Eclectic, edgy and exciting, Leith has a very different sort of feeling to the rest of the city. In fact, if you asked somebody from Leith where they were from, they would likely not mention Edinburgh at all. They would say that they were from Leith and proud of it.
And as they should be!
Connected to the east end of Princes St by Leith Walk, this area -made more famous recently through the likes of Trainspotting and Sunshine on Leith – was recently voted the fourth ‘coolest’ place to live in the UK.
Are we overdoing it with the cool?…Ha! Not a chance!
Fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen! This one’s going to be a rollercoaster!
Let’s go live it up in Leith!
The Royal Yacht Britannia: Welcoming over 390000 visitors a year and one of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh, this 5 star experience is a must for anyone who hasn’t already come along. The former yacht of the British Monarchy, this floating palace will transport you into a world most of us can only dream of. It is, of course, immaculately presented and the staff will treat you, strangely enough, like absolute royalty. Throughout the years, it has played host to some of the most famous and significant figures in the world. Come and join the crew and become a part of its story. All aboard!!
McNaughton’s Bookshop: In this mad, mad world of Kindles, social media and YouTube, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the humble bookshop has perhaps reached the final chapter in its long and lavish story. However, don’t write this one off quite so quickly. There are many amazing book shops all over our wonderful city, and McNaughton’s is definitely one we like to revisit whenever we get the chance. With a fantastic variety of literature on display and a comfortable atmosphere, this is a great place to hang out on a drizzly winter’s day and disappear into another world. A bookworm’s paradise.
Cafe Praline: For those of you who love a good cup of coffee and a tasty snack to go along with it (and, let’s face it, who doesn’t), then you really are spoiled for choice around this end of the capital. Cafe Praline is just one of many great places you can go to enjoy a smashing cup of Joe. Classy and spacious, you won’t be able to resist chilling out for an hour or two and purchasing something from all of the gloriously mouthwatering yumminess that they have to offer. A serious taste explosion.
Valvona & Crolla: Food glorious food! Here in Edinburgh, we are obsessed with getting our hands on quality produce. Whether its world class restaurants, bustling Farmer’s Markets or good old fashioned pub grub, we just can’t get enough of the stuff. And one of the sparkling jewels in Edinburgh’s culinary crown is the legendary Valvona & Crolla on Leith Walk. Founded in 1934, this independent family business is Scotland’s oldest delicatessen and Italian Wine Merchant. Stocked full of amazing food products and wine, you could spend hours discovering all kinds of delicious treats. In fact, there’s even a cafe you can relax in and ponder your next purchase! Or, if you can’t make it to the store, why not order on their easy to use online shop?…Fantastico!!
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant: There are so many amazing bars and restaurants in the Leith/Leith Walk area that picking out one is almost impossible. However, if pushed, we have to say that Nobles is definitely up there with our top favourites. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this beautifully decorated and friendly bar is the perfect place to enjoy some top quality food and sample a much deserved beverage or two from their vast selection. With a cracking buzz and cosy surroundings, we guarantee you’ll be coming back again and again. An absolute winner.
And there you have it, dear reader! That’s our top 5! But we’ve only just scratched the surface. There’s so much more that this fashionable spot has to offer!
Leith is a happening neighbourhood, perfect for a day visit and, most definitely, your consideration if you’re looking for somewhere amazing to live.
Pay it a visit!
