🖨️ Printable Version of this Travel Guide
Discover the enchanting capital of Scotland, where medieval history meets modern culture in one of Europe’s safest cities for solo female travelers. This 5-day itinerary combines iconic attractions with hidden treasures.
Safety Assessment
Edinburgh consistently ranks among the safest cities in the UK, with excellent public transportation and well-lit streets.
The New Town and Old Town areas are ideal for female travelers, with high foot traffic and numerous safe accommodations.
The Royal Mile and Princes Street are well-monitored and safe at all hours.
Exercise standard caution around Cowgate and Grassmarket late at night, though generally safe.
Keep valuable documents in hotel safes and use official taxi services after dark.
Accommodation Recommendations
The Balmoral Hotel Luxury landmark hotel £300-400/night Prime Princes Street location 24-hour security and female staff Connected to Waverley Station
Eden Locke Stylish aparthotel in New Town £150-200/night Kitchen facilities Secure entry system Walking distance to main attractions
CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT Modern pod-style accommodation £35-50/night Female-only dorm options 24-hour reception Royal Mile location
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Royal Mile Exploration
Morning Edinburgh Castle Book first entry slot Difficulty: Moderate (uphill) Cost: £18
Lunch The Witchery Scottish fine dining £25-35 set lunch Atmospheric Gothic setting
Afternoon Royal Mile walking tour with Mercat Tours Historical storytelling Ghost stories Difficulty: Easy Cost: £16
Evening The Devil’s Advocate Scottish cuisine and whisky £30-40 per person Hidden in historic close
Day 2 – New Town Dreams
Morning Royal Botanic Garden Victorian glasshouses Peaceful walking paths Difficulty: Easy Entry: Free (£7 for glasshouses)
Lunch Urban Angel Organic café £15-20 Locally sourced menu
Afternoon Scottish National Gallery Art masterpieces Free entry Difficulty: Easy
Evening The Dome Elegant dining Georgian architecture £40-50 per person
Day 3 – Literary Edinburgh
Morning The Writers’ Museum Scottish literary heritage Free entry Difficulty: Easy
Lunch The Elephant House Harry Potter writing spot £15-20 Famous coffee house
Afternoon National Museum of Scotland Scottish history and culture Free entry Rooftop terrace views Difficulty: Easy
Evening Literary pub tour with Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour Stories and drinks £14 per person Includes live performance
Day 4 – Royal and Mysterious
Morning Palace of Holyroodhouse Royal residence Audio guide included Entry: £17.50 Difficulty: Easy
Lunch Contini Italian-Scottish fusion £20-30 Historic building
Afternoon Arthur’s Seat Iconic hill climb Panoramic views Difficulty: Challenging Free activity
Evening Witchery by the Castle Atmospheric dining Scottish luxury £60-80 per person
Day 5 – Local Life
Morning Stockbridge Market (Sundays) Local producers Street food Difficulty: Easy Budget: £15-20
Lunch The Gardener’s Cottage Seasonal Scottish £25-35 Communal dining
Afternoon Dean Village Historic water mills Photography paradise Difficulty: Easy Free walking tour
Evening Timberyard Modern Scottish £50-70 per person Local ingredients
Must-See Attractions
Edinburgh Castle Military displays Crown jewels Book online ahead Best visited morning £18
Royal Mile Historic heart Street performers Free walking Always accessible
Arthur’s Seat Ancient volcano City views 2-hour hike Free access
Calton Hill National monuments Sunset spot Easy climb Free access
St Giles’ Cathedral Medieval church Stained glass £6 donation suggested Morning light best
Local Hidden Gems
Water of Leith Walkway Riverside path Wildlife spotting Free guided walks Photography heaven
The Real Mary King’s Close Underground streets Local guides £18.95 entry Book ahead online
Jupiter Artland Outdoor sculpture park Contemporary art £10 entry Seasonal opening
Dining Recommendations
Aizle Modern Scottish Six-course tasting menu £70 per person Book 2 months ahead Dietary requirements accommodated
Mother India’s Cafe Scottish-Indian fusion £20-30 per person Vegetarian friendly Popular evening spot
The Kitchin Michelin-starred Scottish with French techniques £95+ per person Smart dress code
Additional Practical Information
Transportation Edinburgh Trams £1.80 single Lothian Buses £1.80 single Day ticket £4.50 Edinburgh Bus Tours £16
Language Tips Scottish terms: Aye – Yes Cheers – Thank you Wee – Small Download Edinburgh Official City Guide
Cultural Etiquette Tipping 10-12% Pubs order at bar Round buying culture Casual dress acceptable
Total Budget Estimate Budget: £600-800 Mid-range: £800-1200 Luxury: £1500+
Emergency Contacts Police: 999 or 101 Tourist Information: +44 131 473 3868 US Consulate: +44 131 556 8315
Weather Considerations Pack layers Waterproof jacket essential Comfortable walking shoes Umbrella recommended
Welcome to magical Edinburgh! This itinerary combines historic charm with modern comfort, carefully designed for solo female travelers. Enjoy exploring this safe and enchanting city!
Jane Filing
Jan 7, 2025
