Leith
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Leith
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,758 within 3 miles
Attractions
479 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Malgorzata12,108 contributionsLovely and lively districtLeith was originally an independent port city outside of Edinburgh. Now Leith is a lively port district . The Shore area has coastal seafood bistros and traditional pubs. Riverside walking areas Water of Leith Walkway and the bustling Leith Walk with grocery stores and second-hand stores that connect the district to the city center. A charming and interesting place that is worth visiting while in Edinburgh.Visited March 2019Written January 29, 2020
- Richard MEdinburgh, United Kingdom24 contributionsDisappointing. Where's the 'buzz'?As we enjoy summer visits to places in Germany and the Netherlands we thought, living in Leith as we do, that we'd do what we do on holiday and have an evening drink, sitting outside while the sun was setting. It was a warm sunny evening so we strolled to the Shore in pleasurable anticipation. It looked all that we assumed it would be with people sitting at tables outside and groups of people standing around chatting. Perfect, we thought and seated ourselves outside a bar and waited for service. And waited. And waited. Eventually my husband went inside and asked for service only to be told they were closing. This was at 9.30 in the evening! We went somewhere else only to be told we could only sit outside until 10.00. As we had no desire to drink in small bar with a crowd of loud people we reluctantly decided to return to our flat. As we walked home just after 10.00, the much vaunted Shore area, allegedly famous for its bars, eateries and 'buzz' resembled a ghost town, even though it was still light. Few people, empty terrasses and silence. I suspect that this is because local residents have a problem with noise in the evening but then it doesn't seem to be a problem on the continent where we have sat outside drinking until well past 11.30pm in residential areas.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 16, 2023
- Ian SUnited Kingdom100 contributionsRugby extended visitGreat transformation with Leith and Newbridge benefitting from a great mix of new and old. Plenty of eating and drinking out options but well served with public transport if you want the city buzz. WARNING if using bus they don’t not give change nor do they accept one person trips using tap and go..........Visited February 2020Written February 10, 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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
339 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
137
Average
62
Poor
31
Terrible
11
Passenger62553011751
6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
An over rated area not worth visiting. Came from Edinburgh for few hours but think it was wasting time
Written July 27, 2023
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.
Richard M
Edinburgh, UK24 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
As we enjoy summer visits to places in Germany and the Netherlands we thought, living in Leith as we do, that we'd do what we do on holiday and have an evening drink, sitting outside while the sun was setting. It was a warm sunny evening so we strolled to the Shore in pleasurable anticipation. It looked all that we assumed it would be with people sitting at tables outside and groups of people standing around chatting. Perfect, we thought and seated ourselves outside a bar and waited for service. And waited. And waited. Eventually my husband went inside and asked for service only to be told they were closing. This was at 9.30 in the evening! We went somewhere else only to be told we could only sit outside until 10.00. As we had no desire to drink in small bar with a crowd of loud people we reluctantly decided to return to our flat. As we walked home just after 10.00, the much vaunted Shore area, allegedly famous for its bars, eateries and 'buzz' resembled a ghost town, even though it was still light. Few people, empty terrasses and silence. I suspect that this is because local residents have a problem with noise in the evening but then it doesn't seem to be a problem on the continent where we have sat outside drinking until well past 11.30pm in residential areas.
Written June 16, 2023
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.
400manda
London, UK247 contributions
Dec 2022
Lovley scenic town to visit and stay. Plenty of bars and restaurants to visit and of course not far from the Royal Yacht Britannia. Excellent bus service to Princes Street.
Written December 4, 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.
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.
chrischamb
Telford, UK1,188 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Loved the area. Stayed on the Shore in a Airbnb, great location, lots of lovely cafés and restaurants. Recommend The Clock Tower on the corner by the bridge. Easy to catch bus into Edinburgh, several choices easy to use bus timetable. Will be even easier once they finish tram line. Walking distance to Royal Yacht which is in shopping centre. Would certainly come back as lovely quiet area
Written September 18, 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.
Jacqui H
Essex, UK12 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.
Daniel L
28 contributions
Apr 2022
Leith is one of my favourite places in Edinburgh, as if being by the water wasn't special enough, you are graced by the presence of wild swans, maritime history, and buildings and boats rich with character!
The evening life is extensive with multiple Michelin star restaurants, plenty of pubs, and a load of places to put your feet up and watch the sunset over the shore.
There's a reason there's a musical written about this place...
The evening life is extensive with multiple Michelin star restaurants, plenty of pubs, and a load of places to put your feet up and watch the sunset over the shore.
There's a reason there's a musical written about this place...
Written April 23, 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.
Hock Lye
Singapore, Singapore2,048 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Nice walk along the river from Stockbridge to this little, hilly town. Quaint, coastal town with a nice gallery and cathedral.
Written March 21, 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.
juliaandadam123
Ashford, UK1,676 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
I know crime happens everywhere, but to see a man attempting to steal a lady’s handbag at 7pm in the evening in a busy street, outside a supermarket, was unnerving!
Leith itself is nice enough along the waterfront, but this put a dampener on our visit and we didn’t stick around for long!
Leith itself is nice enough along the waterfront, but this put a dampener on our visit and we didn’t stick around for long!
Written February 14, 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.
Dumplins
South Yorkshire40 contributions
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.
Bellseybub
London, UK48 contributions
The kitchen fine dining (master chef style) and the fish market for the best fish and chips
Nichola B
Glasgow, UK20 contributions
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 .
crabandgoat
London, UK44 contributions
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
Is leith far from the sites
okie56
Rockford, IL334 contributions
Yes. You'll need transport into Edinburgh. I would not reccommend staying here if you enjoy the freedom to walk about while touring. There's not a lot to see in Leith.
How far is leith from airport
Gordon H
Burton-on-Trent431 contributions
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.
deedeeGrimsby
Grimsby1,544 contributions
Soon we will be staying in an apartment on the waterfront in Leith can anyone recommend a restaurant nearby please?
George B
Aberdeen, UK1,548 contributions
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.
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingLeith (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Leith
- We recommend booking Leith tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Leith tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Leith:
- Private Walk: Sunny Leith (From $256.92)
- Edinburgh Sky to Sea Bike Tour by Manual or E-Bike (From $85.64)
- Award-winning circular cycle tour of Edinburgh! (From $110.67)
- Private Edinburgh City Luxury Day Trip (From $487.49)
- Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Edinburgh (From $299.00)
- Hotels near Leith:
- (0.01 mi) Portland Gardens apartment
- (0.05 mi) Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront, an IHG Hotel
- (0.44 mi) Ocean Mist Leith
- (0.46 mi) Fingal
- (0.48 mi) Sheridan Guest House
- Restaurants near Leith:
- (0.02 mi) Britannia Spice
- (0.03 mi) Lee's Kitchen
- (0.04 mi) Alby's
- (0.06 mi) Derrick's Takeaway
- (0.32 mi) The Kitchin
- Attractions near Leith:
- (0.03 mi) Graystone Gallery
- (0.09 mi) Sir James Young Simpson Monument
- (0.09 mi) Dean Ramsey Memorial
- (0.09 mi) VanGo Campers
- (0.31 mi) Royal Yacht Britannia
Leith Information
| Excellent Reviews | 98 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 137 |
| Leith Photos | 332 |












































































