Edinburgh Fringe: the world's biggest arts festival

Every August the Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes over the Scottish capital with thousands of shows in theatres, pubs, churches and pop-up venues. Comedy, theatre, cabaret and street performance fill the medieval Old Town from morning until late at night.

Fun facts

• The Fringe began in 1947, when eight theatre groups performed uninvited alongside the new Edinburgh International Festival.
• It is open access: anyone with a venue and a show can take part.
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs at the castle during the same weeks.

What to see

• Street performers along the Royal Mile and the Mound.
• The Military Tattoo on the castle esplanade.
• Comedy and theatre in tiny cellar and pub venues.

What to taste

• Haggis with neeps and tatties, also available in vegetarian versions.
• Cullen skink, a creamy smoked haddock soup.
• A dram of Scotch whisky in an Old Town pub.

What to do

• Catch free shows, which make up a big part of the programme.
• Look for discounted tickets at the half-price hut.
• Climb Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill for views over the city.

💡 Tip: Accommodation is very expensive in August; staying in Glasgow, about an hour away by train, can save money. Trams link Edinburgh airport with the city centre.