Leith is a district of the city of Edinburgh.
To know
Overlooking the Firth of Forth, the wide gulf of the North Sea that cuts through the central-eastern coast of the Scotland, Leith is the port in whose waters the royal yacht Britannia is at anchor waiting to be meticulously inspected by crews of tourists.
Background
As for Leith, it was a city in its own right until 1920, when the administrative authorities decided to incorporate it into the urban area of Edinburgh. From 1980 onwards the Leith area underwent a building revaluation and many of its old warehouses are now luxury condominiums. In the area, trendy clubs, bars, restaurants and night clubs have sprung up like mushrooms.
How to orient yourself
Leith: full screen map.Leith is located in the northern part of the city and is connected to the center by Leith Walk, which runs from the east end of Princes Street towards Leith.
How to get
On foot
Follow Leith Walk from the east end of Princes Street, along the way you will find numerous shops of various kinds on the sides of the road.
A more relaxing route is the Water of Leith Walkway which can be taken from Dean Village (in New Town of Edinburgh), from Stockbridge and Canonmills (north of the new city). The route is indicated by brown signs with a water mill and is often surrounded by greenery that almost makes you forget you are in a big city.
By bus
Leith is connected to the city center by numerous company buses Lothian Buses.
Lines 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 22, 25 and 49 run along Leith walk from the city center.
Line 22 serves the Ocean Terminal (where the Royal Yacht Britannia is located) from Princes Street. Line 36 connects the Weat End to Leith via Stockbridge.
Connections with the airport
The Lothian Buses Skylink 200 provides a fast and direct connection between the airport and theOcean Terminal passing through the northern part of Edinburgh. The complete journey takes a little less than an hour.
The Lothian Buses Skylink 300 replaced line 35. The destination is still theOcean Terminal, but the route covers the southern part of the city via the Royal Mile / High Street and the travel time is longer (about 100 minutes).
The prices are the same for both the Skylink 200 and the 300. From the airport, single tickets cost £ 4.50, round trip £ 7.50. If you are not traveling to / from the airport, normal city fares apply instead (£ 1.60 single ticket). In any case, when buying the ticket on board it is necessary to have the coins counted as the driver cannot give change.
The Lothian Buses Airlink (Service 100) is another option to reach Leith with a change. The line stops in the old town where it is necessary to change buses. It is also necessary to buy two separate tickets, but if you arrive at night this service (active 24h / 24) may be the only option to reach Leith.
On the train
The nearest train station is Waverley Station. Leith station was abandoned between the 70s and 80s of the 20th century.
How to get around
What see
- 1 Royal Yacht Britannia, ☎ 44 0131 555 5566.
Adults £ 14, children (5-17 years, under 5 free) £ 8.50, discounted (over 60 and students) £ 12.50 (August 2015). 
Mon-Sun 10: 00-15: 30; closed on Christmas. The royal yacht was at the center of a scandal campaign fomented by the media in the 90s of the twentieth century and focused on the excessive costs of its maintenance that weighed on the pockets of taxpayers. Hence the decision of the royals to put an end to the dispute by making the yacht a relic to the delight of tourists from all over the world. It should be noted that the renunciation of Britannia did not entail any cessation of their raids in exotic seas for the members of the royal family. This was due to the magnanimity of the Greek shipowner Giorgio Latsis, of home in Buckinghan Palace. The owner made his yacht available to replace the other one that was lost in such a bad way. For Leith, however, the acquisition of the yacht turned into a real boon. To welcome visitors more worthily, a visitor center bearing the signature of Sir Terence Conran; to get as much money as possible from them, the "Ocean Terminal" was built on the pier, a complex with a large shopping center and numerous entertainment opportunities. To visit the Britannia, reservations are required and can be made by telephone or via the internet. The visits are carried out with the help of audio-guides in Italian and last from an hour and a half to two hours. Once on board you are free to peek not only into the apartments in Queen Elizabeth's bedroom and ensuite bathroom but also into the engine room and crew cabins (more than 200). 
Adults £ 14, children (5-17 years, under 5 free) £ 8.50, discounted (over 60 and students) £ 12.50 (August 2015). 
Mon-Sun 10: 00-15: 30; closed on Christmas. The royal yacht was at the center of a scandal campaign fomented by the media in the 90s of the twentieth century and focused on the excessive costs of its maintenance that weighed on the pockets of taxpayers. Hence the decision of the royals to put an end to the dispute by making the yacht a relic to the delight of tourists from all over the world. It should be noted that the renunciation of Britannia did not entail any cessation of their raids in exotic seas for the members of the royal family. This was due to the magnanimity of the Greek shipowner Giorgio Latsis, of home in Buckinghan Palace. The owner made his yacht available to replace the other one that was lost in such a bad way. For Leith, however, the acquisition of the yacht turned into a real boon. To welcome visitors more worthily, a visitor center bearing the signature of Sir Terence Conran; to get as much money as possible from them, the "Ocean Terminal" was built on the pier, a complex with a large shopping center and numerous entertainment opportunities. To visit the Britannia, reservations are required and can be made by telephone or via the internet. The visits are carried out with the help of audio-guides in Italian and last from an hour and a half to two hours. Once on board you are free to peek not only into the apartments in Queen Elizabeth's bedroom and ensuite bathroom but also into the engine room and crew cabins (more than 200).
