Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Top Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of Your Experience
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant celebrations of art, culture and creativity. With over 3,663 shows* undertaking more than 52,000 performances throughout August, navigating the festival can be a daunting task, even for seasoned festival-goers. Here are some top tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Fringe experience.
Pre-planning Your Day
When it comes to pre-planning, booking tickets and getting around the city there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Download the official Fringe App to help you plan your schedule and find venues. It’s a lifesaver when trying to figure out which of the hundreds of venues your show is at.
- Plan your schedule in advance, but leave room for spontaneity. With so many shows to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so have a rough plan but be open to discovering new things.
- In your downtime, make sure to visit the vibrant atmosphere in areas like George Square Gardens, Bristo Square and the Pleasance Courtyard. These areas are hubs of activity with food trucks, drink bars and performers.
- Allow plenty of time to get from one venue to the next, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city. Edinburgh’s winding streets and steep hills can make getting around a challenge. Edinburgh has the best bus service in the UK, Lothian Buses, so check out their site for routes with most buses every 10 minutes during the day and night services.
Keeping It Budget-friendly?
There are 456 free shows and another 686 using the ‘pay what you want’ or ‘pay what you can’ model* ensuring everyone can experience the Fringe on a budget.
- The Royal Mile is a hub of free entertainment, with street performers of all kinds showcasing their talents. Be mindful that it can become extremely crowded on the Royal Mile as there are multiple acts performing at once.
- PBH’s Free Fringe lists – No need to book, just turn up! https://freefringe.org.uk/
- Did you know that it’s legal to consume alcohol on the streets of Edinburgh? Take advantage and bring your own drinks whilst you explore the city, but do this responsibly and don’t bring any alcohol into any venues or beer gardens with you.
- Lookout for offers on food across the city, these always coincide with shows.
DIMA Staff Spotting
August is one of our busiest months with staff working across the city at events, bars, clubs, hotels and pop-up spots. You’ll find both our hard-working hospitality personnel and security teams at different venues. We love to see snaps of our staff so please do tag us and we’ll be sure to share your photos. Instagram
What Else to Do in Edinburgh Beyond the Fringe
The city offers a wealth of additional sights and experiences to explore during your stay. There are many hidden gems to be found in the quieter corners of the city.
- Edinburgh also hosts a variety of notable cultural events during the summer, such as the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The Film Festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
- Must-see attractions include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, the Scott Monument, the Palace of Holyrood House, Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and multiple museums.
Additional Tips:
- Pack light and comfortable clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a portable charger for your phone, as you’ll be using it constantly to navigate and take videos or photos.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather, as Edinburgh can experience all four seasons in a single day. Ponchos are a great buy!
- Take breaks to recharge, whether it’s a leisurely lunch or an afternoon spent in one of the city’s many cafes.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. By planning ahead, being open to spontaneity and taking advantage of the many budget-friendly options, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant, creative atmosphere and make memories that will last a lifetime.
