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The Edinburgh Fringe is famous worldwide as the largest arts festival globally, with acts ranging from comedy to music to dance.
Started in 1947, the Fringe acted as an alternative to the more formal Edinburgh International Festival. Eight uninvited theatre companies performed on the fringes of the main festival, hence the name "Fringe." From these humble beginnings, the festival now sees upwards of three million visitors each year.
You’re likely to come across a diverse mix and up-and-coming acts as well as (now) famous acts that started at the Fringe: Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Eddie Izzard have all performed over various years.
Fringe has become a global stage for artistic expression, known for its inclusivity and creativity. Its impact on the arts world is profound, launching countless careers and inspiring artists and audiences alike, making it a cornerstone of Edinburgh's cultural identity.
Here’s how you can make the most of it during your visit:
Know before you go
When is Fringe?
- The Edinburgh Fringe Festival typically runs for three weeks in August. In 2024, it will take place from August 2nd to August 26th.
- Performances start as early as 10 AM and can go on until the wee hours of the morning. Be sure to check individual show times in advance.
Where does the Fringe Festival actually take place in Edinburgh?
- The festival spans the entire city, with performances in theatres, pubs, streets, and unexpected places like gardens and historic buildings. The festival puts out an official program of all planned shows on their website that will include venue information.
- For less popular shows or acts that don’t involve celebrities, you can often stumble upon shows across key areas including the Royal Mile, George Square, and Cowgate, among many others.
How much does it cost to attend?
- Most shows are ticketed individually and open for purchase 24 hours ahead of curtain time, and many of them are free. The average cost of a ticket is around £12, but depending on the act it could go up to £50-60 as well.
How to get around Edinburgh during Fringe
With millions of spectators coming to the city specifically for the festival, Edinburgh is guaranteed to be busy during the entire month of August. Especially if you plan to drive, it’s important that you plan ahead as there will be significant road closures, parking restrictions and congestion in the surrounding areas.
Book parking online ahead of time to save money and guarantee a space
Finding last-minute parking in Edinburgh during the Fringe will be challenging. We recommend booking a space for the duration of your visit ahead of time to avoid the headache — plus, it’s often cheaper to plan ahead.
We recommend booking as early as you can for the best availability and pricing. It can also be helpful to keep an open mind on location: you might want to park near your hotel, or get closer to your key venues, but depending on congestion and street closures, it might be best to park on the outskirts of the city and take the tram in.
Another option which is surprisingly easy for many visitors is to stay in Glasgow and take the train - only a one-hour journey - into Edinburgh for the day.
Get a public transport pass or single tickets
- Buses: Lothian Buses are the primary public transport option. A single ticket costs £1.80, or you can get a day pass for £4.50.
- Trams: The tram line runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the city centre. It's a convenient way to travel if you're coming from the airport.
- Taxis and rideshares: Taxis and Ubers will be in high-demand during this period, so while you may be able to secure one, it might not be best to rely on finding one easily.
Map out your walking or cycling routes
- Walking: Edinburgh is a compact city, and many Fringe venues are within walking distance of each other. It's a great way to soak up the festival atmosphere.
- Cycling: There are several bike rental options available which have numerous docking stations around the city.
Where to stay during Fringe
Accommodation is the single most expensive part of attending Fringe for most. Residents in Edinburgh gear up for the large crowds during this period, many of which rent out their flats at significant rates compared to the rest of the year.
Hotels
- Budget: Consider budget-friendly options like Premier Inn or Travelodge, which have multiple locations around the city.
- Mid-Range: The Grassmarket Hotel and Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel offer comfortable stays in central locations.
- Luxury: For a more luxurious experience, try The Balmoral Hotel or The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian.
Hostels
- Look on Hostelworld: Hostels are a more affordable and sometimes more sociable way to visit the city, plus their locations are often very centrally located.
- Castle Rock Hostel: Offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and a friendly atmosphere.
- Kick Ass Hostels: Modern and vibrant, with locations in the city centre.
Short-Term Rentals
- Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer a wide range of apartments and houses for rent. This can be a great option if you're travelling with a group or prefer a more home-like setting, but due to the sheer volume of people needing accommodation, don’t expect very much space for the cost of your stay.
