Leith

Leith

Scotland

Wander through the historic Royal Yacht Britannia and experience royal maritime history like nowhere else.

Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language English
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit Apr–Jul
Typical Duration 11-16 nights
Price Range $5,302–$14,279 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Edinburgh and Scotland's historic coastline, offering access to the capital city and scenic cruises through the Scottish Hebrides and Irish Sea.

Cruises that visit Leith

Build Your Day in Leith

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Edinburgh Castle Lots to see and do, lots of history, lovely panoramic views of Edinburgh. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 110k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Royal Mile Many Scottish-themed museums and gift shops. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 25k
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Free entry as well makes it a must visit while in Edinburgh Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 25k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Real Mary King's Close Really interesting way to explore some of Scotlands history. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 20k Open · Closes 11:30 PM
The Royal Yacht Britannia Well worthwhile adding to your list of things to see when visiting Scotland! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 14k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Holyrood Park A must do for those in Edinburgh for a few days who are reasonably fit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 13k
Ocean Terminal You can find anything from Scottish stuff to nice cafe!!!! Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 13k Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Teuchters Landing Nice spot on Leith Dock to relax and have a drink. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 4k Open · Closes 1 AM
Stockbridge Market Nearby is the River Leith walk which is a delight. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Roseleaf Bar Cafe A wee bar in the Leith serving good food and delicious desserts. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
Leith Links Great park well used clean plenty of bins and activities Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open 24 hours
Lauriston Castle Free entry and a Cafe and good view out to Forth Estuary 👌 Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Ella - Taste of Greece Lovely food and great sitting in the sun on leith walk. Greek restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 2k Closes soon · 10 PM
The Ship on The Shore Outstanding fish and chips best Edinburgh seafood platter Fish and seafood restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closes soon · 10 PM
Water of Leith Path Well worth the walk along the Water of Leith. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open 24 hours
Tapa I've always said Tapa is the closest I've come to Spanish tapas in Scotland. Tapas restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 1 PM Tue
The Lioness of Leith Lovely pub in the heart of Leith ,great beer selection Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Malt & Hops Great service, great crowd, great selection of pints and whiskies. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Port of Leith Distillery Fantastic views of Leith and beyond with interesting drinks. Distillery · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Mon
Leith Market A must visit on Saturday morning if in Leith with live music. Market · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Domenico's Highlights were the goat cheese bruschetta and the haggis pasta. Italian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
Nauticus Amazing bartenders with impeccable recommendations. Pub · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
The Walnut Lovely cafe serving multi course priced meal with local ingredients. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Tue
Heron The menu feels seasonal and local which we appreciated. Scottish restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Wed
Chez Bernard Wine bar · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Water of Leith Walkway Picturesque views of the water of Leith. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
The Sly Fox The homemade pickled foods are fantastic! Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
The False Widow Great drinks for a very reasonable price, and lovely kind staff Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Brass Monkey Shore Good food, good beer, friendly staff and a laid back atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Three Marys Cocktails were excellent quality & the fab live music was a bonus - 👍 Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
Shore Distillery Had a wonderful tasting at the Shore Distillery in Leith. Distillery · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Fri
Water of Leith Weir This walkway next to river is exciting and picturesque. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Lighthouse Park A great spot for watching Cruiseliners and Cargo ships. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
The Finch - Neighbourhood Bar Cocktails are divine and the rotating tap list is excellent. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
The Keelson A cosy and buzzy new local with amazing cocktails, whiskies beers and food. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Diggers Leith Great beer and whisky selection, fair prices too. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Leith is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Leith

About Leith

Leith serves as a vibrant cruise port in Scotland's Northern Europe region, welcoming passengers aboard three distinguished cruise lines: Seabourn, Silversea, and Atlas Ocean Voyages. While primarily functioning as a port of call, Leith offers convenient access to some of the British Isles' most compelling destinations, with typical itineraries spanning 11 nights and calling at ports including Dover, Belfast, Oban, London Tower Bridge, and Greenock. The port experiences its busiest season from April through July, making spring and early summer ideal times to explore this corner of Scotland.

Stepping ashore in Leith, you'll find yourself just minutes from Edinburgh's historic heart, where centuries-old architecture and world-class museums await exploration. The port's excellent connectivity means you can easily venture beyond the immediate waterfront to discover Scotland's rugged landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're embarking on a multi-week voyage or enjoying a few hours during a port call, Leith provides an authentic Scottish experience with the convenience and comfort cruise travelers expect.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Royal Yacht Britannia's Timeless Elegance

Tour the former royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II, permanently moored at Ocean Terminal just steps from your ship. This five-deck yacht offers an intimate glimpse into royal life, with opulent staterooms, the engine room, and the bridge all beautifully preserved. It's a uniquely Scottish experience that combines maritime history with royal heritage.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Historic Shore

Stroll along The Shore, Leith's charming waterfront lined with traditional Scottish restaurants and seafood establishments. Sample locally-caught fish and chips, creamy cullen skink soup, or fresh oysters while watching fishing boats and yachts drift past. The cobblestone promenade perfectly captures Edinburgh's maritime soul.

3

Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Castle Views

Walk uphill through historic neighborhoods to Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile, a bustling medieval street lined with shops, galleries, and street performers leading to Edinburgh Castle. The panoramic views of the city and surrounding Pentland Hills are breathtaking, and the entire route showcases centuries of Scottish architecture and culture.

4

Leith Links Market and Local Crafts

Browse Leith's vibrant street markets and independent boutiques for authentic Scottish woolens, tartan goods, and artisan crafts. The area around Leith Walk features quirky vintage shops and contemporary galleries showcasing local artists. It's the perfect spot to find genuine souvenirs beyond typical cruise port offerings.

5

Whisky Tasting at Historic Distillery

Visit a traditional Scottish whisky bar or nearby distillery experience to sample single malts and learn about Scotland's most famous export. Knowledgeable staff guide you through tasting notes and regional differences, offering a convivial introduction to this quintessentially Scottish tradition in an authentic local setting.

Cruise Lines at Leith

Cruises Departing From Leith

Cruises Visiting Leith

Ship Schedule at Leith

Leith Location

Other Cruise Ports in Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leith Port?

Leith is an official port in Scotland with UN/LOCODE GBLEI.

Where is Leith Port located?

Located in Leith, Scotland, near Edinburgh, at 55.95 latitude and -3.166666667 longitude.

What is the UN/LOCODE for Leith?

GBLEI.

What is the official port type of Leith?

Official port.