Edinburgh’s Portobello
“I do like to be beside the seaside!”
Portobello lies about 5 kilometres east of Edinburgh’s city centre, facing the Firth of Forth. In 2021, it was named one of the top eight places to live in Scotland by the Sunday Times.
Portobello shares common origins with Duddingston to the west [link to that city guide], but because these areas have developed differently, we thought they deserved individual guides.
Before becoming part of Edinburgh in the later 19th century, Duddingston and Portobello were individual villages stretching from the southwestern end of Holyrood Park (home to Arthur’s Seat ) along the Figgate Burn all the way to the sea.
Once a refuge for pirates and smugglers, Portobello was named in honour of a military victory in Porto Bello, Panama. In 1742, one of the soldiers who fought in the conflict built a hut on what is now Portobello High Street and named it Portobello Hut. Ten years later, other buildings had sprung up around it, and a community was born.
Today, Portobello’s bustling beach promenade is an Edinburgh favourite at any time of the year.
What Type of Properties Can You Find Here?
Portobello is the only part of Edinburgh where you can genuinely live by the seaside. Detached and semi-detached Georgian villas line the area’s beach promenade, interspersed by traditional tenement buildings and newer bungalows. Whilst there is a certain allure to being this close to the sea – just imagine falling asleep to the sound of the waves – this area is also popular with daytime visitors, especially in the summer.
If you would prefer a more private setting, look no further than a short walk away from the beach. Small, treelined streets and crescents connect Portobello High Street with the beach in the east and Duddingston in the west. This is where to look for Georgian and Victorian villa accommodation for your family. Like in the New Town, many of those properties combine period features with modern amenities.
Some have been split into smaller apartments, making them more accessible and manageable for couples and small families. Many of these Portobello period properties are overlooking or border one of the area’s many parks.
Portobello is home to several churches that are noted for their architecture. As congregations have declined over time, some of these churches, such as St James Church, have been redeveloped into spectacular residential properties.
Spacious Victorian and Georgian townhouses are another option for period property lovers considering Edinburgh. Choices include standalone properties as well as smaller apartments.
Among the most popular period properties in the area are lower and upper villas with inviting bay windows, spacious interiors, and front and back gardens. Many of these rarely available properties have retained intricately decorated period features such as traditional fireplaces and ornate cornicing.
What are the Local Amenities Like?
Portobello beach and its promenade are without a doubt the main attraction of “Porty”, as the locals affectionately refer to this part of town. Both are home to a great selection of small cafes and eateries. During the summer, however, there is so much more to make this area highly sought after.
Portobello High Street is the main thoroughfare through the area. It is home to a wide variety of shops, eateries, and supermarkets, giving you convenient access to everything you need from day to day. If you prefer to buy locally grown, organic produce and baked goods, there is no need to leave the area. Portobello Market, in Brighton Park, offers a large selection alongside local crafts.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the beach promenade itself and the beautifully preserved Victorian Portobello Swim Centre. Braver souls might even enjoy an open-water swim right off the beach.
The parks and the beach make Portobello a great place for families with kids. Portobello Primary School and Portobello High are the closest state schools in the area. Edinburgh’s private schools are a short drive away.
What About Transport and Accessibility?
Because of its small size, Portobello is easy to navigate on foot. Its suburban layout makes getting around by car easier than in other parts of Edinburgh, too.
If you prefer public transport, Portobello is served by eleven different bus lines connecting it with the city centre and areas like Musselburgh to the east.
Our Favourite Street
It would be easy to pick the beach promenade, one of the main attractions of this area. But let us draw your attention to Brighton Crescent on the west side of Edinburgh. Connecting Rosefield and Brighton Parks, this tree-lined street is home to a great array of period properties featuring front and back garden spaces as well as views over the two parks.
Add to that easy access to the Edinburgh City Bypass, and it is clear why this area will always hold a special place in residents’ hearts.
Search period properties in Portobello here
