Leith Port Guide

For centuries, Leith Cruise Port has maintained the role as the port of Edinburgh, Scotland and it continues to be one of Scotland's largest ports. The harbor that is currently in use is in South Leith and includes breakwaters surrounding its entrance on the northwest side. The original harbor dates back to the 14^th century and was just an anchorage located at the mouth of the Water of Leith. Beginning in the early 17^th century, they began to construct docks but they suffered from encroachment by sand bars. The original gateway to the docks is in preservation and sets beside the Leith Customs House. Beginning in 1936 an enclosure of immense breakwaters was set in a large area of deep water in order to create the Western Harbor, which was finished in 1943.

The Port of Edinburgh (Leith Cruise Port) is the port of departure for all cruise ships that are sailing to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. You will discover many attractions within the town of Edinburgh; one of which is the Old Town, the medieval section of the city that in surrounded by the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. In this area, you will see scenic squares, market places and buildings housing government buildings. The Royal Museum, Festival Theatre and university are also located in this section of the town. Many different types of accommodations are also available in this part of Edinburgh. These interesting attractions make Leith an interesting port of call for those entering the Leith Cruise Port.

On the other side of the map is the Edinburgh New Town which includes Edinburgh Street, the primary street for shopping, St. Andrews Square and Charlotte Square. For those who are planning to spend the night in the area of the Leith Cruise Terminal there are many hotels and other accommodations available in the New Town section of Edinburgh. In addition to the Holiday Inn, you can also find a number of self-catering facilities that will fit into everyone's budget.

Depending how much time you have to spend in Leith/Edinburgh area a number of landmarks that are of interest to visitors. Some of the places you want to make sure to visit while you are in Edinburgh include Dean Cemetery, Edinburgh zoo, Forth Bridge, McEwan Hall, National Archives of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament Building. These only compromise a few of the attractions you can expect to find during your visit to Edinburgh and are only the landmarks. There are also many art galleries, museums and theaters to visit in Edinburgh, Scotland. The National Writers' Museum will be of interest to those who have a flair for the creative arts while the National War Museum will appeal to those interested in the battles of Scotland. It is advisable to use the Internet to choose the sights you wish to visit before you begin your cruise in order to allow yourself the most amount of time for sightseeing.