Julie's Guidebook to the local area: Portobello
City/town information
For out of this world festivals, fireworks and food, head straight to Edinburgh. Here you will not only find its iconic castle overlooking that famous Georgian architecture, but also a whole host of hidden gems you might not have first associated with the Scottish capital.
Thanks to its beauty and cinema hits such as Sunshine on Leith, the city has the feel of a living, breathing film set…but to the delight of visitors and residents alike, Edinburgh’s shopping, dining and attractions are just as thrilling as its good looks.
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Edinburgh
For out of this world festivals, fireworks and food, head straight to Edinburgh. Here you will not only find its iconic castle overlooking that famous Georgian architecture, but also a whole host of hidden gems you might not have first associated with the Scottish capital.
Thanks to its beauty and cinema hits such as Sunshine on Leith, the city has the feel of a living, breathing film set…but to the delight of visitors and residents alike, Edinburgh’s shopping, dining and attractions are just as thrilling as its good looks.
Sightseeing
Figgate Park truly is a peaceful oasis and a perfect escape from city life. The beautiful pond complete with otters, swans and other wildlife is quiet and peaceful and easily accessible by wooden walkways.
After a peaceful stroll, it is an easy walk to The Sheep Heid Inn Pub & Restaurant in historic Duddingston Village for an excellent lunch or down into Portobello where there are many excellent cafe's including the Esplanade (The Espy to locals) and the St. Andrews Fish & Chip Restaurant.
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Figgate Park station
Figgate Park truly is a peaceful oasis and a perfect escape from city life. The beautiful pond complete with otters, swans and other wildlife is quiet and peaceful and easily accessible by wooden walkways.
After a peaceful stroll, it is an easy walk to The Sheep Heid Inn Pub & Restaurant in historic Duddingston Village for an excellent lunch or down into Portobello where there are many excellent cafe's including the Esplanade (The Espy to locals) and the St. Andrews Fish & Chip Restaurant.
Neighbourhoods
Explore miles of award-winning sandy beach, ice cream parlours, arcades and beach-side cafes and bars. The perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, or even a winter one, if you want to blow away the cobwebs.
An independent town until 1896, Portobello still retains its unique character. Georgian villas and Victorian tenements enjoy conservation area status, there are a number of attractive parks to enjoy, and the vibrant high street features a variety of quality independent shops.
The splendid Victorian swimming pool, featuring an original Aerotone (the forerunner to the modern Jacuzzi) and authentic Turkish Bath, is popular amongst locals. The area’s since-demolished Art Deco lido was also where the Bond legend Sir Sean Connery worked as a lifeguard in the 1950’s!
Several popular events are held on the beach front each year including the annual Big Beach Busk, international volleyball competitions and triathlon events. The Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club is based here, along with RowPorty, a community-run coastal rowing club.
Attractions:
The Portobello Swim Centre is a multi-facility leisure venue, comprising swimming pools, a gym and fitness studio, and Edinburgh's only authentic and publicly available Turkish bath, one of three remaining in Scotland. Opened in 1901, it has category A listed building status and today remains a much-loved local building.
Portobello Market is held in Brighton Park on the first Saturday of every month. It sells local and organic fruit, veg, meat, fish, baking, plus locally made and up-cycled crafts.
Figgate Park is a beautiful park nestled neatly between Duddingston and Portobello and is a haven for wildlife. The pond at the centre of the park is home to a fantastic variety of birds and other aquatic animals, which draws many families for a spot of feeding the ducks. A walk around the pond is a colourful feast for the eyes with an incredible backdrop of Arthurs Seat.
Portobello beach is a constant hub of activity all year round. Local groups such as
The Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club and RowPorty can regularly be seen on the water, as well as a few keen wild swimmers. For those who prefer a sport out of the water, Edinburgh Beach Volleyball Club could be just for you!
The prom plays host to many sporting, art and cultural events throughout the year, including Edinburgh’s annual Big Beach Busk and Art Walk Porty Festival, a two-week event of contemporary art that celebrates the local community and creative spirit of Portobello.
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Portobello
Explore miles of award-winning sandy beach, ice cream parlours, arcades and beach-side cafes and bars. The perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, or even a winter one, if you want to blow away the cobwebs.
