Portobello (locally known as ‘Porty’) is the ‘Côte d’Azur’ of Edinburgh, a historic seaside resort and coastal suburb located about 3 miles east of Edinburgh’s city centre.

Originally a separate town, Porty became a popular Victorian resort and is celebrated for its two-mile stretch of award-winning sandy beach and its classic promenade and architecture.

Portobello High Street hosts a charming and vibrant mix of independent and quirky boutiques, gift shops, craft stores, pubs and eateries to explore. Not to mention some of the best fish and chips in Scotland. Portobello is famously the birthplace of the “99” cone, where Stefano Arcari, who owned a shop at 99 Portobello High Street, would break a Cadbury Flake bar and insert it into a soft-serve cone. 

Portobello Beach is the focal point of the area. Wide and sandy, it is popular for wild swimming, with kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and volleyball clubs. The Victorian Swim Centre is one of only three remaining public Turkish baths in Scotland.

Known for its strong sense of community, hosting events and offering a family-friendly atmosphere, Portobello maintains its Victorian seaside charm while feeling modern and eclectic, attracting families, young professionals, and tourists seeking a break from the city. It is also the home of Note.