What to do
- 1 Easter Road Stadium. Watch a football match at the home stadium ofHibernian F.C.. The team plays in the Scottish Premier League and matches usually take place on Saturdays at 3pm; however, it is advisable to check the calendar before going to the stadium.
- 2 Water of Leith Walkway. Walk or cycle along Water of Leith. The route follows the river to the city from the suburb of Balerno, bordering the Pentland Hills, to the sea in Leith. The route is marked with brown signs with the symbol of a water mill and is for the most part surrounded by nature: it almost makes you forget you are in one of the main cities of the UK.
- to fish (with fishing rod). Fishing is possible along the Water of Leith. A permit is required which can be obtained free of charge from the offices municipal at Waverley Market in New Town of Edinburgh and Cockburn Street in old City. Most of the fishing shops around the city also issue permits.
- 3 Watch a movie at the Vue, Ocean Terminal, Leith. Large multiplex cinema.
- 4 Stroll along Wester Harbor. Recently redeveloped, strolling along the Western Harbor promenade is certainly a relaxing activity that allows, among other things, to enjoy excellent views across the Firth of Forth.
Events and parties
- Leith Festival. June. Every year in June various events are organized at various locations in Leith. Art exhibitions, comedies, dance, ballets, film screenings and concerts are some examples of organized events.
- 5 Edinburgh Mela. a weekend in late August. Cultural festival based on South Asian traditions. The festival takes place in Leith Links, a large park extending east of Leith Walk.
- Leith Late Festival. June. Annual arts and music festival with events along Leith Walk and in Leith.
Shopping
- 1 Leith Market, Dock Place, EH6 6LU. Sat 10: 00-17: 00. Numerous producers sell their local products throughout the year.
- 2 Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive. Large indoor shopping center with numerous large chain stores such as Debenhams department stores (on several floors), Marks and Spencer, Gap, Top Shop, Waterstones, ... and some less common ones. In the center there are also bars and restaurants and a multiplex cinema. It can be interesting, even if you arrive on foot, to go up to the top floor of the parking lot in the center in order to have a better view of the Royal Yacht Britannia (whose access is located right in the shopping center).
- Leith Walk. As already mentioned, the road from Edinburgh city center to Leith is lined with numerous independent shops. The locals claim that there is nothing that cannot be found here, it is up to you to prove otherwise!
- 3 [link not working]Leith Cycle Co, 276 Leith Walk. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8: 30-17: 45, Wed 8: 30-19: 00, Sat 9: 00-17: 00, Sun 12: 00-17: 00. Excellent bike shop and accessories for two wheels. Rear repairs and bike hire for £ 12 for a half day or £ 17 for a full day.
- 4 Gamesmaster, 287 Leith Walk. Second Hand Video Games. You can find all the newest video games, but it is the old ones that attract most of the fans.
- 5 Hing Sing (Chinese Supermarket), 310 Leith Walk, EH6 5BU. Food from Southeast Asia, but also dishes and kitchen products. Excellent for products that are difficult to find, but also for others, it generally has a higher quality than that of the main supermarkets.
How to have fun
Leith has a large number of places to have a drink or a beer, from traditional pubs to more modern bars. The list below is clearly not exhaustive, but represents only a selection.
- 1 The Kings Wark, 36 The Shore. One of the oldest buildings in the whole city (look at the walls of the room which are very thick). Good pub with good selection of beers, whiskeys and good food.
- 2 Cameo Bar, 23 Commercial Street. One of the longest running bars in Leith.
- 3 Teuchters Landing, 1c Dock Place. Recent opening of the popular Aroomin / Teuchters mini-chain. Located in a former waiting room for cruise ships. Lots of outdoor tables by the sea, great choice for a sunny afternoon.
- 4 The Vaults, 87 Giles Street. Headquarters of the Scottish Malt Whiskey Society (SMWS) and open only to members and their guests. Each whiskey bottled here is from a unique cask and is therefore unique in itself. If you like whiskey, then it's worth making friends with a member and joining the company. The venue also serves a wide range of good quality bottled beers, a small wine list and tea and coffee, as well as good food. Live music on the last Sunday of each month.
- 5 The Bonnington (formerly Guilty Lily), 284 Bonnington Road, EH6 5BE (At the intersection of Broughton Rd, Bonnington Rd, Newhaven Rd and Pilrig St). A little off the beaten track, but suitable for those staying at one of the many B & Bs along Pilrig Street and Newhaven Road. The Bonnington is a friendly neighborhood pub with excellent quality food. Live music every Friday.