An independent town until 1896, Portobello still retains its unique character. Georgian villas and Victorian tenements enjoy conservation area status, there are a number of attractive parks to enjoy, and the vibrant high street features a variety of quality independent shops.
The splendid Victorian swimming pool, featuring an original Aerotone (the forerunner to the modern Jacuzzi) and authentic Turkish Bath, is popular amongst locals. The area’s since-demolished Art Deco lido was also where the Bond legend Sir Sean Connery worked as a lifeguard in the 1950’s!
Several popular events are held on the beach front each year including the annual Big Beach Busk, international volleyball competitions and triathlon events. The Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club is based here, along with RowPorty, a community-run coastal rowing club.
Attractions:
The Portobello Swim Centre is a multi-facility leisure venue, comprising swimming pools, a gym and fitness studio, and Edinburgh's only authentic and publicly available Turkish bath, one of three remaining in Scotland. Opened in 1901, it has category A listed building status and today remains a much-loved local building.
Portobello Market is held in Brighton Park on the first Saturday of every month. It sells local and organic fruit, veg, meat, fish, baking, plus locally made and up-cycled crafts.
Figgate Park is a beautiful park nestled neatly between Duddingston and Portobello and is a haven for wildlife. The pond at the centre of the park is home to a fantastic variety of birds and other aquatic animals, which draws many families for a spot of feeding the ducks. A walk around the pond is a colourful feast for the eyes with an incredible backdrop of Arthurs Seat.
Portobello beach is a constant hub of activity all year round. Local groups such as
The Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club and RowPorty can regularly be seen on the water, as well as a few keen wild swimmers. For those who prefer a sport out of the water, Edinburgh Beach Volleyball Club could be just for you!
The prom plays host to many sporting, art and cultural events throughout the year, including Edinburgh’s annual Big Beach Busk and Art Walk Porty Festival, a two-week event of contemporary art that celebrates the local community and creative spirit of Portobello.
Food scene
I've eaten here a few times and can honestly say it's up there with the best Indian food I've ever had. Can't wait to go there again.
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Bonoful Restaurant
13-17 Brighton PlI've eaten here a few times and can honestly say it's up there with the best Indian food I've ever had. Can't wait to go there again.
I've had some great brunches, lunch and dinners in The Espy. Very informal and fun vibes, and the food is good too.
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The Shore Restaurant
1 ShoreI've had some great brunches, lunch and dinners in The Espy. Very informal and fun vibes, and the food is good too.
I love popping down to ShrimpWreck at the end of the street. It's a cool seafood street food pop-up restaurant on the promenade and has even been featured on BBC's and Netflix Million Pound Menu, and in Lonely planet's 'Around the world in 80 food trucks'. Also won the Scottish Street Food People's Choice Award 2017.
Fish Finger Sandwich Award Finalist
ShrimpWreck
47-49 Figgate LaneI love popping down to ShrimpWreck at the end of the street. It's a cool seafood street food pop-up restaurant on the promenade and has even been featured on BBC's and Netflix Million Pound Menu, and in Lonely planet's 'Around the world in 80 food trucks'. Also won the Scottish Street Food People's Choice Award 2017.
Fish Finger Sandwich Award Finalist
My favourite local bars
Just a minute or so from the apartment, visit Scotland’s Craft Beer Bar of the Year 2020/21! Enjoy the lovely comfortable surroundings of the bar or the glorious secret beer garden to the rear!
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Portobello Tap
87 Portobello High StJust a minute or so from the apartment, visit Scotland’s Craft Beer Bar of the Year 2020/21! Enjoy the lovely comfortable surroundings of the bar or the glorious secret beer garden to the rear!
Great fun & great food and also a very short walk from the apartment. What's not to love?!
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Guild of Foresters
40 Portobello High StGreat fun & great food and also a very short walk from the apartment. What's not to love?!
Consejos para la ciudad
Cómo moverse
Buses are frequent, safe and a cheap way to get around
Lothian Regional Buses routes 19, 26, 42 and 124 all travel regularly from Princes Street to Portobello. If travelling from the North Bridge side of the city, services X7, 45 and 49 will get you there. An adult single journey ticket is £1.80, while an unlimited all-day ticket is only £4.50.
Local Taxi firms and Uber is also available.