United Kingdom · Scotland · Edinburgh
Leith, Edinburgh — Area Guide & Where to Stay
Leith is the historic port district of Edinburgh, set on the Firth of Forth where the Water of Leith reaches the sea. It lies north of the city centre. Once a working harbour that traded in wine, timber and whale oil, it kept its own council until the port was merged into the capital, and the cobbled quays of The Shore now hold bistros rather than cargo. The district is best known for the Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at Ocean Terminal.
About Leith
Where to stay in Leith
Not every neighbourhood fits every trip — here's what each one is good for.
Staying in Leith puts a visitor on the waterfront rather than the tourist core of the Old Town, trading famous sights for harbour air and one of Edinburgh's strongest food scenes. The Shore, lined with seafood restaurants and bars along the Water of Leith, anchors the evenings. Beds are limited here.
Choices run from converted warehouse flats to a few hotels beside the harbour, and a short ride up Leith Walk reaches the New Town and the city centre. The Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal sit just west along the docks, so the district suits food, water and a quieter base over doorstep sightseeing.
About Leith
What are the main landmarks in Leith?
The district's set-piece is the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal ship kept open to visitors at Ocean Terminal. Close by in the docks lies the SS Explorer, a preserved steam vessel from Leith's fishing years, and Trinity House of Leith holds the mariners' guild and almshouse on the Kirkgate. Churches mark the old streets.
South Leith Parish Church stands on the Kirkgate and North Leith Parish Church by the water, with St Mary Star of the Sea on Constitution Street. Leith Links, the green where townsfolk once played early golf, opens to the east, while the Newhaven Heritage Museum recalls the fishing village next door.
What is the history of Leith?
Leith began as a town in its own right, a burgh with its own council set at the mouth of the Water of Leith. For centuries it was Edinburgh's window on the sea. Mary, Queen of Scots stepped ashore here in 1561 on her way back from France, and trade in wine, timber and whale oil filled the warehouses along the docks.
Shipyards lined the Firth of Forth. Leith guarded its independence until 1920, when it was amalgamated into the City of Edinburgh against the wishes of many of its people, and as the port trade later faded the quays of The Shore passed to bars, offices and flats.
Where is Leith?
Leith occupies the northern shore of Edinburgh, spread along the final reach of the Water of Leith before it empties into the Firth of Forth. The district falls downhill from the centre. Leith Walk climbs south from here to the New Town, while the old fishing village of Newhaven adjoins the district to the west.
Constitution Street and the Kirkgate run through the heart of it, and the quays of The Shore mark the harbour edge to the north.
Good for
More areas in Edinburgh
Updated July 2026