Edinburgh, Scotland
A castle on a volcanic rock, the medieval Royal Mile and one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Here’s how to make one day ashore count, wherever your ship comes in.
Scotland’s storybook capital
Edinburgh is two cities in one. The Old Town tumbles down the Royal Mile from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, all narrow closes and stone tenements, while the elegant Georgian New Town spreads out in neat streets below. Both are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the whole city is framed by Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano right in the middle of town.
How you spend the day depends on where your ship comes in. Leith is a few miles from the center, while South Queensferry sits about 10 miles west, beneath the Forth Bridge. Most guests we talk to want the castle and the Royal Mile first, and many also ask about whisky and St Andrews. Below are the cruise line favorites and the details that keep the day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Edinburgh has several cruise landings, and lines sometimes switch between them, even close to sailing. Confirm yours on your itinerary a few days before you arrive.
Port of Leith
Edinburgh’s historic port, about two to three miles from the Old Town. Ships enter through a sea lock, which limits size, so this berth is mostly for small and mid-size ships. You tie up near the Ocean Terminal shopping center and the Royal Yacht Britannia, both a short walk from the pier. Many lines run a shuttle into the city.
Used by: Azamara, Crystal, Lindblad, Oceania, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea and Viking.
South Queensferry
Larger ships anchor in the Firth of Forth beside the Forth Bridge and tender guests to Hawes Pier, a ride of about 10 minutes. The village of South Queensferry is a short walk from the pier, and ship tours and shuttles leave from the top of the pier. The city center is about 10 miles away, so allow 30 to 45 minutes each way by road.
Used by: Holland America, MSC, Norwegian and Princess.
Newhaven & Rosyth
Some ships anchor off Newhaven, a former fishing harbor next to Leith, and tender guests into the harbor. Others dock at Rosyth, an industrial port in Fife on the far side of the Forth, about 15 miles from the city center, where tours leave from the ship’s side. Both are used less often, and lines sometimes switch between them and South Queensferry.
Check your itinerary for your pier.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late, and on a tender day they usually go ashore first.
- Edinburgh Castle & the Royal Mile. The crown jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and sweeping views, followed by a guided walk down the Royal Mile. Castle entry is timed, so a tour takes care of tickets.
- St Andrews. The home of golf, with the Old Course, the cathedral ruins and a seaside university town. It’s more than an hour each way, so a full day.
- Whisky & distillery. A tasting at a working distillery outside the city, or a whisky experience on the Royal Mile. Ages 18 and up for tastings.
- Stirling Castle & the Kelpies. The royal castle where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned, often paired with the giant horse-head sculptures near Falkirk. A long but rewarding day.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
The Royal Mile
The Old Town’s spine, running from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. Duck into the narrow closes for courtyards and hidden views, and look for St Giles’ Cathedral halfway down.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The late Queen’s floating palace is moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, a short walk from the pier if your ship docks there. It’s an easy, rewarding visit, and the tearoom on deck is a treat.
Princes Street & the New Town
Gardens beneath the castle rock, the Scott Monument and the Georgian streets of the New Town. For the classic city view, look up to Calton Hill and its monuments.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back an hour before all-aboard, and allow extra time for the last tender at an anchorage. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Tender days depend on the weather. At South Queensferry and Newhaven, strong wind in the Firth of Forth can slow tenders or, occasionally, stop the ship from going ashore at all. Your captain makes the call on the day.
- August is festival month. The Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo fill the city for most of August. Some lines sell evening Tattoo excursions on late or overnight calls; they’re limited and sell out early, and roads near the castle close on show nights.
- Traveling with mobility needs? The Old Town is hilly and cobbled, and tender days involve stepping between boats. If you or someone in your party has mobility needs, tell your advisor when you book. Our accessibility specialist can help arrange the right support.
- UK entry. U.S. citizens now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a cruise that visits the UK. Apply online before you travel, and check your cruise line’s document guidance.
Sailing to Edinburgh
British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries call here, usually round trip from Southampton, Dover or Amsterdam, often with Invergordon and the Orkney Islands.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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