Edinburgh for 4 nights; staying in Leith?

Posted by shelrose13 on 04/09/17 03:21 PM

Hello,
I am making my first trip to Scotland-- a 4-day leg on a larger UK trip. I'm over the moon about this, as it's somewhere I've wanted to go for a very long time!

As I am trying to get the lay of the city, I've come across a number of places to stay in Old Town, which is logical since it's the spot for so many sights and the heart of the city. However, I'm interested in areas nearer the Royal Botanic Gardens as well as Leith. Transit from the RBG to Old town seems very simple, even walkable, but Leith is much further out. Is it far different in character? Worth staying in? I don't mind being removed from the heart of the city, and love the idea of the water. However, we are looking at going to the castle one day (and poking around nearby) and perhaps a tour like Rabbie's another. If it seems we'd be spending more time on busses, I'd rather look closer in.
Thanks,
Shelbey

Posted by UncleGus

Edinburgh

04/09/17 04:02 PM

2683 posts

Leith to centre of Edinburgh is only about 20 minutes on a bus and there are loads of services some as often as every 10 minutes,day ticket cost £4

Posted by Edgar

Medford, OR, USA

04/09/17 04:05 PM

5837 posts

We stayed at a guest house hotel in New Town. The New Town guest house was a short walk to the Royal Botanical Garden and Old Town/Royal Mile.

New Town is a long walk (short bus ride) to Leith. We walked to Leith for dinner and took the bus back to New Town.

New Town is also walking distance from the Edinburgh Waverley train station and even closer to the Edinburgh Bus Station.

Posted by epltd

04/09/17 10:50 PM

3123 posts

We stayed at Inverleith Hotel, near the Botanic Garden. It was about a 15-minute bus ride to The Mound. There were 3 or 4 pubs/restaurants within walking distance as well as a convenience store with ATM and a laundry where you could either drop off or wash your own w/coins. The staff were extremely helpful. Our room was comfortable and the breakfasts were good.

Posted by Lo

Tucson

04/10/17 12:27 AM

4183 posts

I stayed at the Hedges last May. It was about 3-4 blocks from some good restaurants and half that distance to a bus hub. My favorite restaurant was Khushi's Indian.

If you zoom in and out on the map under Location, you can see where Leith, Leith Walk and the Botanical Gardens are relative to the B&B.

I also was able to walk down the street to do my laundry, or have it done for me. And to a couple of small groceries for snacks to have back in the room.

Due to some knee issues, I did take a few cabs and buses during my time there. You can walk to most things, but probably not to the Royal Yacht Britannia. I took the bus. It was windy and damp and cold when I was there, and I loved every minute.

You might find this bus information useful. It also has a zoomable map. Where I was is in the upper right hand corner of the City Centre map pdf.

Posted by Pamela

New York City, NY, USA

04/10/17 02:05 AM

5678 posts

I too have stayed in the Inverleith Hotel and its been great. I like being a bit out of the tourist center. You can easily catch a bust u to the Royal Mile and then walk back in the afternoon. It's down hill. Leith is the port and the city is up the hill. :)

Pam