In short
Portobello Beach is Edinburgh's sandy beach and Victorian promenade, about three miles east of the city centre and reachable by regular Lothian buses. It faces the Firth of Forth, so it's one of the few places in the city to watch the sun rise over the sea. It's free and flat.
Portobello is Edinburgh’s seaside, and on a bright day half the city seems to head there. A long sandy beach runs below a Victorian promenade, with cafés, ice cream and pubs on one side and the Firth of Forth on the other. It’s a world away from the Royal Mile, and only a bus ride from the centre.
What is Portobello Beach?
Portobello grew in the 19th century as a seaside resort for Edinburgh, and it still has the feel of a Victorian holiday town. The promenade runs for about two miles along the beach, and it’s perfect for a long walk, a run or a bike ride.
Portobello is also known for its year-round sea swimmers, who brave the Forth in all weathers, and for the Portobello Swim Centre, which is home to one of the few remaining Victorian Turkish baths in Scotland.
How to get there
Lothian buses run from the city centre to Portobello, including the 26, 44 and 124. Get off on Portobello High Street and walk a couple of minutes down to the beach. The journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
When to go
Sunrise. Portobello faces north-east over the Firth of Forth, so it’s one of the few places in Edinburgh where you can watch the sun rise over the sea. In winter it rises at a sociable hour.
Summer weekends are busy and buzzy. Weekday mornings out of season are peaceful, with dog walkers and swimmers.
Local tip
Portobello faces north-east, so in winter the sun rises over the sea at a sociable hour. Include the promenade or an early sea swimmer for scale.
Swimming at Portobello
If you want to join the swimmers, check the water quality information and conditions before you go in, never swim alone, and remember that the Forth is cold all year round.
Nearby
- Portobello High Street, with independent shops, cafés and pubs.
- Joppa, the quieter eastern end of the promenade, with rock pools at low tide.
- Read my full Portobello neighbourhood guide.
Good to know
Questions people ask
How do you get to Portobello Beach from Edinburgh city centre?
Regular Lothian buses run from the city centre to Portobello High Street, about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Can you swim at Portobello Beach?
Yes, it's popular with year-round sea swimmers. Check water quality information and conditions before swimming.
Is Portobello Beach good for sunrise?
Yes. It faces north-east over the Firth of Forth, so you can watch the sun rise over the sea, especially in autumn and winter.
