Plan a CruiseLeith, the historic port for Edinburgh, welcomes smaller cruise ships directly at Ocean Terminal. Larger vessels typically anchor at nearby Newhaven. The terminal area in Leith has been revitalized, offering attractions like tours of the Royal Yacht Britannia and a shopping mall with various restaurants.
Edinburgh, Scotland's vibrant capital, is a short distance away and renowned for its dramatic cityscape dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Built on volcanic hills and enveloped by the Firth of Forth and rolling landscapes, the city offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary culture. Explore world-class museums, galleries, the Royal Mile, and elegant Georgian streets. Free WiFi is available in most cafes and restaurants. For emergencies, dial 999 or 112.
Getting Around from the Port
Getting into Edinburgh city center from Leith's Ocean Terminal is straightforward:
- Taxi/Local Bus: A 10-minute ride will take you directly into Edinburgh.
- Hop-on/Hop-off Bus (Majestic Tours): These buses depart every 15 minutes in high season and every 30 minutes during other times, costing £12.
- Local Lothian Buses: Numbers 11 and 22 run frequently (every 5 minutes) from Princes Street and surrounding areas. Bus 35 goes to the Old Town (Royal Mile) and stops at the National Museum of Scotland. A single fare is £1.70, or a day ticket costs £4.00. Important: You must have the exact coin fare as drivers cannot provide change.
- Hop-on/Hop-off Tours (City Center): Numerous companies operate tours starting from the central railway station. Prices range from £12 to £17. Consider the "Grand Ticket 24" for £17 (adults) or £15 (seniors), which is valid on all hop-on services from various companies, minimizing wait times, and includes tours to destinations like the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, focus on Edinburgh's highlights:
- Royal Yacht Britannia (Adjacent to Port): Located right next to Ocean Terminal in Leith. Explore the former floating residence of the Royal Family. Entry is often included with the "Grand Ticket 24" hop-on/off bus tour.
- Edinburgh Castle (City Center): Dominating the city skyline, this historic fortress is a must-see. Reach it via local bus (10-minute ride to city center, then walk or short taxi) or hop-on/off bus.
- The Royal Mile & Old Town (City Center): Descends from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This cobbled street is lined with historic buildings, shops, and pubs. Bus 35 from Leith goes directly to the Old Town.
- National Museum of Scotland (City Center): Explore Scottish history, natural history, and world cultures. Conveniently, Bus 35 from Leith stops here.
- Princes Street & Gardens (City Center): Princes Street offers excellent views of the Castle and Old Town, with the beautiful Princes Street Gardens below. It's also a major shopping street.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse (City Center): The Queen's official residence in Scotland, located at the foot of the Royal Mile.
- Edinburgh Zoo (Outskirts): Home to pandas and other exotic animals, a family-friendly option.
Dining & Shopping
- Dining in Leith: Ocean Terminal, adjacent to the cruise dock, hosts numerous restaurants within its shopping mall.
- Shopping in Edinburgh:
- Princes Street: Edinburgh's main shopping area, featuring many UK department stores and chain retailers.
- George Street: Another excellent street for shopping in the city center.
- St Andrews Square: Home to Harvey Nichols, the renowned London department store's first Scottish branch.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Pound (£), sometimes referred to as "quid." While Scottish banknotes are legal tender throughout the UK, they are occasionally not accepted outside of Scotland. It is advisable to exchange any Scottish notes for English notes before leaving Scotland if you plan to travel further in the UK. ATMs ("holes in the wall") are widely available and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Most shops and restaurants readily accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro credit cards.