Edinburgh, UK cruise port guide

Scotland’s capital is quirky, full of history and simply beautiful, but you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your trip.

Who goes there

Although not a major European port, numerous cruise lines call at Edinburgh during cruises to the British Isles and wider itineraries connecting to Iceland in one direction and Norway in the other (usually via the Shetland and Orkney islands). These include Azamara, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Ponant, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

sail away

The Firth of Forth is a deep indentation off the eastern Scottish coast, but wide enough to deprive you of great views. As you get closer you will be able to see the silhouette of Edinburgh Castle on the steep cliffs. Aboard a large ship, you’ll cruise past Edinburgh and take in wonderful views of the iconic red-cantilevered Forth Bridge, a Victorian engineering marvel that is now a World Heritage site.

docking ceremonies

The situation is complicated by the various cruise ports in the Firth of Forth used by various ships depending on their size. The most convenient are the Edinburgh suburbs of Leith or adjacent Newhaven. Large ships disembark you at South Queensferry, 15 kilometers away, while others dock at Rosyth (24 kilometers), on the other side of the Forth Bridge; Both are unsafe unless you’re on a shore excursion.

Disembark

Located between the Castle and Holyrood Palace and connected by the Royal Mile, the old town is steeped in history of beheaded queens, body snatchers, witches and men of letters, but its once brooding atmosphere has been erased by influxes of tourists. Elsewhere, check out the National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries, which feature works by European greats but have a particularly interesting section on Scottish painters. The Georgian “new” town has stylish townhouses built around quiet squares. The Royal Botanical Garden is one of the best in Europe, especially during rhododendron season.

Don’t miss

Edinburgh Castle is one of England’s most visited tourist attractions. It overlooks the city from the top of a steep rock, the remains of an ancient volcano. The oldest part of the castle is the 12th-century St Margaret’s Chapel. The remainder dates mostly from the 16th and 17th centuries and includes the old parliament building, a magnificent wooden hall and an exhibition of the Scottish crown jewels. Weapons are fired from the trenches every day at 13:00.

Be active

Cycling is best beyond the city centre, with disused railway lines and footpaths along the Union Canal; The cycle path between Leith and the old-fashioned seaside resort of Portobello is particularly good. Walkers should head along the Water of Leith Walk, with its rugged outcropping Arthur’s Seat a more lung-straining alternative that rewards you with stunning views of the city and the Firth of Forth.

retail therapy

Princes Street is the city’s main shopping street and, as a bonus, it is adjacent to Princes Street Gardens and has stunning views towards the old town and castle. You’ll find many high street stores and the St James Quarter shopping centre. For a more boutique experience, head to George Street and William Street, and for quirky independent shops head to Stockbridge.

further away

In the historic port of Leith, which boasts a fashionably refurbished coastline, you can board Royal Yacht Britannia for a sticky beak on this iconic ship. Linlithgow, 30 kilometers away, has an old high street, a medieval church, a Victorian canal and the picturesque lakeside ruins of the royal palace where Mary, Queen of Scots was born. Excursions can also take you to St Andrews for a round of golf, Stirling Castle, the National Museum of Flight (where a Concorde is located) or the picturesque Trossachs hills and lakes.

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