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Docked peacefully by the water, the SS Explorer isn’t just a ship—it’s a story frozen in time. This historic vessel speaks of sea journeys, exploration, and Scotland’s maritime legacy. Climb aboard, take in the views of the city skyline, and let your imagination sail beyond the present—into the golden age of adventure.
Everything you need to know about The SS Explorer
Near the SS Explorer in Edinburgh, The Royal Edinburgh Hotel stands out with its prime location overlooking the Firth of Forth. Just a 10-minute walk from the ship’s dock, this luxury hotel offers panoramic sea views, elegant rooms, and a fine-dining restaurant serving traditional Scottish cuisine. Guests can enjoy complimentary parking and easy access to public transit, making it ideal for day trips. The hotel also hosts exclusive historical tours led by crew members, offering deep insights into the vessel’s century-long legacy as a symbol of Scottish maritime heritage.
Travel from central Edinburgh to the SS Explorer via the City Bus 201 or Edinburgh Trams to the Leith Waterfront stop—just a 5-minute walk to the dock. If driving, use Google Maps to navigate to "SS Explorer, Leith," where dedicated parking is available nearby. Multiple public car parks surround the area. Alternatively, the Edinburgh Tram system provides direct access, minimizing travel time. Visiting during early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid crowds and witness the stunning sunset over the Firth of Forth, enhancing your experience with a touch of Scottish serenity.
Near the SS Explorer, visitors can join guided historic maritime tours that reveal the ship’s rich past and legendary voyages. During summer months, the vessel hosts nighttime light shows and live music events, blending visual art with Scottish sea culture. Photography enthusiasts should visit at sunset to capture dramatic silhouettes of the ship against the shimmering Firth of Forth. Exclusive activities include limited-edition souvenirs and interactive cabin walkthroughs, offering an immersive journey into authentic 20th-century seafaring life.
Stay at The Balmoral Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel located just a 10-minute walk from the SS Explorer. Renowned for its Victorian-era architecture and opulent interiors, this iconic property offers panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth. Its prime location makes it ideal for exploring the historical significance of the SS Explorer and experiencing authentic Scottish culture. The hotel also provides exclusive guided tours and private access to nearby heritage sites, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and discovery.
Travel from central Edinburgh via 15-minute walk along Princes Street to Edinburgh Castle Square, then follow the Firth of Forth Promenade to reach the SS Explorer dock. Alternatively, take bus routes 300 or 400 to the "Ocean Terminal" stop—just a 2-minute walk away. For greater convenience, use Uber or Citylink Airport Shuttle, which offer direct drop-off within 8 minutes. Many hotels, including The Balmoral Hotel, provide complimentary shuttle services specifically for guests, ensuring hassle-free access to the vessel’s mooring area.
Near the SS Explorer, visitors can join immersive guided tours hosted by the Edinburgh Maritime Museum, uncovering the ship’s 19th-century cargo history and Scotland’s maritime trade legacy. Weekly harbor markets feature local artisans, fresh seafood stalls, and live folk music, celebrating coastal traditions. Guests may also book themed dinner events aboard the vessel, enjoying traditional Scottish cuisine in original cabins accompanied by live classical performances. All experiences are located in the heart of Edinburgh Port Area, directly adjacent to the SS Explorer, offering an authentic and unforgettable connection to Scotland’s seafaring heritage.
See what other travelers say about The SS Explorer
This apartment is absolutely fantastic—perfect for travelers looking for a quiet retreat with great charm. The private garden at the back is a real highlight: peaceful, well-maintained, and ideal for morning coffee or an evening unwind. Inside, the space is spotless, beautifully furnished, and thoughtfully designed with modern touches. Communication with the host was quick and friendly—any request was handled promptly, which made the whole experience seamless. It's located just steps away from Waterloo Place, where most tourist buses depart, so getting around Edinburgh is super convenient. While the direct route up from Leith Street is quite steep, the walk via Waterloo Place is much gentler and more pleasant. Overall, this is a top-tier stay with excellent value. Highly recommended for anyone wanting comfort, convenience, and a touch of local character.
Staying at Destiny Student – Murano was a fantastic experience! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride from campus, and right outside the hostel are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so grocery shopping and dining out are super easy. The room is small but perfectly functional, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. I brought my own towel and toiletries, which worked out fine, but they also offer basic bath amenities at reception if needed. Compared to other expensive hotels in Edinburgh, this place feels like a breath of fresh air—affordable, clean, and well-located. If I’m back in town for university, I’d definitely choose this again. Highly recommend it for students or budget-conscious travelers!
This little gem in Holyrood is surprisingly well-equipped for a student hostel. The moment you step into your room, make sure to grab any essentials you need—like the small packets of salt and pepper provided for cooking. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, and a spacious fridge, though the oven and stovetop were a bit tricky to figure out. Still, with just a microwave and kettle, I managed to heat up pre-cooked meals and cook fresh veggies—everything looked so much better than expected on the plate, and it made the meal extra satisfying. There’s also a self-service laundry facility where you can pick up detergent from reception (I brought my own, so didn’t use it—no idea if there’s a fee). Perfect for longer stays—you don’t need to pack too many clothes. Plus, the front desk can arrange a taxi to the station, which made my journey stress-free. Overall, this place delivers great value and comfort, especially for travelers who want convenience without breaking the bank.
