A Day Out on Edinburgh Trams
The much-anticipated tram network has opened the next stage, completing the 18.5 kilometre line between Newhaven in Leith and Edinburgh airport.
Along the 23 stops you will find entertainment, shopping and sightseeing, all for £5 per adult and £2.50 per child per day ticket.
Starting in Leith, Ocean Terminal, the waterfront shopping mall is home to The Royal Yacht Britannia. Explore the royal cruiser and enjoy tea, scones, Champagne and sandwiches in the Royal Deck Tearoom while overlooking the water of the Firth of Forth. A short stroll along to the next tram stop at The Shore you will find lovely bars, cozy pubs and a selection of small boutique shops in this little waterfront hub.
Enjoy a stop at Moonwake Beer Co where you can sample a wide variety of locally crafted beer. Sit outside in the courtyard or inside overlooking the brewery. Build your own box of personally selected beers and have them sent anywhere within the UK as a gift or souvenir.
For a more traditional stop, try Malt and Hops pub on the waterfront. A small cozy watering hole, where you can meet the locals.
Back on the tram to Balfour Street where you will step off onto Leith Walk, a long street connecting Leith to Edinburgh city centre. A buzz with new and exciting enterprise, from Simply Greek, serving traditional Greek food, Krema Bakehouse dishing out all sorts of gourmet treats, or any number of bars, pubs and independent shops it’s easy to lose a few hours exploring the hill up to the city.
At the top of Leith Walk you are met with The St James Quarter. This is Edinburgh’s newest shopping option, an indoor/outdoor experience that’s home to well known British and international brands like John Lewis, Bershka and Hollister. Also boasting a range of unique dining options as well as Bonnie and Wild, Scottish marketplace food hall.
Exiting St James Quarter out the west side towards the tram stop, you’ll walk through Multrees Walk, past Louis Vuitton and other luxury boutiques and along to Harvey Nicolas, another lovely shopping option. Rest your legs and enjoy the views from the rooftop bar.
From the tram stop tram at St Andrews Square, looking over Waterloo Train Station, you will be greeted with the view of the old town. One of the most iconic sights in Edinburgh and with so much history to discover. One could spend a day, a week or a lifetime exploring the hidden lanes and cobbled streets. Take a short detour up to Carlton Hill to get the best view of the city, Arthurs Seat, Sailsbury Crags, and out to the Firth of Forth on a clear day.
Princess Street tram stop lets you out at the foot of the mound. Climbing up into the historic old town, a short walk up to Edinburgh Castle.
West End tram stop hides William Street, a gem of a street usually only enjoyed by locals. Stop in at Teuchters Landing, with its real fire and hearty pub food, The Voyage of Buck a classy heritage gastropub, or at any of the independant boutique shops and jewellers along this tiny but lovely street.
Haymarket Station is the closest tram stop to The Haymarket Hotel, just one block away. In the local area there is a vast range of cafes, bars and restaurants. A favourite being the Haymarket Café by L&G serving delicious homemade cakes, especially the Filippino purple ube cake or polish apple pie, fresh coffee and a wide selection of teas.
Venturing outside of the city, Balgreen tram stop hosts the Saughton Rose Gardens. Home to a massive skatepark, large children’s playpark, walled rose garden, bandstand and café. On a sunny day there is plenty to explore and entry is free. Murryfield Stadium, home of Rugby in Edinburgh and Roseburn park with its little childrens playground and large grass fields.
