Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland
Local Reading
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Information
Overview
Scotland’s capital is filled with attractive landmarks, parks and gardens, and hosts cultural festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.
Nestled beside long extinct volcanoes and built on seven hills, Edinburgh offers spectacular scenery in a rugged setting. The city itself is visually impressive with the medieval buildings of the Old Town and the wide Georgian roads and spacious homes of the New Town. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995.
The city’s crowning glory and the reason for its existence is Edinburgh Castle. For hundreds of years, this fortress perched on an ancient volcano defended the city from attack.
Start your exploration of Scotland’s capital city at The Royal Mile. This series of cobblestone streets links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an official royal residence. Along the route you’ll come across some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament House.
Just a short walk away is Princes Street Gardens, which runs the length of Princes Street, the city’s main shopping area. While you are enjoying this pretty green space, visit some of its memorials and monuments including the Scott Monument. This Gothic structure was built to honor the novelist Sir Walter Scott. Its viewing galleries offer good views of the city.
Enjoy even more beautiful views from the hills that rise over the city. Hike to the summits of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, and Calton Hill, which is home to a number of impressive monuments.
Port Info
EDINBURGH – Leith
- Leith is the main cruise port serving Edinburgh. It is approximately 6 miles from the main Edinburgh hotel area. Travel Time: Approximately 25 minutes depending on traffic.
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is approximately 8 miles outside the Edinburgh city center. Travel time to the city is approximately 30-minutes depending on traffic.
- Distance from the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Leith is approximately 10 miles with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Travel Tips
Currency
- The currency is the pound sterling, not the euro.
Tipping Etiquette :
- Restaurants: In general 10-15% if there's no service charge
- Porters: $1
- Taxi's: Round up
Time Difference
- Scotland is GMT & BST (British Summer Time)
Europe spans three time zones:
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern standard Time.
- Central Standard Time which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
- Eastern European Time which is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Entry Requirements
- A passport is required when traveling outside of your country. If any passenger carries anything other than a Passport supplied by your home country, please contact the Consulate of the country(s) you are visiting to verify document requirements. If you do not have appropriate documentation, you will be denied entry. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return trip for international travel.