Staying in Portobello: Edinburgh's seaside neighbourhood

Once a Victorian holiday resort, Portobello still has the feel of a seaside town, with its promenade, sea swimmers in all weathers and ice cream on sunny days, while being part of the city.

Why stay in Portobello

• The beach and promenade for walks, runs and sea swims.
• Cafés and small restaurants along the prom and the high street.
• Portobello Swim Centre, with its Victorian Turkish baths.
• Space: holiday flats and houses are often larger than in the centre.

Things to know before you book

• It's outside the centre: allow 20 to 30 minutes by bus to Princes Street.
• Mostly flats and houses rather than hotels, so it suits self-catering stays.

Getting to Portobello from Edinburgh Airport

By car, Portobello is about 35 to 40 minutes from the airport, longer at rush hour. A pre-booked transfer is the easiest way in with luggage: your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with a name board and takes you to the door of your hotel or flat, at a price fixed when you book. With a family and a week of luggage, a people carrier to the door saves two changes on public transport.

The tram runs from the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes, every 7 minutes in the daytime; the last tram leaves the airport at 22:52. For a late landing, a family or lots of bags, see our guide to late-night arrivals or airport to city centre options.

Who Portobello suits

Families, dog walkers, sea swimmers and anyone staying a week or more. For food by the water closer to town, compare Leith.

Frequently asked questions