24 Hours in Leith
This 24 hour itinerary brings together food, history, and local charm that have made Leith one of Edinburgh’s favourite neighbourhoods.
Day 1
12:00
Start your Leith adventure at The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace and Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Attraction in the World. Travel by tram or Lothian Buses 10, 16 and 34 from Edinburgh city centre to Ocean Terminal, where Britannia is berthed. Free luggage storage is available during your visit so you can enjoy your day without the inconvenience of carrying your overnight bag. Explore the Yacht’s five decks and discover what life was like on board with the complimentary audio guide, available in 42 versions, including BSL and ASL tablets and Braille scripts. Enjoy a light lunch or tea and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom while taking in sweeping views across the Firth of Forth. At the end of your visit, be sure to browse the Shop’s excellent selection of Royal, nautical, and Scottish souvenirs and mementos.
15:00
Make your way to your hotel to check into your home for the night. With a selection of hotels located in the area, there's something for all budgets. A former Northern Lighthouse Board tender turned luxury floating hotel, Fingal provides a unique and unforgettable stay in the heart of Leith. A few steps away is Malmaison Edinburgh hotel, with a lovely outlook over the Water of Leith at the Shore. Conveniently located for a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia and with excellent bus and tram links to and from Edinburgh's city centre, the Holiday Inn Express is a fantastic option.
15:30
After settling into your hotel, get some fresh air and take a leisurely stroll along the Water of Leith. Walk as far as you like, keeping an eye out for local wildlife along the riverbank. Kingfishers, herons, badgers, and even otters are known to make appearances along this picturesque route.
16:30
Why not join a tour of one of the local distilleries? Lind & Lime Gin Distillery and Scotland's first vertical distillery, The Port of Leith Distillery, provide an interesting insight into gin and whisky production, paired with tastings along the way. Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy a pre-dinner drink at Teuchters Landing, a beloved Leith institution known for its extensive whisky selection and waterside setting. Or stop by The King's Wark, located in a historic building from the 1400s, providing a cosy atmosphere paired with a wide variety of drinks.
19:00
Return to your hotel to freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. 
19:30
Located on the top deck of Fingal Hotel, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar features a menu showcasing the very best seasonal produce. Choose from a two or three-course menu or indulge in the five-course tasting menu to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of the talented Galley crew. Located on the bustling Leith Walk, book a table at Origano, a popular neighbourhood pizzeria serving up delicious hand-stretched pizzas. Barry Fish is an independent fish restaurant by award-winning chef Barry Bryson, offering an impressive menu featuring the finest fish and seafood from around Scotland.
21:30
Round off the evening with a nightcap. Weather permitting, Fingal's Deck is a great option for a relaxing end to the day.
Day 2
08:00
After a restful night’s sleep, start your day with a delicious breakfast. The Lighthouse Restaurant, overlooking the waterfront, serves a Scottish breakfast and a classic eggs Royale, or you could try its signature dish: Porridge Brûlée made with Leith whisky. Toast, a busy cafe right on the Water of Leith, is a relaxed cafe offering breakfast and brunch dishes like avocado toast, huevos rancheros and shakshuka. The family-run cafe and bar, Roseleaf, has a brunch menu with hearty dishes to fill you up for the morning ahead. Choose from dishes like French toast, eggs Benedict and Turkish eggs. 
09:30
Once you have finished your breakfast, leave your luggage at the hotel and spend the morning exploring Leith’s vibrant collection of independent shops. Browse the shelves at Argonaut Books and The Cookbook Shop, then discover unique gifts, homewares, and products created by local makers at shops such as Flux, Logan Malloch, and TBCo. If you are visiting over a weekend, make sure to visit the Coburg shop and gallery, located at Coburg House artist studios, it showcases artworks and products made by the residents.
11:00
Take a break at Rocksalt Café or Relish to enjoy a morning treat. Choose from a delicious selection of cakes and traybakes, perfectly complemented by a freshly brewed coffee, tea, or refreshing cold drink.
12:00
Time to collect your luggage and check-out of your hotel after a wonderful 24hrs in Leith. When you are ready to head back into Edinburgh’s city centre, simply take the tram from either the Port of Leith or Ocean Terminal stop. 
If you're spending an extended time in Leith, read our blog, Things to do in Leith, for more ideas to add to your itinerary.
Photo copyright:
VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
Helen Pugh
Jeremy Rata
Latasha Millette
