Why Leith is one of Edinburgh's best areas.

If you’re searching for apartments for rent in Edinburgh, choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as finding the right home. As one of the most sought-after areas of the city with easy connections to the centre, Leith has quickly garnered a reputation for culinary excellence, creative inspiration, independent shops, and a vibrant community.

Living in Leith: What you need to know

While areas like the Old Town and New Town are known for their architecture and history, Leith stands out for its neighbourhood feel within easy reach of the city centre. Named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out, the area combines independent cafés, small businesses and creative spaces with new developments, giving it a welcoming, lived-in character that appeals to many people moving to Edinburgh.

The waterfront around The Shore and green spaces such as Leith Links add to its everyday appeal, offering scenic walks, open views and space to unwind.

Best things to do in Leith

Water of Leith Walkway

Twenty kilometres of riverside path starts - quite literally - on your doorstep. Head left into the heart of the city, or right towards the character-filled Leith docklands. Either way, historic architecture lines the route. **What is best for?** - Morning runs or after-work walks. **2min walk from PLATFORM_**

Pilrig Park

A well-kept local park that’s easy to drop into when you need a bit of space. There’s a mix of open grass and shaded paths, so it works just as well for a quick lunchtime walk as it does for a slower weekend wander with the dog. **What is it best for?** - Easy walks and a bit of breathing room after a busy day **8 min walk from PLATFORM_**

Leith Links

One of the area’s bigger green spaces, with plenty of room to spread out. It’s the kind of place where people naturally gather — whether that’s for a casual kickabout, a run, or just catching up with friends. **What is best for?** - Informal meet-ups, outdoor workouts, and long dog walks. **20min walk from PLATFORM_**

Food and drink

Michelin starred restaurants

Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred flagship sits on The Shore, serving seasonal Scottish cuisine driven by a "from nature to plate" philosophy. One of the finest restaurants in the country, and right on your doorstep. **16 min walk from PLATFORM_**

Cosy brunch spots

Roseleaf is a family-run bar and café on Sandport Place known for its quirky, bohemian atmosphere and locally sourced Scottish food. It has the easy, unhurried feel of a place that's been loved by the neighbourhood for years. **14min walk from PLATFORM_**

Historic pubs

First opened in 1896, Nobles is a beautifully restored Victorian bar that offers seasonal menus and refined pub classics made with the best local Scottish ingredients, with craft beers, wines and cocktails served late. **20min walk from PLATFORM_**

Commuting from Leith to Edinburgh City Centre

How well connected is Leith?

Getting around

Foot of the Walk (Tram Stop) (13 min walk)
Balfour Street (Tram Stop) (14 min walk)
St James Quarter (20 min)
Princes Street (25 min)
Edinburgh Waverley Train Station (30 min)
Edinburgh Airport (30 min drive)

Ideal for every lifestyle

Leith for families

Benefit from a strong community feel, access to green spaces such as Leith Links and well-connected transport links across Edinburgh.

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Ready to move to Leith?

If you think Leith could be the right fit, the next step is finding a home that matches your lifestyle.

At PLATFORM_, our professionally managed build-to-rent development in Leith offers modern apartments designed for long-term renting, with flexible living, on-site management and a strong sense of community at its core.

Explore our available apartments for rent in Edinburgh, discover more about life at PLATFORM_, or book a viewing to see how Leith living could work for you.

Explore Apartments in Leith, Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is Leith a good place to live?

Yes. Leith has transformed into one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, known for its waterfront setting, strong community feel and vibrant mix of independent cafés, restaurants and local businesses. For many people moving to Edinburgh, Leith offers the ideal balance between city access and neighbourhood character.

Is Leith safe?

Like many popular areas of Edinburgh, Leith has benefited from significant regeneration and ongoing investment over the past decade, contributing to a well-established residential community. Its growing number of modern developments, active local businesses and strong community presence have helped shape its reputation as a lively and increasingly sought-after place to live.

Is Leith expensive to rent?

Compared to some central Edinburgh neighbourhoods, Leith often offers better value for renters seeking modern space close to the city centre. While demand has increased as the area has grown in popularity, renters can typically find a wider range of options at competitive rates relative to more central districts.

Are there pet-friendly flats in Leith?

Yes — pet-friendly flats in Leith are becoming increasingly common, particularly within professionally managed build-to-rent developments such as PLATFORM_, which are designed with long-term renters in mind. With nearby green spaces like Leith Links and scenic waterfront walking routes, the area is especially appealing for residents with pet

How far is Leith from Edinburgh city centre?

Leith is located just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre and is well connected by tram and bus routes, making commuting quick and convenient. Residents can typically reach central locations such as Edinburgh Waverley in around 15–20 minutes, depending on transport choice and time of day.