A Local’s Guide: Edinburgh’s Top Summer Neighbourhoods

A Local’s Guide: Edinburgh’s Top Summer Neighbourhoods

Is there a better summer pastime than getting lost in your favourite neighbourhood, iced latte or gelato in hand, while discovering a hidden vintage boutique or a new café to add to your list? With long summer days, take your time to wander and rediscover favourite neighbourhoods. In this, the second in our mini series of what to do in Edinburgh over summer, we’ll share more of our insider tips. Whether you’re browsing independent shops, hopping between coffee spots, trying out a new pub or simply soaking up the atmosphere, these are some of our favourite Edinburgh neighbourhoods to explore this summer.

The Shore & Newhaven

Just a short hop on the tram from the city centre, The Shore in Leith is easily one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Edinburgh. Once Scotland’s biggest port for centuries; wine, spices, timber, tobacco, it all flowed through here. That outward-looking, industrious past still shapes the area today, with warehouses, bond stores and customs buildings now home to artists, makers and indie businesses. With its edge, confidence and sense of community, it’s now a foodie destination with a vibrant, creative vibe and a distinct character you can feel the moment you arrive and all of this is perfectly embodied by the exciting arrival of the stunning Brown’s of Leith. The Shore is a perfect place for a wander and some 10/10 bites and sips.

Start your morning in Custom Lane with a sunny coffee overlooking the water from Williams & Johnson Coffee Co. or from the very cool Haze inside Brown’s. Take some time to explore the creative spaces around Custom Lane and the historic Custom House, where art, design and community projects have brought new life to the waterfront.

One of our favourite weekend rituals is a visit to Leith Market in Dock Place on a Saturday morning, where you’ll find some of the freshest local produce, artisan food and independent makers in the city. Afterwards, settle in for brunch at Norah in Newhaven or Ardfern, both among our favourites in the city.

For lunch it’s hard to beat a bowl of mussels and chips at Fishers, sitting in the bustling bar area. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in this neighbourhood, but DogStar and Barry Fish continue to be two of the most talked-about tables in the city. Weeks later and we still can’t stop thinking about the meals we’ve had there. Or head to Brown’s of Leith for a takeaway from Civerinos or ShrimpWreck, grab a drink from The Shore Bar and find a sunny spot sitting on the harbour wall and watch the world go by. Perfection! Alternatively, make your way to nearby Newhaven for the best fish and chips in the city at The Fishmarket.

We also have you sorted for drinks: settle in at Teuchters Landing and soak up the sunshine by the water on their busy pontoon. Love days like these! Or head to  Nauticus or The Finch, both brilliant, very cool neighbourhood pubs. And brand-newly opened The Keelson is serving up cold beer and rotisserie chicken on The Shore. Don’t walk, run-this is the spot to head to this summer.

If you’re up for a few hours walking you can follow part of the Water of Leith Walkway all the way to Stockbridge and enjoy the wildlife and riverside scenery.

Stockbridge

Stockbridge is a village within the city and one of Edinburgh’s best spots for a summer wander. Start your day early with breakfast pastries from Lannan Bakery– beat the queue or, even better, pre-order a few days ahead and collect from their Pantry next door with no queue.

From there, explore the neighbourhood’s wonderful indie shops. Browse the shelves at Golden Hare Books, pick up a wildflower bouquet from À table, and discover the interiors stores, artisan food shops and local gems dotted along St Stephen Street. If vintage is your thing, don’t miss Skout, Mr Purves, or one of Stockbridge’s many great charity shops.

There are so many lovely places for a wander in this neighbourhood. Stroll along the cobbled curve of Circus Lane and admire the tiny, nature-filled Potted Garden. Head up Dean Terrace and past the elegant Georgian houses and beautiful gardens of Ann Street. Follow the Water of Leith towards historic Dean Village, enjoying the wildlife en route or head to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, cool off with a scoop of gelato from Joelato, loved for its inventive flavours or an iced coffee from the Stockbridge institution Patisserie Florentin.

For a picnic, stop by I J Mellis for cheese and Harkness Pies for something delicious to take away. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, browse the stalls at busy Stockbridge Market, and until early August, don’t miss The Neighbourgood Market for streetfood, music & mezcal.

In the afternoon, see if you’re lucky enough to secure the coveted window seat at The Stockbridge Tap, one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Then round off the day with a glass of wine and small plates at Bacaro 42, Cata or Smith & Gertrude. Or settle in for dinner at The Stockbridge Eating House, Cardinal or Sotto.

A summer day well spent in and around Stockbridge!

