Everything You Need to Know About Fountainbridge in Edinburgh
I’ve always thought of Fountainbridge as the part of Edinburgh that’s learned a few new tricks without forgetting its old ones. Once home to breweries, rubber works, and even a young Sean Connery on his milk round, it’s now swapped factory floors for sleek flats and cafes.
These days, I come here for the mix of canalside strolls and brunch at a local cafe (maybe a pint at a proper pub). It’s the kind of place where history lingers in the brickwork, but the vibe is all about what’s happening next.
Where is Fountainbridge?
Fountainbridge is a neighbourhood just west of Edinburgh’s city centre, running along the Union Canal. It’s a short walk from Haymarket Station and close to the West End.
What is the main street in Fountainbridge?
The main street is Fountainbridge itself, which runs along the heart of the neighbourhood. It connects Lothian Road to Dundee Street, linking the area to Edinburgh’s West End and beyond.
How to Get to Fountainbridge
By bus: Lothian buses run frequent routes to Fountainbridge, with key services like 1, 2, 11, 22, X33, and others stopping nearby. The closest stop is Port Hamilton (around a minute’s walk), with Bread Street, Semple Street, Home Market, and Haymarket also within reach.
By tram: Edinburgh trams connect the city, including the airport, with the nearest stop to Fountainbridge at West End – Princes Street, about a 12-minute walk away.
By train: Haymarket Station, about a 10-minute walk from Fountainbridge, offers connections to Waverley and beyond via ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and other operators.
By taxi/private hire: Taxis are easy to find in Fountainbridge, with services like Kay’s Cabs offering 24/7 availability, card payments, and airport transfers.
What to Do and See in Fountainbridge
Learn about housing options
– Media from donald_maciver
Location: 123 Fountainbridge, W Tollcross
The old industrial bones of Fountainbridge are still there, but today, they’re wearing new glass and steel jackets. You’ll spot these on Fountain North, formerly McEwan’s Brewery site, and in the modern flats of Brandfield Street.
Those who fancy a modern apartment with a balcony, or a character-packed tenement flat, will find that everything is within walking distance of the city centre. Professionals, students, and young families have quickly made it their own, and it’s easy to see why.
Stroll along the Union Canal
– Media from dr.zog
Location: Off Fountainbridge Street
I like starting my day with a walk along the Union Canal, where the water still whispers stories from its trading days. Now, it’s more about joggers, cyclists, and the occasional graceful swan rather than coal barges. It’s still rather refreshing, though.
Go boating on the canal
– Media from fcctedinburgh
Location: Lochrin Basin
Some days, I swap walking shoes for a kayak paddle, just to see the city from a slower angle. Gliding past moored boats and under leafy bridges makes Fountainbridge look like a nostalgic postcard.
If paddling isn’t your thing, hop on a guided boat tour and let someone else do the work while you drink in the sights and sounds.
Visit Edinburgh Printmakers
– Media from edinburghprintmakers
Location: Castle Mills, 1 Dundee Street
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM
The building that houses Edinburgh Printmakers is itself a beauty, an old industrial space turned into a creative hive.
There are delicate hand-pulled pieces and bold contemporary prints to appreciate. I found it impossible to simply browse as soon as I inhaled the scent of ink and paper, which made me sign up for a workshop.
Discover local street art
– Media from cyclescot
Location: Along the Union Canal
Strolling near the exterior of Edinburgh Printmakers along the Union Canal has given me bursts of creative inspiration, too.
One moment, it’s a colourful mural with social commentary, and the next, it’s a completely new masterpiece. I like to think of it as Fountainbridge’s free, open-air, ever-changing gallery.
Catch a film at Fountain Park
– Media from fountainpark_edinburgh
Location: Cineworld, Fountain Park, 130/3 Dundee Street
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 9.30 PM
On rainy Edinburgh days, I make a beeline for Fountain Park’s cinema, because nothing beats a gloomy day than a blockbuster with a box of popcorn. They screen everything from the latest Marvel chaos to quiet indie gems, with comfy seats you can sink into.
