Why This UK City Is One Of My Favorite Destinations As A Solo Female Traveler

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Are you planning a solo trip soon and wondering where to visit? If you’re looking for the top beach destinations that everyone seems to visit, maybe it’s time for a city vibe.

Last year, I backpacked Europe for 5 weeks, visiting 10 countries. What was my favorite to travel alone?

Edinburgh.

Scotland’s charming, hilly capital is compact enough for solo travelers, yet big enough to explore all its nooks and crannies.

Why this UK city is one of my favorite destinations as a solo traveler

Edinburgh Castle towers over the city, and the cobbled streets are just as beautiful in the rain.

The city’s Old and New Towns offer enough diversity that tourists are never bored and plenty of restaurants and pubs to experience Scottish charm at its best.

There is certainly a magical charm to Edinburgh: And it’s not just the fact that it looks like a town straight out of a Harry Potter novel.

With its chatty locals and the variety of things to experience for all ages, it’s definitely a good place for solo travelers.

scottish charm

You walk into a pub alone and leave with about 10 new friends. Like the Irish, the Scots are an extremely friendly people with everyone. If you understand his jokes, you’ll fit right in.

I stayed in Edinburgh for 5 days as a solo traveler and left the city feeling welcome by everyone. There is always a session at any of the local pubs or people waiting to help you with recommendations.

Walk into a pub that’s having a Scottish night and I guarantee you’ll meet at least one person worth a chat with.

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During my tour of the highlands, our kilt-wearing tour guide made friends with all the visitors on board. When I say you’ll feel like part of the family, I mean it.

There was not a single time I felt ‘alone’ during my solo travels here, thanks to the friendly nature of the people I met.

You will never get bored

For such a compact city, Edinburgh certainly doesn’t disappoint in terms of things to do. If you’re looking to make friends fast, join one of the infamous pub crawls around town for a great time and awesome people (tour guides even wear kilts for some!)

There are also a variety of walking tours you can choose from during your stay. I joined a few free walking tours (meaning you pay what you want at the end).

The classic city walking tour It takes you to some must see places including Greyfriars Kirkyard and some of the hidden alleys (side alleys). I also joined the Harry Potter Walking Tour, which is a must if you are a fan like me!

To head out during the day, I also booked a full day tour to the Highlands and returned at night for a haunted night bus tour.

With so many options for day trips, distillery tours, train tours, and restaurants to see and visit in the city, you’ll never be bored here if you’re traveling alone.

Culture Hostel

Hundreds of travelers venture to Scotland each year in search of picturesque landscapes and quaint towns.

Whether you visit in the summer for the Fringe Festival season or in the winter for the Christmas markets, there will always be solo travelers.

With a few well-rated hostels dotted around the city, there are a variety of options in Edinburgh for those traveling alone.

I had a good time staying at Kickass Greyfriars in the old town, which hosted weekly events for travelers to come together and had a lively beer garden out back.

There are plenty of other options, depending on what you’re looking for, that also have a lot to offer solo travelers.

A friend I met on the Highlands tour was staying at another local hostel who ran weekly pub crawls in town: so there will be an opportunity to meet others!