Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith

Overview

Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith serves as a gateway to the historic city of Edinburgh. It offers a convenient starting point for exploring the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture.

Major cruise port in Scotland, providing access to Edinburgh's attractions and beyond.

Cruise Port Tourist Attraction

Location

Address

100 Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh

Neighborhood: Leith

Coordinates

55.980400, -3.183400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$0 (free to enter port area)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Full day (including city exploration)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to cool

• Spring blooms
• Edinburgh Garden Society

summer

Warm to hot

• Long daylight hours
• Outdoor performances

autumn

Cool to mild

• Fall foliage
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold

• Holiday lights
• Indoor markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check cruise schedule
Plan city exploration
Book attractions in advance

What to Bring

essential

Passport/ID Cruise tickets Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Jacket/coat (off-season) Umbrella Hat and sunglasses (summer)

not allowed

Large luggage Weapons

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (for city exploration)

• Be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: Available on-site and nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards, debit cards

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Typical Costs

entry $0 (free to enter port area)

parking $15 (if applicable)

food $15-$30

souvenirs $10-$50

city attractions $10-$25

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, Comfortable shoes for walking, Inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

• 3 months
• Cruise line or official tourism website
• Varies by cruise line
• Available for major attractions

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Visitor center

Tour booking

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Edinburgh Cruise Port Guide

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Cruise schedule, Attraction tickets, Audio guide, Local recommendations

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Waterfront promenade, Nearby cafes

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafes and restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Edinburgh Airport

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

Taxi

$30-$40 30 min

Tram

$6.50 35 min

Bus

$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 3 km

Bus

$1.80 15 min

Taxi

$10-$15 10 min

Walking

40 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Rich history, vibrant culture, and a hub for international visitors

Historical Significance: Leith has been a significant port since the 14th century, playing a key role in Edinburgh's maritime history

Insider Tips

Visit the port early in the morning to see cruise ships arrive
Explore the historic pubs and eateries in Leith
Check out local markets for unique souvenirs
Many attractions offer discounts for seniors and students

Local Recommendations

• Try haggis at a local restaurant
• Visit the nearby Royal Yacht Britannia
• Explore the historic Leith neighborhood
• Ask locals about hidden gems and lesser-known attractions

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

port Pòrt

ship Long

waterfront Waterfront

Guide Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Cruise ship dock

Best Time: Early morning with ship in background

Tips: Wide shots capturing the ship and water

Result: Iconic cruise port image

#Edinburgh #CruiseLife #ScottishAdventure

Waterfront promenade

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Panoramic views of the city and water

Result: Stunning cityscape

#EdinburghSkyline #Waterfront #SunsetViews

Nearby historic sites

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture historic architecture with modern cruise ships in background

Result: Contrast of old and new

#HistoricEdinburgh #Architecture #Contrast

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, public spaces

prohibited areas Private areas, restricted zones

flash photography Allowed in most outdoor areas

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Restricted; check local regulations

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Royal Yacht Britannia

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Museum

Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre

Distance: 0.3 km

Walking: 5 min

Type: Shopping

Leith Links Park

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Park

The Shore

Distance: 0.8 km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Historic Site

Edinburgh Castle

Distance: 3 km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Historical Landmark

Reviews

4.3

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early to see ship arrivals"
"Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia"
"Explore Leith's historic pubs"
"Use the Edinburgh Cruise Port Guide app for discounts"

Contact Information

+44 131 554 4742

info@edinburghcruiseport.co.uk

www.edinburghcruiseport.co.uk

Social Media

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