Leith is Edinburgh's revitalised port district, sitting on the waterfront to the north of the city centre. Known for its independent restaurants, creative scene and relaxed atmosphere, it offers character and good value, though it's further from the main sights.
Leith at a glance
- Distance to Edinburgh Castle
- About 3.2 km as the crow flies — take public transport.
- From the city centre
- About 2.8 km as the crow flies.
- Nearest station
- Foot of the Walk (tram stop), about 170 m from the centre of the area.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-14. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
The area centres on the Shore, a waterside strip of restaurants and bars along the Water of Leith, with the Ocean Terminal and Royal Yacht Britannia nearby. It has a low-key, neighbourhood feel by day and a strong dining and drinking scene in the evening, without the tourist crush of the centre.
Getting around
The tram and frequent buses connect Leith to Princes Street and the centre in around 15–25 minutes, and the tram continues to Edinburgh (EDI). Reaching Edinburgh Castle means a tram or bus ride rather than a walk.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Independent, creative and food-focused, with a maritime waterfront edge.
- Budget
- Often better value than the Old and New Towns, with plenty of dining choices.
- Watch out for
- It's a bus or tram ride from the main sights, so factor in travel time.
Frequently asked
Is Leith a good area to stay in Edinburgh?
Leith suits foodies and anyone wanting a laid-back, characterful waterfront stay, with independent restaurants and good value. It's less ideal if you want to be on the doorstep of the main sights, as it sits further north of the centre.
How far is Leith from Edinburgh Castle?
The Castle is about 3.2 km away in a straight line, so it's not a walking distance from Leith. You'll want to take the tram or a bus rather than walk.
How do you get around Leith and what's the nearest station?
The nearest stop is Foot of the Walk, a tram stop roughly 170 m from the area's centre. The tram and frequent buses connect Leith to Princes Street and the centre in around 15–25 minutes, with the tram continuing to Edinburgh (EDI).
Is Leith central?
Not quite — the city centre is about 2.8 km away in a straight line, so factor in travel time. It's a bus or tram ride from the main sights rather than a walk.
What is Leith like in the evening?
Leith has a low-key, neighbourhood feel by day and a strong dining and drinking scene in the evening, particularly along the Shore, without the tourist crush of the centre.
Comparing areas? See the full Edinburgh area guide →
Other areas near Leith
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — area location, distances and nearest station (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), checked 2026-09-14
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Leith, Edinburgh — honest orientation, no invented data.