I stayed here for a week and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The place is clean, cozy, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want from a student accommodation in Edinburgh. At first, the mattress felt a bit too soft, but I soon realized it’s a two-sided one, and flipping it made a noticeable difference. That little detail shows how thoughtful the setup is. The surrounding area is super convenient—there are plenty of shops nearby for groceries and essentials, and the kitchen is fully equipped with clean utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals. Public transport is just steps away: buses and trams run regularly, and it’s only two stops to the city center—ideal for exploring without hassle. The only minor downside is the sound insulation, which isn’t great—but honestly, that’s common across many UK hostels and guesthouses, not unique to this property. Overall, it’s a fantastic value-for-money option with a welcoming vibe and excellent location.
Kick Ass Greyfriars is absolutely spotless—hands down one of the cleanest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely safe and welcome. The bathrooms were immaculate, fresh, and well-maintained, which made a big difference to my overall comfort. The staff at the front desk were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in a breeze and going out of their way to ensure we had a great stay. The location is fantastic—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from major attractions and local cafes. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends and family, this place is a no-brainer. Clean, welcoming, and well-run—definitely a top choice for anyone visiting the city. I’ll be back.
Haystack Hostel is an absolute gem in Edinburgh! The location is unbeatable—just a 3-minute walk to the train station and under 10 minutes to the castle. It’s incredibly convenient for exploring the city on foot. The only minor downside is that you need to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs via a spiral staircase to reach the upper floors—something I wasn’t expecting as my first hostel stay. But honestly, it’s worth every step. I cooked breakfast in the shared kitchen and ended up bonding with fellow travelers over coffee and stories. We even planned our sightseeing trips together—what a great way to make friends while traveling. For the price, the value here is outstanding. If you're looking for a vibrant, social, and well-located base in Edinburgh, this place is a must-stay.
This place is absolutely fantastic! Right in the heart of Edinburgh, it's within walking distance of nearly every major attraction—Old Town, Royal Mile, and even the castle. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, going out of their way to make your stay comfortable. I was especially impressed by how well-organized and clean the hostel is, despite being a 18+ only space. It feels like a cozy, vibrant community rather than just a budget stay. The location is unbeatable—perfect for exploring on foot or hopping on the tram. If you're looking for an authentic, social, and hassle-free experience in Edinburgh, this is definitely the spot.
Stayed at Beaverhall Holiday Apartments and was thoroughly impressed! The unit is brand new, spotlessly clean, and beautifully decorated with modern touches. Located just a 20-minute walk from the old town center, it's super convenient for exploring Edinburgh while still enjoying a quiet retreat. I loved being able to cook my own meals in the well-equipped kitchen—no need to rely on restaurants. The sofa is incredibly comfortable, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It’s an ideal choice if you're looking for a home-like stay with great amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommend this place for a stress-free, enjoyable visit.
The Loft at Code Co-Living in Edinburgh was an absolute gem. From the moment I arrived, everything felt clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from the city center and major attractions, making it super easy to explore on foot. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, always going the extra mile to make sure guests felt welcome. One of my favorite features was having a personal locker in the room—perfect for storing valuables and keeping things secure. I also got incredibly lucky with my roommates: considerate, quiet, and respectful of personal space, which made for some of the best sleep I’ve had on the road. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations in every way—great vibe, excellent value, and a truly welcoming atmosphere. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
Our stay at City Retreat Edinburgh ApartHotels was truly disappointing. The only redeeming feature was the shower, but everything else fell short. The room had a strong musty smell, and it felt visibly unclean—dust on surfaces, grime on the floor, and even the bedding seemed worn. It's located in a basement unit with steep, narrow stairs that felt eerie at night, especially since the outdoor light wasn’t working. Despite notices about noise and respecting guests above, we were repeatedly woken up by loud noises from the floor above. The wallpaper was peeling off in several spots—something I’ve photographed for proof. Overall, this place failed to meet basic standards of cleanliness and comfort. The housekeeping team needs urgent improvement, and the building clearly needs renovation. This experience ruined our trip to Edinburgh. If you're looking for a decent stay, avoid this property.
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of the city, just steps away from major attractions and public transport hubs. I found it incredibly convenient to explore Edinburgh on foot or by train. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, well-prepared, and varied, with both classic English options and international choices. Everything was delicious and served with a smile. From the comfortable rooms to the thoughtful touches, this stay exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
I was completely surprised to find this was a guesthouse— the room was huge and incredibly well-equipped. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered, from the modern furnishings to the fully stocked amenities. It's located just minutes from the city center, making it super convenient for exploring Edinburgh on foot or by public transit. The neighborhood is lively with great cafes and shops nearby. With such a spacious, comfortable stay at this price point, it’s an unbeatable value. I’ll definitely be returning and recommending it to friends.
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