 

Portobello

We simply couldn’t leave Portobello off our list. Edinburgh’s much-loved seaside neighbourhood is just a 20–30 minute bus ride from the city centre. With its long stretch of beach, backed by Victorian houses and strong community spirit, Porty offers a little slice of seaside living right on the city’s doorstep. Industrial development in the area took root in the 1750s, when brickworks and potteries emerged to capitalise on the rich local clay beds. Over the following decades, a paper mill and glass bottle works added to the thriving industrial hub. But it was as a seaside escape that Portobello made its name. By the late 19th century, it had become Scotland’s premier coastal resort, drawing crowds from across the country. Trams carried day-trippers from Edinburgh, while trains delivered thousands of holidaymakers to its beach, promenade, and bustling attractions.

Start your morning with a stroll along the beach or a refreshing dip in the sea. We love a coffee and a browse at Traade, an aesthetic space showcasing vintage clothing, ceramics and the work of local creatives alongside serving coffee and pastries.

Wander along Portobello’s High Street, packed with a mix of high street shops and independents. Browse the shelves at The Portobello Bookshop, pop into The Velvet Easel Gallery, pick up a pastry or loaf of sourdough from Twelve Triangles  and some fresh pasta from the lovely folk at Aemilia. When you’re hungry, head for the promenade. Grab a giant slice of pizza and a beer from Civerinos or make a beeline for ShrimpWreck, our favourite seafood shack, for a lobster roll or their legendary fish finger sarnie and their Old Bay Fries-just too good.

Settle in at The Espy for a drink overlooking the beach, or head to Smith & Gertrude for a relaxed glass of wine alongside artisan cheese and charcuterie boards.

 

Victoria Street & Victoria Terrace

We couldn’t leave Old Town off this list. It’s the historic heart of Edinburgh, the epicentre of Festival season and an essential stop for anyone visiting the city for the first time. While Victoria Street may be one of Edinburgh’s most photographed streets, you’ll find layers of history, indie businesses and some of the city’s most atmospheric spots. Old Town feels so connected to Edinburgh’s past and many cafés, restaurants and shops are tucked within centuries-old stone buildings, creating an atmosphere that feels uniquely Edinburgh.

You can enjoy a coffee and breakfast at Scott’s Kitchen from a prime position on Victoria Terrace-they have a few tables out on the terrace for soaking up the views and atmosphere. Or head to La Barantine and grab one of their pavement tables to be right in the heart of Victoria Street for a coffee, croissant or delicious French patisserie.

Take a wander along the curve of Victoria Terrace. Looking down onto Victoria Street, you’ll get one of the city’s most iconic views: colourful shopfronts, Flemish-inspired architecture and the gentle sweep of the cobbled medieval street below. It’s one of the best places to appreciate the fascinating layers of Edinburgh’s architecture and history.

Victoria Street has some lovely independent shops, where you’ll find everything from Harris Tweed and leather goods to artisan candles, local food, whisky, books and art. We recommend Islander and Walker Slater for Harris Tweed, Strathberry for leather goods, Clarksons for jewellery handmade on the premises, Isle of Skye Candle Co. for Scottish-inspired candles and Red Door Gallery  for art from local makers. For food lovers, a stop at I.J. Mellis for artisan cheese is a must.

When you need a break from exploring, grab an iced mocha from Knoops, a matcha from Blank Street, or cool down with a gelato from Edinburgh’s much-loved Mary’s Milk Bar in the Grassmarket. For lunch or dinner why not try out Whirlybird, one of the newest additions to the neighbourhood, in its stunning centuries- old setting and if you can get one of the tables overlooking the street you’ll not want to leave!

While in the area take a walk up the Vennel steps for an iconic view of Edinburgh Castle, and along to West Port for some vintage and second-hand book stores. Make sure to arrive at Victoria Street early if you want to beat the crowds, most especially during the Festival.

 

South Queensferry

And finally, on a sunny day, few places make a better nearby escape than South Queensferry. Just outside the city, this charming coastal town has cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses and unrivalled views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.

The perfect start to the day would include insanely delicious pastries from Dune, or a huge skillet from Down The Hatch in Port Edgar Marina.

Spend some time wandering the waterfront and make a stop at Flowers by Emily, a beautifully curated flower and gift shop.

For lunch, settle in at Scott’s either at its large windows or on its terrace, or on the terrace of Thirty Knots, both with outstanding views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. Afterwards, pick up an ice cream from The Little Parlour and take a stroll along the harbour.

South Queensferry is also a great starting point for a coastal walk. Join the John Muir Way and follow the path through the Dalmeny Estate towards Cramond. There are some great spots along the beach here for a bbq or picnic.

 

So which one of these are you going to head to first?

We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading our Local’s Guide to Edinburgh’s Top Summer Neighbourhoods. And if you’re a local too, tell us, which of these are your go-tos over the summer? We’d love to hear!

If you or family and friends still need Edinburgh accommodation for this summer, take a look at our selection of  unique Homes from Home to rent across Edinburgh here. We’re always happy to help, so if you’d like to learn more, do get in touch today with our friendly and knowledgeable team. Flo, Femi and Gary are on hand to answer your questions and help you find the perfect home.