If you’re looking for an easy escape from Edinburgh’s cobbled chaos, look no further than Portobello, the city’s very own seaside haven. Only a few miles east of the city centre, Portobello makes for an effortless day trip filled with sea air, ice cream, fish & chips, cafes, pubs local charm, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re a local looking for a relaxing Sunday outing or a visitor craving a slice of coastal Scotland without the long drive, Portobello delivers in spades.
A Day Trip to Portobello – How to get there:
The beauty of Portobello is how close it is to Edinburgh. You don’t even need a car.
From Edinburgh Princes Street:
- Hop on a Lothian Bus: Routes 26, 15, or 49 will drop you near the promenade in about 25 minutes. For the timetable click this link
- Cycle: Take the Innocent Railway Path, a leafy cycling route that runs straight from Holyrood Park to the coast. It’s flat, scenic, and safe — a favourite among locals.
- Walk: If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s about 4 miles each way, roughly an hour and a half on foot. Again take the Innocent Cycle Route.
Innocent Cycle Route:
From Princes Street walk up the Mound to the High Street (Royal Mile). Follow the road down past St Giles, The Tron, until you come to the Worlds End Pub. Take a right turn down St Mary’s Street. Cross the road at the traffic lights and head on up the hill past the Pleasance until you pick up a sign for the Innocent Railway Path. See my blog Circular Walk to Duddinston Village
Morning Coffee and a Seaside Stroll
Start your day with a warming drink from The Rising Tide, in Portobello High Street sourdough doughnuts and buttery From there, wander down to the promenade, where the scent of salt and sea air greets you.
A Day trip to Portobello – Portobello Promenade
The Portobello Promenade stretches for nearly two miles along the Firth of Forth — ideal for a morning walk. Expect joggers, dog walkers, cold-water swimmers, and families on scooters. Take your time, grab a bench, and enjoy the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the sand.
A Day Trip to Portobello – Afternoon
For lunch, head to The Beach House Café, a local favourite right on the shore with views that stretch across the bay. The menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients — See the website for menus Click this link
Afterward, stroll along Portobello High Street. It’s packed with independent shops and galleries, like Cove for modern Scottish crafts. Don’t miss The Velvet Easel Gallery, which showcases contemporary Scottish artists in a bright and cosy setting.
If the weather allows, kick off your shoes and walk barefoot on the beach — or join the hardy locals for a quick dip! Portobello’s open-water swim culture is thriving, especially near the swim hut by the Lifesaving Club.
Evening Sunset – Time for a Pint
Stick around for the golden hour, when the late-afternoon light turns the sea to liquid gold. Grab a drink from The Espy (The Esplanade Bar), a local institution that serves craft beers and hearty pub food with unbeatable beachfront views.
If you’re lucky, you might catch live music or a spontaneous beach bonfire — both frequent sights on mild evenings. Watching the sun set over the Firth, it’s easy to forget that you’re just minutes from Edinburgh’s bustling Old Town.
Portobello – The perfect day trip
What makes this trip special is its simplicity. Portobello isn’t trying too hard — it’s wonderfully unpretentious. It’s a place where time slows down: you can sip coffee, watch the waves, and savour a slower rhythm of life without leaving the city limits.
Whether you’re packing a camera, a book, or nothing but curiosity, Portobello offers the perfect taste of Scotland’s coastal charm — all within an afternoon.
Top Tips for your visit:
Bring a jacket — even in summer, sea breezes can be brisk.
Visit on a Sunday morning to explore the Portobello Market (held once a month at Brighton Park).
Check tide times if you’re planning to walk or swim.
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