Edinburgh

Edinburgh
15th January 2020 Safer Travel

Edinburgh


Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.


Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
0044 207 008 1500
Edinburgh Castle with bird flying

Details


Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.

  • Emergency Services: 999
  • Language: English
  • Currency: Scottish Pound
  • Country Code: GB
  • Travel Visa: None required
  • Population: 482,005

Risk Level


Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;

Overall Risk 37%
Pickpickets 62%
Mugging 25%
Common Crimes 38%

Travellers Tips


Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.

Emergencies


For the Emergency services just dial 999 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 101.

Hospitals

Tourist Offices

Click the text below to visit their website.

Visit Scotland

Travelling Around


London has four major airports and is connected by one of the most amazing underground train systems in the world. The main access point for the Tube is Kings Cross Station.

Airports

Edinburgh Airport is the main airport for the city. Click the text below to visit the website.

Edinburgh Airport

 

Train Stations

Waverley Station is the main train station for the city. Click on the text to visit the website.

Waverley Station

Edinburgh Safety

  • Where should I take more care?

    Some of the areas of Leith around the bottom of Leith Walk and the dockside should be treated with care if walking at night.

  • What are the common crimes?

    Aggressive behaviour is common in the city centre especially after a night out, keep calm and an eye open for people who look to be causing trouble.

    Sex attacks are on the increase in Edinburgh, be aware of your surrounding if walking home late at night. It is advised to take a taxi or stay with groups of friends.

    Watch your personal belongings at all times, opportunists will take advantage of anyone who is not aware of what they have with them.

  • What are some safety tips worth knowing?

    Edinburgh is a student city, there are plenty of pubs and bars in the city centre. Be aware of the culture and student mentality.

    Pickpockets operate in the city centre and look to target tourists, keep your belongings secure at all times.

  • How do I keep up with the news?

    Edinburgh has local news media outlets. Click on the text below to visit their website.

    BBC News in Scotland

    The Scotsman – Edinburgh Evening News

Improve Your Personal Safety

Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.

Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.

Response – the right reaction can change a situation.

Annual Events


Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.

Events

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A showcase of outstanding natural beauty, the Tattoo celebrates natural Scotland. The events include music, action performances, art exhibitions, featuring performers and artists from all over the world who love the natural environment and beauty of the country.

Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay. A giant street party including live music gigs and dramatic fireworks. Held between December and January each year.

Fringe Festival

The biggest names in comedy and performers as well as emerging talent cover all sorts of art forms such as comedy, plays, dance, music, and exhibitions. Held in August each year.

Edinburgh Highlights

  • Are there any gardens I can visit?

    Princes Street Gardens

    The gardens were originally planned to have no buildings on the southern side, so that the lucky residents could have an amazing view of the castle and the old Town.

    The Royal Botanic Garden

    The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is an amazing scientific centre for the study of plants, looking at their diversity and conservation. It is a very popular tourist attraction for visitors to come and see amazing plant species.

  • What are the highlight attractions?

    Edinburgh Castle

    An amazing feet of design and building which dominates the skyline of the city. It can be seen from anywhere around the city, top the castle itself visitors have an amazing view of the city.

    National Museum

    National Museums Scotland was formed by Act of Parliament in 1985, amalgamating the former National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland and The Royal Scottish Museum