With over two million tickets sold every year, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest performing arts festival. Running this year from 1st to 25th August, the event is known worldwide for its comedy line-up, but is also home to all manner of shows from theatre and dance to poetry and cabaret. With so much going on, visiting Edinburgh for the Fringe can be tiring to say the least. Which is why we think it’s time that amidst the hive of pamphlets, posters and promotion (and that’s just on the Royal Mile), you ensure that your sleeping and eating arrangements are as amazing as the plays, poetry and performances you will see. So, without further ado, here are our top tips for getting the most from your Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience.
Begin Your Fringe Day Right
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and that is truer than ever during the Fringe. For an early-morning pastry run to recover from a late finish, you can’t go wrong with Twelve Triangles. Expect not just delicious croissants and pains au chocolat, but also twists on these traditional pastries like chocolate hazelnut croissants. This Edinburgh mini-chain is ideal for Fringe-goers as there are sites dotted around the city and suburbs, so you'll likely find one within easy reach of your hotel or favourite Fringe venue.If you find yourself staying as far out as Leith – and would prefer a sit-down brunch to start the day – then Ardfern fits the bill perfectly. A relaxed younger sibling of The Little Chartroom, it serves up enticing morning fare ranging from brioche buns with your choice of filling to a lamb haggis sausage roll. For those with sweet tooths, the filled doughnuts will be hard to resist.
Escape the Hustle and Bustle at Lunchtime
The never-ending buzz that descends on Edinburgh during the Fringe can be intoxicating, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Your Fringe schedule can quickly get busy as you bounce from hilarious comedy shows to experimental plays, so when you need a little respite, the city's outer neighbourhoods are your friend.Bruntsfield is the perfect choice: away from some of the bustle but still accessible from the city centre and, crucially, home to a handful of Fringe venues. There are several clustered around the University of Edinburgh in particular, along with the Underbelly Circus Hub on The Meadows, which hosts a variety of performances showcasing incredible feats of artistry and athleticism. If you’re a cinephile, then the Cameo cinema is nearby too, which is hosting screenings from the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
When you get peckish later in the day, pop into Hendersons for satisfying vegetarian and vegan fare. The latest incarnation of a long-running family business, the restaurant is something of an institution for veggies and the chefs are adept at putting plant produce front and centre. The £12 lunch deal is an absolute steal and perfect for a Fringe pick-me-up. Alternatively, head to LeftField just up the road. With only six tables, this restaurant’s cosy atmosphere is complemented by the view over The Meadows and to the hills beyond. Seasonal dishes push Scottish seafood to the fore and are accompanied by minimal-intervention wines.
Just a five-minute walk away, you’ll find Chez Roger, a specialist French delicatessen run by another husband-and-wife team, Gaëlle and Frédéric Roger. In addition to a range of authentic French products, Gaëlle and Frédéric also put together 'apéro grazing boxes' (order at least 48 hours before collection).
Cool Off with an Ice Cream
Edinburgh may not be known for its sweltering heat, but the Fringe does still take place in August. So on a hot day, there’s nothing better than cooling down with a scoop or three of ice cream or sorbet. Many of the festival’s venues are located in the city’s Old Town, particularly clustered around the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. Handily, the latter is also home to the retro Mary’s Milk Bar. Mary herself makes the ice cream fresh every morning, and serves both classic flavours and some less traditional options, like smoked paprika and peanut or fresh dill cream.Another option on Grassmarket is a little hut reminiscent of a police box, where Over Langshaw Farmhouse sell ice cream made using their own farm-fresh organic milk, eggs and cream. What’s more, The Beehive Inn is just a short stroll away, which for this year’s Fringe is home to the Scottish Comedy Festival. So after you’re done with your rum & raisin, head over for some local laughs.
Grab a Spot of Afternoon Tea
You may have noticed a theme here – we’re very keen to ensure you stay well-refreshed in between shows. And what better way to do that than with a delicious afternoon tea, slotting in perfectly between your afternoon and evening entertainment? Just off the Royal Mile, you’ll find Colonnades at The Signet Library, where the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s busiest street instantly falls away. Savour a modern afternoon tea in the beautifully restored 19th-century Lower Library amidst fluted Corinthian columns and ornate neo-classical balustrades.The building is also notable for being in a near-perfect location for the Fringe, especially if you’re a comedy lover. The Signet Library is in easy walking distance of some of the festival’s biggest venues, meaning you can see much-lauded names from the world of stand-up, whether it’s Bridget Christie at The Monkey Barrel or Tim Key at Pleasance Courtyard. Underbelly Cowgate and Gilded Balloon Patter House are also nearby.
