In my opinion, Edinburgh is one of the greatest cities in the world (though I might be a little biased, since I live here). The best part is, whether you’re here for a week, an extreme day trip, or just a quick stop on a cruise, there’s no shortage of amazing things to see and do.

Firstly, let’s get you into the city!

Cruise Ports in Edinburgh

There’s four cruise ports in Edinburgh:

• Leith (Port of Leith)
• Newhaven
• South Queensferry
• Rosyth

Some travel agents / cruise lines might just say “Edinburgh” on the itinerary, rather than the specific port, so make sure to check with your cruise line to find out the exact port as getting to the city centre is different for each option.

Getting from Rosyth Port to Edinburgh City Centre

If you’re coming in from Rosyth Port and you want to make your own way to Edinburgh city centre, then you should consider getting a train to Edinburgh Waverley.

Firstly, you’ll want to make your way to Inverkeithing train station – that’s the closest train station to Rosyth Port. Then you’ll want to get the train from Inverkeithing to Edinburgh Waverley (that’s the train station bang in the city centre)

Getting from Queensferry Port to Edinburgh City Centre

Make your way to Dalmeny train station and get a train Edinburgh Waverely There’s an option to get a bus from Queensferry Port to Edinburgh City Centre, it’s the Cruiselink X99 bus, and it only runs when a cruise is docked!

Getting from Newhaven to Edinburgh City Centre

The Newhaven tram stop is only a 5 minute walk from the Newhaven Harbour, and jumping on a tram is probably going to be the fastest option! You’ll want to get the tram to either St. Andrews Square, Princes Street, or the West End – all will put you in the heart of Edinburgh.

Then, when you’re heading back make sure to go to the very end of the line for Newhaven.

Getting from Port of Leith to Edinburgh City Centre

Just like Newhaven, getting to the city centre from Port of Leith is easiest using the tram! The Port of Leith stop is actually a few stops after the Newhaven one as they’re both really close by. When you’re heading back make sure you get off at Port of Leith.

Using Public Transport in Edinburgh

Using public transport in Edinburgh is super easy! There are two options: buses and trams. You can use your debit card, credit card, or mobile phone to pay for both, so there’s no need to worry about carrying local currency or having the exact fare.

For buses, you only need to ‘tap’ when you get on. For trams, you need to tap both when you get on and when you get off.

If you’d like a little receipt as a souvenir from your time on public transport, just pay with cash on the bus and the driver will give you one, or buy a tram ticket from one of the machines.

You can expect to pay around £5 per person for a day ticket which should cover you from the cruise port to the city centre and back again.

All buses and trams in Edinburgh have stop indicators, so you won’t need to stress about missing your stop.

Taxis in Edinburgh

If you want to avoid busy trains and trams in Edinburgh, then a taxi is a great way to get from A to B. All taxis should take debit and credit cards, but maybe ask before you get in.

We have Uber here in Edinburgh, but I much prefer City Cabs as they’re so much more affordable. You can download their app and do it all through your phone – the same way you would with Uber! So much easier in my opinion.

Visiting Edinburgh City Centre

There’s so much to do in Edinburgh City Centre that you’ll never be able to cram it all into 6-8 hours. My advice would be to focus on one area and spend most of your afternoon there, or grab a Hop On, Hop Off bus and circle the city before choosing where you want to spend time.

Here’s an overview of all a bunch of free sights in Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh Castle (from the outside): While entering the castle requires a ticket, the views from the esplanade are completely free and offer one of the best panoramic photo spots in the city.
  
• The Royal Mile: This historic cobbled street runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, packed with buskers, historic buildings, and hidden closes to explore.
  
• Edinburgh Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town is full of character, with narrow alleys, medieval architecture, and centuries of stories waiting to be discovered.
  
• Princes Street Gardens: Nestled beneath the castle, this peaceful green space is perfect for a stroll or a sit-down with views of the city skyline and the Scott Monument.
  
• Grassmarket: A lively square with a rich history, once used for public executions, now surrounded by pubs, cafés, and boutique shops, with great views back up to the castle.
  
