Living in Edinburgh East

Edinburgh East is a vibrant and eclectic area, boasting a rich blend of historical significance, cultural hotspots, and thriving residential communities. This part of Edinburgh encompasses neighbourhoods such as Leith, Portobello, Duddingston, Newhaven, Craigmillar, Joppa, and Abbeyhill, offering a mix of coastal charm, suburban appeal, and urban living. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly seaside town or a lively inner-city neighbourhood with easy access to the city centre, Edinburgh East has so much to offer.

Is Edinburgh East a good place to live?

This much-loved stretch of the capital combines the best of both worlds: beautiful coastal views from places like Leith and easy access to the conveniences of the city centre. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, there are plenty of options available for all types of lifestyles.

Leith Walk is one of the area’s standout places to hang out, while Ocean Terminal offers excellent options for retail therapy. The seaside atmosphere of Portobello is particularly popular, with its long promenade, charming cafes and independent shops. Duddingston and Craigmillar offer a quieter suburban feel with parks, golf courses, and strong local communities. Meanwhile, Abbeyhill and Meadowbank place you right next to the city’s historical heart, close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat.

With a mix of modern apartments, Victorian villas, and quaint cottages, Edinburgh East caters to a wide range of preferences, providing something for everyone. As one of the capital’s most sought-after areas, Edinburgh East is a brilliant place to live.

What is the transport in Edinburgh East like?

Edinburgh East benefits from excellent transport links, making commuting into the city centre and other parts of the city very convenient.

Edinburgh East by bus

Lothian Buses provide reliable service throughout Edinburgh East, with multiple routes serving the area. Major bus routes connect key neighbourhoods like Leith, Newhaven, Portobello, Craigmillar, and Abbeyhill to the city centre and beyond, with frequent services available day and night.

Edinburgh East by tram and rail

The handy tram service running through the heart of Edinburgh has several stops in Leith before making its final stops at Ocean Terminal and Newhaven. The tram is a great way to get to the city centre from the eastern side of the capital, along with reaching Edinburgh Airport without the need to change to a bus.

While there are no major train stations directly in the heart of Edinburgh East, residents can easily access Waverley Station by bus or a short car journey. The train station at Brunstane, on the outskirts of Portobello, provides an additional option for travelling further afield.

Edinburgh East by car

Edinburgh East is well-connected by main roads, particularly the A1, which offers an efficient route to both the city centre and the city bypass, giving easy access to Midlothian, East Lothian, and beyond. The area is also close to the Edinburgh City Bypass (A720), providing routes for travel further afield, including to Edinburgh Airport.

Edinburgh East by bicycle

The flat terrain of Edinburgh East makes it an ideal location for cyclists. The city’s growing network of dedicated cycle lanes connects this area to the wider city. The Innocent Railway path, one of Edinburgh's most scenic cycling routes, runs through this area, offering a peaceful, off-road route into the city centre or towards Duddingston.

What are the schools in Edinburgh East like?

Edinburgh East is home to a range of well-regarded schools, offering excellent options for both primary and secondary education.

Edinburgh East is home to a variety of primary and secondary schools. Some of the prominent primary schools in the area include Abbeyhill Primary, Leith Primary School, Brunstane Primary, Craigentinny Primary, Parsons Green Primary, and Royal Mile Primary. In addition, there are several Roman Catholic schools, such as St Ninian's RC Primary and St John Vianney RC Primary. Towerbank Primary in Portobello is particularly popular, thanks to its seaside location and active school community.

When it comes to secondary education, Portobello High School serves much of the area and is known for its modern facilities and broad curriculum. Holyrood High School, near Duddingston, offers another strong option for secondary schooling, with a focus on academic excellence and community involvement. To the north of the area, secondary schooling options can be found at Leith Academy and Trinity Academy.

There are a couple of specialist schools in Edinburgh East, namely Prospect Bank School and Pilrig Park School in Leith.

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What are the best things to do in Edinburgh East

The eastern part of Edinburgh offers a blend of history, culture, and nature. In Leith, you can visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, a former royal ship, and enjoy the vibrant Shore area, known for its waterfront restaurants and cafes. Leith Walk also offers a quirky selection of shops and galleries, making it a lively area to explore. On Saturdays, the Leith Market showcases local food and crafts, adding to the community feel.

In Portobello, the highlight is the sandy beach and the Victorian promenade, perfect for walks or cycling with scenic coastal views. The Portobello Swim Centre offers relaxation with its Turkish baths, and Portobello Market provides a monthly offering of local artisans and food.

Meanwhile, Duddingston offers tranquility with Dr. Neil’s Garden and Duddingston Loch, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The historic Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston village, Scotland’s oldest pub, adds a taste of the area's heritage. Nearby, you can also enjoy hiking in Holyrood Park and exploring Craigmillar Castle.

Abbeyhill’s burgeoning arts scene is anchored by independent galleries and creative spaces, and there are always cultural events happening throughout the year, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival.

Types of property in Edinburgh East

Edinburgh East boasts a diverse range of housing options, from elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses in Abbeyhill and Joppa to charming seaside cottages in Portobello. The area also has many modern developments, particularly in Craigmillar and Brunstane, where new housing estates cater to families and first-time buyers. Leith offers a variety of property types, including traditional tenement flats, modern apartments, and converted warehouses, reflecting its historic and industrial past. The area also features new-build homes, townhouses, and unique houseboat living options along the waterfront.

Whether you’re looking for a flat with views of Arthur’s Seat, a family home close to the beach, or a new build in an up-and-coming area, Edinburgh East has something for everyone.

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Planning on moving to Edinburgh East?

If you have decided to move to Edinburgh East, what’s the next step? We recommend finding a solicitor estate agent to help you find your perfect property!

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