If you’d prefer your afternoon tea in the New Town, head to The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse. Formerly the home of the Royal Bank of Scotland, this hotel and restaurant has maintained the Georgian banking hall’s sense of grandeur with granite columns, immense windows and a beautiful cupola that allows the restaurant to be flooded with light. And while the Fringe is typically more Old Town centric, this part of the city is still a great place to be entertained. It could be a late-night stand-up showcase at The Stand Comedy Club or a group ceilidh held at the Royal College of Physicians.
Treat Yourself to Dinner
In amongst all the hundreds of brilliant shows you want to catch, try to fit in dinner at one of Edinburgh’s roster of top-drawer restaurants. If you’re in the New Town, then the brilliantly affordable duo of Noto and tipo will take some beating. Both run by seasoned restaurateur Stuart Ralston and serving flavoursome small plates, they’re an ideal option for grabbing some delicious food without sacrificing your entire evening.
For a more luxurious experience, opt for the MICHELIN-Starred Timberyard, which has impressed the Inspectors with its skilful approach of deriving maximum flavour from just a few quality ingredients. Its 19th-century warehouse location provides a unique setting and, if the weather’s good, you can bask in the sunshine in the walled courtyard.
Finally, if you fancy an evening away from the city centre crowds, head to the cool neighbourhood of Leith – easily accessed by the city’s tram line along Leith Walk. Here, you will find one of the country’s highest concentrations of MICHELIN Stars, with The Kitchin, Martin Wishart and Heron all within a stone’s throw of each other. The latter is the new kid on the block, receiving its Star in 2023 for the chefs’ impressive handling of fine Scottish produce.
Finish with a Wee Dram or a Tipple
There’s nothing like a good night cap to finish off an evening. Luckily, in Edinburgh you’re blessed with options. The truly iconic Balmoral hotel offers over 500 whiskys at its SCOTCH bar, covering the Highlands, Lowlands, Islands, Islay and Speyside, making it the ideal place for beginners and aficionados alike to discover the spirit of Scotland. The Voodoo Rooms is nearby too, which is one of many venues offering shows from PBH’s Free Fringe, named after its founder Peter Buckley Hill.
If you’re more of a wine-lover, then Bar Zero Zero in Newington is a true local hotspot, within walking distance of The Meadows. Run by a group of friends, this cosy bar has a curated selection of interesting natural wines and spirits served by knowledgeable bartenders. There are also puzzles and board games on hand for a chilled evening.
For a cocktail, head back to Gleneagles Townhouse, a One-MICHELIN-Key hotel. The Spence won our Exceptional Cocktails Award in 2024, while the rooftop Lamplighters bar is a brilliant exclusive spot for hotel residents and club members, offering incredible views across Edinburgh. After the sun sets, move from the bar to a bed in one of the hotel’s chic Victorian bedrooms.
Stay in Style
There are plenty of stellar central hotels to choose from as your base for the Fringe. When deciding where to stay, consider your itinerary and level of familiarity with the city. While the city is very walkable and public transport abounds, a hotel located in Edinburgh’s centre will ensure you can make it to as many performances as possible despite the crowds.We’ve put together a list of Edinburgh’s best hotels, but a couple of highlights include: the unbridled luxury of the aforementioned Balmoral, which holds Two MICHELIN Keys; the decadent, maximalist approach of the House of Gods Royal Mile, which is perfect for the more glamorous guest; and the soothing simplicity of Eden Locke, which is decked out in pastel hues and comes with full kitchens in its studio apartments if you need to make a late-night, post-show dinner.
In Short
Whether you have a packed schedule moving from show to show or would rather select a few and spend the rest of your time sightseeing, remember: there’s no right way to do the Edinburgh Fringe. Remove the pressure and just enjoy the pleasure of being in one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant cities. Whatever you do, we’re sure you’ll love it!Related Articles:
Hero Image: A spectacular skyline in Edinburgh, home of the world-renowned Festival Fringe. © Thomas Sereda/iStock
