Leith
Leith
4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
346 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
141
Average
63
Poor
32
Terrible
11
Rob R
Tredegar, UK2,685 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Keen to visit as had read many good things about Leith, unfortunately quotes like Scotland’s coolest neighbourhood are well off the mark.
It is not an awful place by any means it had just been hyped up to be something it is not. For me it was like going back to Cardiff docks 30 years ago before it had been regenerated.
Leith waterway walk is pleasant from Dean Village which is about 2.5 miles, arrived at Leith Waterfront and was greatly disappointed, it is just a dock area of the city nothing wrong with that at all, but when it has been hyped up as one of the coolest areas of Edinburgh very disappointing.
If time is short there are better things to see, Britannia Royal boat is there but I wouldn’t pay £17 admission that is for sure, when there is so much free activities to do in Edinburgh.
It is not an awful place by any means it had just been hyped up to be something it is not. For me it was like going back to Cardiff docks 30 years ago before it had been regenerated.
Leith waterway walk is pleasant from Dean Village which is about 2.5 miles, arrived at Leith Waterfront and was greatly disappointed, it is just a dock area of the city nothing wrong with that at all, but when it has been hyped up as one of the coolest areas of Edinburgh very disappointing.
If time is short there are better things to see, Britannia Royal boat is there but I wouldn’t pay £17 admission that is for sure, when there is so much free activities to do in Edinburgh.
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ValEqHK
York, UK232 contributions
Jul 2021
Arriving at Leith from the Leith water walkway was welcoming on a sunny summer afternoon. Lots of swans and water fowl as you enter, then plenty of pubs and cafes along the sunny quay side. The disappointment came when we tried to get to catch a glimpse of Britannia as there were so many diversions for pedestrians due to building works that we gave up in the end. Someone with more perseverance and energy may well achieve it though. I do admit that this would have been a less positive review without the good weather.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryM
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Edinburgh has lots of history and wonderful architecture. Navigating the city is a nightmare.... no finger signs for tourists (ie. to the castle, to St Giles cathedral). Definitely need a map and a good sense of direction as, because the buildings are so tall you cant pinpoint landmarks.
The zoo is going but very steep slopes to the next level of enclosures. Buses are good. but beware reduced Sunday service.
The walk to Leith along the water walk is nice (3 miles ish) but not much in Leith except massive road works to install new tram lines
The zoo is going but very steep slopes to the next level of enclosures. Buses are good. but beware reduced Sunday service.
The walk to Leith along the water walk is nice (3 miles ish) but not much in Leith except massive road works to install new tram lines
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glen
Stockton-on-Tees, UK6 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We have visited Edinburgh numerous times and done many of the tourist attractions and areas. We had heard positive things about Leith, so decided to head there one morning. We walked down Leith Road, and it took us about 30 minutes. What a waste of time. As you got further down Leith Road there were more and more beggars and graffiti and signs for drug treatment centres. When we got to Leith we were so underwhelmed. Saw one or two cafe or pubs, overlooking a quay area that had more junk in it than wildlife. We kept walking thinking that there must be more near to the Royal Yacht Britannia. We were mistaken. This is situated next to what appears to be a run down car park. All the flags for Britannia are old and faded. The whole area just feels run down and faded. There doesn’t appear to be much there at all.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthenerAbroad
Wigan, UK120 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We didn’t know what to expect from Leith so you would think we couldn’t be disappointed, but we were. Very grim and grey. Imagine the most run down neighbourhood in your own town, but with ships.
The only positive points are the Ocean Boulevard shopping centre (which had the worlds worst Starbucks, they had minimal tables due to COVID. This wasn’t the problem. The problem was no cups due to staff not being bothered to clean the tables even though it wasn’t busy), and the Royal Yacht Britannia. This was very well organised with a strict one way system and the limited number of people helped because you got longer to actually see things.
As the old saying goes the best thing about Leith is the road out. Leith Walk has many shops and eateries. At the moment it is a little muddled due to the tram line renovation but it still is worth a walk.
The only positive points are the Ocean Boulevard shopping centre (which had the worlds worst Starbucks, they had minimal tables due to COVID. This wasn’t the problem. The problem was no cups due to staff not being bothered to clean the tables even though it wasn’t busy), and the Royal Yacht Britannia. This was very well organised with a strict one way system and the limited number of people helped because you got longer to actually see things.