- 6 Sofi's Bar, 65 Henderson Street, EH6 6ED, @[email protected]. one of the first Swedish chain bars to open in the city.
- Pilot brewery. Try the beer from the Leith Brewery.
Where to eat
Leith has become a major destination culinary of Edinburgh and of UK. In 2010, The Shore was voted the best food street in the united kingdom by the UK Google Street View awards. Including adjacent Bernard Street, Commercial Street and Henderson Street you will find food for all tastes in a very small area. Restaurants for Fish and Chips, Italians, traditional pubs and many other types of ethnic and non-ethnic cuisine. There are also some Michelin-starred restaurants.
Moderate prices
- 1 Word of Mouth Bistro, 3rd Albert Street (just off Leith Walk), ☎ 44 131 554-4344, @[email protected]. Mon-Sat 9: 00-20: 30. Sun 10: 00-20: 30. Not exactly a restaurant, but definitely more than a bar, Word of Mouth offers breakfasts, coffees, sandwiches, and a few other hot dishes. Also try the homemade cakes.
Average prices
- 2 A Room in Leith, 1st Dock Place, ☎ 44 131 554-7427. Leith headquarters of the "a room in ..." restaurant chain. Nice canal side location with good quality Scottish food.
- 3 Fishers Bistro, 1 The Shore, ☎ 44 131 554 5666. Traditional and unpretentious restaurant offering quality food, seafood specialties. You will almost certainly not be disappointed in the Fishers Bistro!
- 4 Café Domenico, 30 Sandport Street (Just off Commercial Street), ☎ 44 131 467-7266. Small family-run Italian restaurant with seasonal menus that seek to enhance seasonal products.
- 5 Alplings, 16 Henderson Street, EH6 6BS (Henderson St. departs from Great Junction St. and reaches The Shore. Buses 36 and 22 stop practically outside the restaurant.), ☎ 44 7527 634 964. Mon-Fri 8: 00-15: 00. The Chef offers South Tyrolean dishes such as dumplings and apple strudel.
High prices
- 6 Restaurant Martin Wishart, 54 The Shore, ☎ 44 131 553-3557. For truly special occasions. Leith's first Michelin-starred restaurant. Great food and service.
- 7 The Kitchin, 78 Commercial Quay, ☎ 44 131 555-1755. A short distance from the other starred restaurant, here is another one. Founded in 2006, it has won numerous awards.
Where stay
Pilrig Street and its northern extension Newhaven Road they host numerous Bed and Breakfasts. This is a good location for accommodation as it is possible to walk to both the center of Leith and the city. Pilrig Street intersects with Leith Walk so there are also many bus lines passing by. Line 11 runs through Leith Walk to the New Town of Edinburgh. There are also new modern-style hotels along the promenade.
- 1 A-Haven Townhouse Hotel (Junction of Ferry Road and Newhaven Road), ☎ 44 131 554-6559, fax: 44 131 554-5252, @[email protected]. £ 37- £ 85 per person with breakfast. Family-run B&B with 14 rooms with private bathroom. Evening meal available. Private parking.
- 2 Holiday Inn Express (Edinburgh Waterfront), ☎ 44 131 555-4422. Modern and comfortable. Welcoming staff, available public areas and a WiFi connection. Great location near the Ocean Terminal shopping center.
- 3 Malmaison, ☎ 44 131 468-5000. Boutique hotel in the port area of Leith.
- 4 Ocean Apartments, ☎ 44 131 553-7394. from £ 70. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Modern apartments.
Moderate prices
- 5 Premier Inn (Edinburgh Leith Waterfront), ☎ 44 8701 977 093. Hotel of the British chain, a bit far from the center of Leith which can still be reached on foot in about twenty minutes or by bus. Minimal rooms, in the style of the chain.
- 6 Containers Hostel, ☎ 44 7841 471294. £ 21-24 per person per night during the festival period, £ 7-14 otherwise. Open only in the summer period (end of June-end of August). Beds available in 12-person dorms. WiFi and lockers included.
How to keep in touch
Post office
There are post offices at the following addresses:
- 119 Ferry Road.
- 135 Great Junction Street.
- 6b Constitution Street.
- 207a Leith Walk.
- 210 Newhaven Road.
Internet
- 1 Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road, ☎ 44 131 529-5517. Mon-Wed 10: 00-20: 00; Thu-Sat 10: 00-17: 00. With PCs connected to the internet.
- 2 McDonald Road Library, 2 McDonald Road (Just off Leith Walk), ☎ 44 131 529-5636. Mon-Wed 10: 00-20: 00; Thu-Sat 10: 00-17: 00. With more than 20 PCs connected to the internet.
