In limbo between newer-built areas of Old Town and the historic grassmarket, West Port serves a varied environment for student life. Don’t get me wrong there are lows (getting caught on the way back from Cowgate in Grassmarket at 3am during storm Amy, if i had to name one) but there is so much good in the area also.
What makes West Port not only a pleasant but convenient student area is its proximity to Tollcross, with which comes unbeatable transport connections. A veterinary student who commutes into Easter Bush each day says the connection to the 15 bus route makes it “so quick, so easy” for her to get to campus. For those on the main university campus in George Square, it is just over a 15 minute walk away (with the ever-tempting choice to take a 2-minute bus of course).
Even better, Edinburgh College of Art is on West Port, making it incredibly low-effort for students in this school to get to their classes and studios. This doesn’t solely benefit art students, as the building houses a university library, open to all students. And here’s a tip, your chances of finding a seat here are exponentially greater than trying to fight it out in the Main Library — you’re welcome in advance.
There are also a number of adorable cafes along the street meaning you’ll never go hungry or decaffeinated when studying! The cosy Lovecrumbs, trendy Peppers Cafe and just around the corner on Bread Street, the authentic Greek Artisan Pastries all offer something different and delicious.
In terms of supermarkets, I could count at least 5 Sainsbury’s Locals within a mile radius of West Port. This is deceptive in how convenient it is though, as they never seem to have what you are looking for. The good thing is, there are Tescos and Co-ops in the vicinity too.
Being just above the Grassmarket, West Port also boasts great access to Cowgate (whether that is for the better or worse I’ll let you decide). Cowgate arguably is the hub of student nightlife in the Old Town. With the infamous and ever-packed Three Sisters, and choices of clubs such as Subway, Hive, and La Belle, Cowgate really has what you need. Special mention to the pizza window which is open into the early-hours, along with many other late-night kebab shops ensuring you’re never hungry after a night out.
Yet, being so close to Grassmarket and Victoria Street has its downfall: tourists. I’m not one to hate on people for taking pictures, anyone who has seen my camera roll can vouch. Still, there is something about running late to a yoga class and hoards of guided tour groups blocking the narrow West Port pavement that sours the experience.
Nonetheless, when I’m in a better mood, seeing people amazed at your everyday views really is something special. Some of the most unexpectedly spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle can be found in and around West Port. Whether this is a slice of beauty between buildings on the downhill slope to Grassmarket, or the classic Vennel Steps; the Castle feels like a constant presence in West Port, and it’s magical.
As a literature student, the local bookshop scene is essential in me romanticising my time at university, and West Port is just the place for that. With a selection of gorgeous second-hand book shops on West Port alone, you’ll never be without a place to browse. With a baby-blue exterior, there’s Main Point at the top of the road. Barely two doors down we find the simply titled yet vast Edinburgh Books. Walk down further and you can enter into Armchair Books and explore all that its nooks and crannies have to offer.
Derek Morrison from Edinburgh Books commented on the area’s history and its “cultural capital” due to West Port’s longstanding bookselling tradition. This rich history attracts people from near and afar, with Derek observing a “capsule of humanity” from his place of work. There is a sense of community and continuity between the several second hand bookshops which means you can always find what you’re looking for when on West Port.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be a conversation about West Port if I didn’t nod to those three strip clubs at the top of the road. Yes, they are still there. And yes, I would be lying if I said it didn’t give the area a little edge to it.
Image by Max Brown for The Student