Two miles away from the metropolis of Edinburgh lies the beautiful port city of Leith. Once known for its putrid squalor, Leith has now been transformed into one of the cleanest and coolest neighborhoods in the area. An important maritime center since Edinburgh’s heyday, Leith has been transformed into a vibrant hub full of artwork, breweries, and local history. Long considered an industrial center, the traditional industries in Leith include Glass, Soap, Wine, and Shipbuilding.
Redeveloped to become the talk of the town, this neighborhood is replete with everything a modern traveler might need. There are numerous hotels in and near Leith, Edinburgh, making it a convenient and fun place to stay in.
Places to visit
Once a floating home for the Royal family, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now open to the public as a taste of what Royal life is like. The yacht is now berthed in Leith and is a great tourist attraction. You can take guided tours of the yacht and spend some time in the Deck Tea Room and get a taste of English high tea culture.
You can walk or cycle down to Leith on the Water of Leith Walkway. Starting from the Pentland Hills and ending at Leith this is one of the prettiest routes for visitors to enjoy.
A grand Georgian mansion that has been a part of the Leith waterfront for a long time, the Trinity House reels in a plethora of tourists every year. You can learn about the maritime history of Leith here, and take guided tours through the house.
A hub of art and culture within what was formerly Crawfords Biscuit Factory, The Biscuit Factory is a treasure trove of pop-up events, seasonal markets, local artwork, and much more.
Originally called Kirk of our Lady, St. Mary, the South Leith Parish Church is a historic building with beautiful architecture. You should visit the area to get a taste of local culture and life.
How to reach
The easiest way to reach Leith is via railways. The Leith Central Railway Station connects this gorgeous seaside town with major cities in the UK including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, and London. You can also take a National Express Bus service to the city from many points in the country.
You could also couple your visit to Edinburgh with a side-trip to Leith, as there are regular buses and trains which run between the cities. You can travel within the city via local bus, but it is much better to walk around the port city if you want to explore the old pubs, lanes, and monuments scattered through Leith.
What to Eat
Leith is home to some of the most amazing restaurants in the area. Called a gastronomic adventure, the city offers cuisines from around the world as well as Michelin star restaurants. When visiting, you should go to The King's Wark, The Kitchin, or Restaurant Martin Wishart to indulge in traditional Scottish seafood dishes like Cullen Skink, Finnan Haddie, and Partan Bree.
Best accommodation around Leith Waterfront
There are some excellent OYO Hotels UK in the Leith region of Edinburgh. These hotels are not only cozy and clean but also offer a range of modern facilities like free wifi and card payment options. You can also avail amenities like ACs and TVs in the room and tea and coffee making facilities, which will make the trip memorable and relaxing.