Why you should visit Leith on your next trip to Edinburgh
Credit: Bayo Adegunloye
Here in Leith, we think of ourselves as Edinburgh's trendy, up-and-coming neighbourhood. We’re the place to be, the cool part of town, the hidden gem on the north coast. And we say that without bias - we promise.
Leith is often overlooked for itineraries for Edinburgh getaways, but by skipping Time Out’s ‘4th coolest neighbourhood in the world’, you’re missing out on a thriving hub of art, culture, and of course, TBCo (wink wink).
Top 5 things to do in Leith
Next time you’re visiting Scotland’s capital, stroll down Leith Walk or grab the tram from the city to The Shore. We’ve compiled our top five favourite things to do in Leith so you can see what all the fuss is about.
- Walk down the Water of Leith
A stroll down the famous Water of Leith offers a moment of peace from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Tranquillity can be found by way of the herons that line the waterfront and the bucolic backdrop of the walk from the Pentlands to the port of Leith.
Photocredit: @thecrankydamsel
- Enjoy a meal at one of Leith’s many restaurants
Writing as a TBCo employee based in Leith, I can confidently say that you’re spoilt for a choice of places to eat here. We have three Michelin Star restaurants, plenty of fine dining experiences and more pubs than you can shake a stick at.
Photo credit: @thelittechartroom
Our neighbour, The Little Chartroom, has become a must-visit destination for gastronomes, or for something more relaxed, Teuchters Landing is a favourite watering hole for us here at TBCo (and the burgers are to die for).
- Stroll up Leith Walk
Connecting the city to the shore, Leith Walk is filled with independent shops, cafes and brands.
We recommend beginning with Krema Bakehouse - all adventures start with a sweet treat, after all.
Drop into Pekoe Tea for a warming brew, or make a day of it with a private tea tasting; their tea sets also make great gifts for friends (or to keep yourself).
About halfway down the walk, you can find Elvis Shakespeare, a second-hand and rare vinyl and bookshop.
Finally if going off the beaten track is your thing, Leith Arches, just off the walk on Gordon Street, often hosts markets and entertainment nights. Leith Arches is also a venue for the Fringe festival, so if you’re in Edinburgh in August, you might find yourself here.
Photo credit: @pekoetea_edinburgh
- All aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
Who says history can’t be trendy? Leith is famous for its shipping ports, and one of the most famous yachts in the UK is permanently docked here.
Live out your old money, quiet luxury fantasy for an afternoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, which belonged to the Royal Family for over 40 years. It’s worth adding to your itinerary as you walk in the footsteps of Frank Sinatra and Nelson Mandela who boarded the boat.
Photo credit: @places_andvibes
- Visit TBCo!
No visit to Leith, neigh, no visit to Edinburgh, Scotland, the UK, would be complete without a visit to TBCo. We’re a friendly bunch, and our shop on Great Junction Street, Leith, is open from 10am until 6pm from Monday to Saturday.
Bring your furry friend, chat with our team, and try on TBCo goodies; we’re also offering 10% off all in-store purchases between Friday 11th and Monday 28th of August for customers who show a valid Fringe Festival or International Festival Show ticket.
Is Leith worth visiting?
That’s a resounding yes from us. Leith is well worth visiting on your next trip to Scotland - and do be sure to come and say hello when you do! If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh soon, take a look at our handy Edinburgh Travel Guide for the TBCo team’s best places to eat, shop and visit.
