want to go solo, you can join a guided group hike.
- Salisbury Crags – a clifftop walking path for views across Edinburgh.
- St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins: A former religious building, located on a rocky outcrop.


The best activities and tours in Edinburgh
Joining a group tour or activity is a great way to socialise with like-minded people – even just for a couple of hours! Here are a few of my favourite tours and activities for solo travellers in Edinburgh:
- Wizarding World fans can visit a whole host of Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh on a magical guided tour.
- Enjoy Scotland’s favourite alcoholic drink with a guided immersive Johnnie Walker whisky tasting tour.
- I have a tradition of taking a ghost tour in every city I visit, and Edinburgh’s Haunted Vaults and Graveyards tour is perfect for getting a taste of spooky Scotland.


Solo Dining in Edinburgh
If the idea of eating alone makes you nervous – trust me, it’s not just you. Going to a restaurant alone is one of the things that put me off solo travelling when I was younger, but with experience (and a book in my bag at all times) I became a seasoned solo diner.
I’d recommend starting with casual dining spots. Some great places in Edinburgh include:
- Haggis Box: Haggis is Scotland’s most famous culinary export – try it here, served with the classic ‘neeps’ (turnips) and ‘tatties’ (mashed potato).
- Makar’s Mash Bar: Scottish dishes, served with their signature mash potatoes.
- Oink: Edinburgh’s finest pulled pork rolls – in the Canongate dining room, or on the go.
- Paradise Palms: My go-to in Edinburgh for delicious vegan junk food. I always take the corner table for reading and people-watching!
Edinburgh food tours
Small group food tours are one of my favourite ways to experience a city’s culinary scene. They’re also great way to remove the awkwardness of solo dining, as you get to meet and eat with other travellers. These are some of Edinburgh’s finest:
- An Edinburgh Secret Food Tour combines history with deliciousness, with five stops at some of the city’s culinary highlights.
- Try Scotland’s most famous culinary export at a haggis pairing session.
- If you’re a cheese fiend like me, this guided cheese crawl takes you to the cheesiest spots in town – with plenty of tastings, of course.
- Does whisky and chocolate sound like the perfect combo? This one‘s for you…


Evening activities for solo travellers
When I began travelling solo, my biggest concern was what to do with myself in the evenings. As much as I love a trip to one of Edinburgh’s historical pubs, sitting alone with a book can feel awkward when it’s a Saturday night and everyone’s out to party.
Luckily, Edinburgh has plenty of options for night-time activities that are perfect for solo travellers:
- Join an organised pub crawl to experience the city’s nightlife with other travellers.
- Hear terrifying tales and see what lies beneath the Royal Mile on a late night underground vaults tour.
- Edinburgh is a famously funny city – head to Monkey Barrel or The Stand to see the best up-and-coming comics. If you’re really lucky, some of comedy’s biggest names occasionally make an appearance to test new material.
- Combine terror with laughter on a unique Comedy Horror Bus Tour.
What to take with you on a trip to Edinburgh
Other than the usual city break essentials, these are the things that every solo traveller in Edinburgh should have with them!
- A book (or Kindle) is an essential solo travel item, perfect for passing time in restaurants, bars or on transport.
- A portable charger for your devices – for safety, navigation and entertainment reasons.
- Layers, to deal with the unreliable Scottish weather! I’d recommend having a pocket umbrella and light rain jacket, just in case.
Solo day trips from Edinburgh
Want to explore more of Scotland? Take a group day trip from Edinburgh to discover fascinating sights, beautiful countryside and the local wildlife!
- Keep an eye out for the legendary ‘Nessie’ and explore the Scottish highlands.
- Ride the ‘Hogwarts Express’ across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Visit traditional fishing villages and medieval palace on a day trip to Fife and St Andrews.
Prefer to go alone? Check out how to take a day trip to Loch Lomond by train.
More Scotland Travel Guides:
- A Weekend in Edinburgh: The Perfect 2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
- 21+ of the Best Free Things To Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
- How to Plan the Perfect Loch Lomond Day Trip (No Car Needed!)