Leith (Edinburgh)

Leith is Edinburgh's port district, sitting on the Firth of Forth about two miles north of the city centre. Ships dock within walking distance of the Royal Yacht Britannia, now a museum at Ocean Terminal. The Shore area along the Water of Leith has restaurants and pubs in converted warehouses, and it's one of Edinburgh's better food neighbourhoods. A tram or bus runs into the city centre in about 15 minutes. Edinburgh Castle sits on a volcanic rock above the Old Town and is the main landmark. The Royal Mile runs downhill from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, has a relatively easy climb with views over the whole city. The National Museum of Scotland is free and covers everything from natural history to Scottish inventions. Whisky shops are everywhere. The pound is the currency, and cards are accepted almost universally.