About the Port
Leith serves as the maritime gateway to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where centuries of history unfold beneath the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle. The city's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, threads along the Royal Mile with its cobbled closes and towering tenements, while the Georgian New Town offers a striking architectural counterpoint. The Royal Botanic Garden, home to one of the world's longest herbaceous borders, adds a verdant contrast to the city's stone skyline.
Once a separate port town, Leith retains its own maritime character with restored warehouses and a lively waterfront now lined with restaurants. Edinburgh's city center lies a short transfer away, making the castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile easily accessible for a day of exploration before returning to the ship. Traditional pubs throughout the city invite a pause for a pint alongside the locals.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Leith .
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop an extinct volcano, this stronghold houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and offers sweeping city views; allow at least two hours and book tickets ahead to skip the queue.
Wander the Royal Mile
Stroll the cobbled spine of the Old Town from castle to Holyrood Palace, ducking into hidden closes and centuries-old closes lined with shops, pubs, and street performers.
Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia
Berthed right in Leith's harbor, the former royal vessel offers an intimate look at shipboard life and décor across five decks; a self-guided audio tour takes about 90 minutes.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Leith
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 28, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 10 | $2,309 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Windstar | Star Legend | 8 | $4,076 | |
| Apr 9, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Insignia | 37 | $11,399 | |
| Apr 23, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 27 | $19,800 | |
| May 4, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Insignia | 12 | $4,950 | |
| May 9, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 11 | $10,320 | |
| May 10, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Voyager | 11 | $10,999 | |
| May 15, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 35 | $13,939 | |
| May 20, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Wind | 11 | $9,840 | |
| May 21, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Voyager | 12 | $9,399 | |
| May 27, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 9 | $13,075 | |
| Jun 5, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 10 | $13,835 | |
| Jun 8, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 11 | $5,089 | |
| Jun 8, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 22 | $11,059 | |
| Jun 11, 2027 | Windstar | Star Explorer | 18 | $13,970 | |
| Jun 11, 2027 | Windstar | Star Explorer | 8 | $6,734 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Windstar | Star Explorer | 18 | $15,524 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 28 | $18,998 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Windstar | Star Explorer | 10 | $9,850 | |
| Jul 2, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Voyager | 12 | $9,360 |
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