Leith: one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods

Leith, Edinburgh’s historic port district, sits on the northerly edge of the city and was once Scotland’s main gateway for global trade. In the busy days of the 18th-century working docks, huge ships sailed in and out brimming with wool, wine, raw materials and spices. Today, Leith blends this fascinating maritime heritage with a vibrant modern edge, from dining at the Leith Shore waterfront to independent shops and cultural attractions.

Get to know Leith

Since then, a lot has happened to Leith. Edinburgh welcomed it as part of the official city in 1920, The Royal Yacht Britannia made her final stop at Ocean Terminal, and Leith was catapulted into the spotlight by Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting.

But Leith has always done its own thing. The area slowly began to shed its industrial skin and embrace a trendy new guise – and was 16th on the list of coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2023, according to Time Out.

Here’s our guide to the area, with tips on eating, drinking and other fun things to see and do.

Restaurants

MV Fingal Hotel
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

When it comes to dining out in Edinburgh, Leith is the place to go for innovative and varied cuisine, with new restaurants cropping up all the time, each bringing with them something fresh and new. Not to mention it’s home to three of the capital’s Michelin-star restaurants.

The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar aboard Fingal

From five course afternoon teas to exceptional dining awarded 2 AA Rosettes, eating out on board this luxury floating hotel is a truly unique experience.

Book your meal on board

The Kitchin

Tom Kitchin and his team believe in the ‘nature-to-plate’ philosophy and rustle up some delicious dishes in one Edinburgh’s finest Michelin-star restaurants. Seriously delicious.

Book The Kitchin

Restaurant Martin Wishart

Another Michelin star belongs to Martin Wishart. Experience a blend of classic French culinary techniques with Scottish produce and treat yourself to an unforgettable meal.

Dine at Restaurant Martin Wishart

Heron

Head to one of Leith's Michelin Star restaurants for expertly crafted fine dining and fresh ingredients, overlooking The Shore.

Dine out at Heron

Ship on the Shore

Seafood lovers, here’s something for you! Head here for fresh seafood and sparkling champagne.

Book Ship on the Shore

Cafés and bistro experiences

Leith – Edinburgh’s go-to for cosy cafés and creative bistros – is the perfect place to enjoy artisan coffee, indulgent cakes and hearty sandwiches.

Mimi's Bakehouse

Get your sugar fix with a toppling tower of cakes from Mimi’s. The ‘Before-noon tea’ is another delight for all breakfast fans.

Eat cake at Mimi’s Bakehouse

Williams & Johnson

For fans of the coffee bean, Williams & Johnson is a must-visit for delicious coffee and dairy-free latte options.

Shop at Williams & Johnson

Alby's

Head to Alby’s for huge sandwiches! More than a regular sandwich shop, this is a deli with a difference as the space hosts evening events from Wednesday to Friday. Come yourself, or with your dog, friends and favourite beverages (it’s BYOB).

Get lunch at Alby’s

Toast

Raise a toast to the Shore’s first ever wine café! It’s also a great spot for breakfast and brunch, or Mediterranean-style sharing plates in the afternoon and evening. There’s also a deli counter, cakes and pastries.

Dine at Toast

Drinks and cocktails

After working up a thirst exploring Edinburgh, Leith with its buzzing pub and bar scene is where you can enjoy crisp pints, fine wines and creative cocktails.

Nobles

Temporarily closed as it switches to new management under Bellfield Brewery, this gorgeous pub started life as a Victorian café in 1896 with beautiful stained-glass windows which remain intact. Stay tuned for details on the reopening and its exciting new offering.

Relax at Nobles

Roseleaf

Indulge in cocktails in tea cups and admire the wall display of extravagant hats inside this colourful little bar just along from the Shore.

Drinks at Roseleaf

Lost in Leith and Campervan Brewery Tap Room

Visit Leith’s first ever brewery Tap Room and try the range of Campervan brews available. It opens on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sample beers at Campervan Brewery Tap Room

Lionness of Leith

There are lots of lovely things to try on the cocktail menu here. The bar also serves gourmet ‘Lioness’ burgers and homemade waffles in the morning, so what’s not to love?

Cocktails at Lionness of Leith

Teuchters Landing

If you’re looking for a fine selection of pints, or a mug of stovies or mac ‘n’ cheese, Teuchters is the pub for you. Make summer memories in the beer garden which overlooks the Water of Leith.

Settle into Teuchters Landing

The Volley

Opened in 2025, The Volley is a favourite new addition to Leith Walk. Bright and airy, with big picture windows looking onto the bustling thoroughfare, this friendly pub keeps things simple with cocktails, ales and stonebaked pizza. A weekly DJ soundtrack of soul, funk and disco keeps things lively.

The Nauticus

With a nod to Leith’s trading heritage, this bar takes inspiration from the time the area was key in the spice, gin, sherry and wine trades. Plus it even has Harris Tweed bar stools!

Drinks at the Nauticus

Scotbeer

Join the Leith Brewery Taproom Trail, a walking tour through Leith’s historic brewing quarter. Explore the Shore’s best beer spots, stopping at some unique venues and sampling some of the capital’s finest beers and ales along the way.

Take a tour with Scotbeer

Events

If you think you’ve experienced everthing in Edinburgh, Leith still has a surprise or two up its sleeve.

Leith Festival

Organised by a dedicated group of Leithers, this festival combines eight days of events celebrating theatre, music, arts and more.

Find out more on Leith Festival

Biscuit Factory

The Biscuit Factory is an arts and fashion hub inside the former Crawford’s biscuit factory. Keep an eye out for pop-up events and markets, including the Edinburgh Food Social events where you can try some truly tasty dishes.

See what's on at the Biscuit Factory

Leith Theatre

Catch lots of events and cool goings on at the Leith Theatre. After a long history of ups and downs, the building is now open for community events, concerts, movie screenings and lots of other exciting things. It's recognised as a valuable heritage site in a listed building, which was gifted to the people of Leith in the 1920s and recently saved from closure after a funding award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Check out Leith Theatre

*Please check with individual event organisers for more details.

Attractions

Leith’s cultural attractions will introduce you to the area’s fascinating history and show you its creative side too.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Explore the floating royal residence and see the ship that sailed the world with the Royal Family on board for over 40 years. See the Queen’s favourite viewpoint and have tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Step onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Water of Leith walkway

Weaving its way through Edinburgh from the foot of the Pentland Hills to Leith, this route is perfect for a peaceful leafy walk or cycle through the city.

Follow the Water of Leith walkway

Trinity House

Dive into Leith’s famous maritime history. This grand Georgian house was once housed the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters, and is bursting with maritime gems including four portraits by Sir Henry Raeburn.

Visit Trinity House

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop

A hub of creativity, this amazing workspace offers lots of workshops for sculptors of all levels. Try clay portraiture, wood carving or metal work and see what masterpieces you can create!

See what's on at the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop

Other things you might like

Places to go

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