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Museum ship
Royal Yacht Britannia
Former royal yacht, now moored at Ocean Terminal as a floating museum.
Directions Website Report a problem with Royal Yacht Britannia
A mini guide to
Leith & the Waterfront
A historic port with a royal yacht, a lively waterfront and some of the city's best food
Photos
1 / 7Welcome to the area
A historic port with a royal yacht, a lively waterfront and some of the city's best food
Leith has been Edinburgh's port for centuries. Around The Shore, old warehouses and merchants' houses now hold restaurants and bars, while the docks beyond have been redeveloped for homes, offices and shops.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored at Ocean Terminal, and the Water of Leith path leads upstream toward the city center. The tram runs between Leith and the airport, so it is easy to reach from Princes Street.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Waterfront
The Shore
Historic harbor on the Water of Leith, lined with former warehouses now home to restaurants and bars.
Museum
Trinity House
Maritime museum in a historic building on Kirkgate, about Leith's seafaring past.
Park
Leith Links
Large public park in Leith, linked to the first written rules of golf.
Historic building
Custom House
Custom House on Commercial Street, a landmark of Leith's port.
Church
North and South Leith Parish Church
Historic parish church on Kirkgate, with medieval origins.
Directions Report a problem with North and South Leith Parish Church
Find your way
On the map
The map shows Leith & the Waterfront and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Take the tram
Edinburgh Trams link Princes Street with Leith, with stops at Foot of the Walk, The Shore and Ocean Terminal.
2
Eat by the water
The Shore and the streets around it have the highest concentration of restaurants and bars in Leith.
3
Walk the river
The Water of Leith path runs through Leith. Follow it inland for a green route toward Stockbridge.
4
Plan the yacht visit
The Royal Yacht Britannia is a ticketed attraction. Check opening times and book ahead on its website.
Tips from the Britlens editors
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Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Leith & the Waterfront (area photo): Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Royal Yacht Britannia: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- The Shore: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Trinity House: AlasdairW, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Leith Links: Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Custom House: John Lord, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- North and South Leith Parish Church: AlasdairW, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Lamb's House: Jim Barton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Leith Theatre: Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Newhaven Harbour: Steve Fareham, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ocean Terminal: Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, source
- The Vaults: gnomonic, CC BY 2.0, source
- Port of Leith Distillery: Iain Lees, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Starbank Park: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Grassmarket & Southside: rboed*, CC BY 2.0, source
- Haymarket & Murrayfield: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Macumba, Public domain, source
- Portobello & the Coast: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Town & Royal Mile: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- New Town: Chris Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill: Peulle, CC BY 4.0, source
- Stockbridge & Dean Village: Mike Shaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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