• Greyfriars Kirkyard: A hauntingly beautiful graveyard known for the tale of Greyfriars Bobby and as an inspiration for Harry Potter fans, with atmospheric tombstones and history around every corner.
  
• Calton Hill: A short climb rewards you with sweeping views over the city, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth. It’s also home to iconic monuments like the National Monument and the Nelson Monument.
  
• Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park: This extinct volcano offers a proper hike within the city, and the views from the top are breathtaking.
  
• The Scottish Parliament (free tours available): You can explore the modern architecture and even sit in on debates when Parliament is in session.
  
• St Giles’ Cathedral: Right on the Royal Mile, this beautiful cathedral is free to enter (donation encouraged) and features impressive stained glass and historic architecture.
  
• Dean Village: Just a short walk from Princes Street, this former milling village looks like something out of a fairytale, with cobbled streets and quaint houses along the Water of Leith.
  
• The Water of Leith Walkway: A scenic walking route that stretches across the city, passing through tranquil spots like Stockbridge, the Gallery of Modern Art, and Leith.
  
• The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: A peaceful retreat just outside the city centre, with beautifully landscaped gardens, glasshouses (entry to glasshouses is paid), and views of the skyline.
  
• Museum of Edinburgh: Free to enter, this museum tells the story of the city through quirky exhibits, historical artefacts, and unique local legends.
  
• The Writers’ Museum: Dedicated to literary greats like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson—tucked away off the Royal Mile in a picturesque courtyard.
  
• National Museum of Scotland: A world-class museum with everything from dinosaurs to Dolly the sheep. The rooftop terrace also has excellent views over the Old Town.
  
• People’s Story Museum: Located on the Royal Mile, it explores the lives of ordinary Edinburgh residents through the ages.
  
• Scott Monument (view from below): Climbing it has a fee, but admiring this towering gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott from ground level is still impressive and a favourite photo stop.

Sightseeing Tours in Edinburgh

Here’s a list of bus tours / attractions that I think are worth considering:

• Edinburgh Bus Tours: This ticket combines a Hop on, Hop Off Bus and your entry into Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  
• Citysightseeing Tours: This one just circles the city centre of Edinburgh, but certain routes will cover the cruise ports too.

Alternatively, considering looking on GetYourGuide for some personal tours if you’re wanting a more direct, intimate experience.

What if I don’t want to visit Edinburgh City Centre?

If you don’t want to visit Edinburgh City Centre then that’s no problem at all. There’s plenty of things do in and around each of the ports.

Things to do in/around Port of Leith

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a former yacht owned by the Royal Family, and it’s now a museum/attraction in Leith. Although there’s no direct connection between Edinburgh/Leith to the ship, it is a cool way to spend 2 hours. It’s kinda funny to visit it from a cruise ship, no? Hopping off one cruise ship onto another!

To visit the attraction, you need to head inside Ocean Terminal which is a mall in Leith. There you’ll see signage towards the attraction.

As a bonus, make sure to visit The Leith Collective. It’s a little shop inside Ocean Terminal that sells handmade, artisan crafts and pieces from Scottish designers.

Things to do in/around Newhaven

I actually had lunch in Newhaven after I went and spotted Norwegian Star in Newhaven port, and it’s such a lovely harbour. There’s a whole strip of restaurants and bars, and I would definitely recommend The Fishmarket, Pier House, or El Castillo.

Fun fact: The Fishmarket’s Fish & Chips is one of the best in Edinburgh!

Things to do in/around Rosyth and South Queensferry

Both Rosyth and South Queensferry are located a little further out than Leith and Newhaven, so you may want to stay around that area, which is totally fine!

One of the most popular attractions for those who find themselves in South Queensferry is the Firth of Forth cruise that includes a tour of the Three Bridges where you’ll be able to spot seals, puffins, and maybe a porpoise.

Well, there you have it. Your one-stop-shop for all things Edinburgh when you’re on a cruise. If you want any more recommendations, then connect with me on Instagram and drop me a message!