As the old saying goes the best thing about Leith is the road out. Leith Walk has many shops and eateries. At the moment it is a little muddled due to the tram line renovation but it still is worth a walk.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui H
Essex, UK15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We had visited Leith 6yrs ago. We went back this year for the Fringe. Lots of street entertainment in Edinburgh. Pity the road works ( building a new tram system ) all around the city is causing very slow traffic. We tried nearly every restaurant & pub in Leith. It is nice sitting around the river on a dry day. We stayed at Vacational Rentals Scotland opposite the Government building. Apartment is very clean and equipped with all our needs. I call it a sightseeing walking holiday. Must take a Highlands tour.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen G
Helensburgh, UK30 contributions
Jul 2022
Did not get off to a good start on this weekend break to Leith. After driving to Edinburgh from Argyll, sat nav was taking us to Malmaison, Leith, sat nav did not know about the disruption to streets around Leith due to new tram lines going in. Took 45mins to find our way to hotel! Malmaison hotel was a bit disappointing. rooms are very dark with poor lighting. It is a bit tired and needs new paint job. On the plus side beds were very comfortable. Breakfast was average, however the staff at breakfast were great, only one waitress, one chef, one helper due to staff shortages. they were under real pressure. We were in no hurry so did not mind waiting.
The hotel is in a lovely location, in a square over looking the water.
When all the works are finished it will be an amazing area to visit again.
The hotel is in a lovely location, in a square over looking the water.
When all the works are finished it will be an amazing area to visit again.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IAN D
Wigan, UK26,338 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
First visit in ten years and area going through a great transformation. Lots of new projects. Great selection of restaurants but still as a rundown feel to it in parts. Pubs open at 7am and some drinking pints, throw back to days gone by.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan P
Bromley, UK733 contributions
Sep 2021
Quaint enough area of Edinburgh which may not have quite as much in the vicinity as one might imagine but still nice part of the city. A good walk from the city centre which takes around 30 mins. Bus routes disrupted due to the building of the continued tram line to Leith.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam C
United Kingdom30 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
There are plenty of pubs in Leith as well as parking.
The path can be cobbly and a bit bumpy.
It's nice to have a little stroll around the docks of Leith.
It is also great for learning about where the proclaimers got brought up.
Overall Leith is a very good place to have a pint of beer and have a little walk around so I will definitely recommend going if you have not been to Leith before!
The path can be cobbly and a bit bumpy.
It's nice to have a little stroll around the docks of Leith.
It is also great for learning about where the proclaimers got brought up.
Overall Leith is a very good place to have a pint of beer and have a little walk around so I will definitely recommend going if you have not been to Leith before!
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I'm staying in Leith next week for a couple of nights as a mini break. I wondered if anyone could give me any pointers of places to see, eat or drink with the current restrictions.
Written May 2, 2021
The kitchen fine dining (master chef style) and the fish market for the best fish and chips
Written February 17, 2022
Hi I have a few questions re Leith ...coming for a weekend in oct .
Is there any bars with live music on a Friday night that would not balk at a large group ( 10 of us) ?
Also , is the Pitt street market still open mid October I.e sat 13th have heard it's fab .
Written September 11, 2018
I believe the Granary and the Leith Depot are the spots you will be looking for. Depending on type of music. And to be honest I am not sure about the Pitt Market. I believe it is still on
Hope that helps
Written September 12, 2018
From Edinburgh airport to Leith is approximately 10 miles.
The cheapest way is Bus.between £2 and £5 depending on which you catch takes 45 minutes.
Or Taxi will cost about £30 to £35.
There are also trams & Shuttle buses.
Written June 7, 2018
How much is it roughly by taxi from Edinburgh airport to Leith waterfront?
Written June 25, 2017
Hi,
The new tram also goes from Airport to city centre where you will get 16 bus to Leith
Written June 25, 2017
Soon we will be staying in an apartment on the waterfront in Leith can anyone recommend a restaurant nearby please?
Written January 1, 2017
Hi, Fishers gets quite a good name for good food and is on the stretch leading to Malmaison hotel.
There are two Michelin Star restaurants here as well. Tom Kitchin and Martin Wisherts both are booked up well in advance but tou may get a table for lunch which is more reasonable. Look up all their websites.
Written June 4, 2017
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