Bowl a strike at Tenpin
– Media from shorts1989
Location: Fountain Park, Dundee Street
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM–midnight
Friday to Saturday, 10 AM–1 AM
I’ve never been a pro bowler, but Tenpin at Fountain Park makes it easy to pretend. It’s impossible not to get competitive with all the neon lights and the crash of pins.
If I find the lanes too busy, I can always sneak over to the arcade games or grab a drink.
Enjoy local events
– Media from edfringe
Location: The Canal Festival, Lochrin Basin
Fountainbridge knows how to throw a community party; The Canal Festival is proof. Another is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which turns the entire neighbourhood into a mini stage.
Expect pop-up performances, canal-side gigs, music, street food stalls, and a crowd that feels like the entire neighbourhood showed up when you attend one of these local events.
Where to Eat and Drink in Fountainbridge
The Fountain
– Media from thefountainbar
Location: 131 Dundee Street
Contact: +441312291899
Hours:
Monday to Tuesday, 4–11 PM
Wednesday, noon–11 PM
Thursday, noon to midnight
Friday, noon–1 AM
Saturday, 10 AM–1 AM
Sunday, 10 AM–midnight
Price: £
The Fountain is my kind of pub. With warm lighting, a solid pint, and the gentle hum of locals catching up, I feel right at home immediately.
Their cask ales and whiskies could make even a damp Edinburgh evening feel golden. If you want proper Scottish pub character without the tourist crush, this is it.
Loudons
– Media from loudonscafe
Location: 94B Fountainbridge
Contact: +441312289774
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 AM–3 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM–4 PM
Price: ££
When I want brunch that feels like a treat, I go to Loudons. Their eggs Benedict is a classic, and the sweet potato pancakes can convert a savoury loyalist like yours truly. Plus, the coffee here is strong enough to fix a slow morning.
Maki & Ramen
– Media from carolchiari
Location: 97-101 Fountainbridge
Contact: +441315638521
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, noon–3 PM, 5–10 PM
Friday to Sunday, noon–10 PM
Price: ££
Sometimes, Edinburgh’s chill calls for a bowl of comfort, which I could thankfully find in Maki & Ramen. Their tonkatsu ramen is rich and silky, and I like pairing a bowl with some delicious salmon maki rolls. There’s a casual vibe here that allows the authentic Japanese flavours to shine on their own.
Braw Brunch
– Media from brawbrunch
Location: 3 E Fountainbridge
Contact: +44-7930146671
Hours: Daily, 7.30 AM–3 PM
Price: ££
For those cheat days, Braw Brunch is my hog haven. The loaded pancakes with bacon and maple syrup could make a morning person out of anyone. For savoury cravings, their full Scottish breakfast and smashed avocado toast are spot-on.
Where to Shop in Fountainbridge
Sainsbury’s Local
– Media from theoriginuk
Location: 274 Perth Rd
Contact: +443300137671
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–11 PM
Price: ££
For those “oops, out of bread” emergency fixes, Sainsbury’s Local on Fountainbridge becomes my lifesaver. The shelves are a mix of fresh fruit, ready meals, snacks, and even toiletries and cosmetics. It’s saved me from trekking across town for supplies numerous times.
Victor Paris Bathrooms
– Media from victorparisbathrooms
Location: 178 Dundee Street
Contact: +441312972894
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9.30 AM–5.30 PM
Friday, 9.30 AM–5 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday, noon–5 PM
Price: £££
At the Victor Paris store, I learned that choosing a bathtub can feel like picking a holiday destination. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of rainfall showers and designer taps here.
I’ve eyed a sleek free-standing tub that I vow to save up for my tiny flat, and run my hands on the smooth marble-topped vanity units. Though I don’t have the budget for these beauties yet, it’s a charming experience to go through this store.