Safety

Edinburgh is a safe city — significantly safer than London and comparable to other central European capitals. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.

What to watch out for

• Pickpockets: As in any tourist city: be cautious at hotspots (Royal Mile, Princes Street, Waverley Station). Keep your backpack in front, no valuables in the back pocket.
• Cowgate at night: The Cowgate (party mile under the George IV Bridge) can get rough on weekends after 2 am — drunken groups, occasional conflicts. Normal attention is sufficient.
• Arthur's Seat: The hike is safe, but the rocks can be slippery when wet. No flip-flops, sturdy shoes, avoid the summit passage in storms.
• Weather as a hazard: The wind can be surprisingly strong — especially on Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat, and the bridges. Hold children's hands.

Emergency number: 999 (police, fire, ambulance) or 112. Non-emergency: 101 (police).