Top Tips for First Time Edinburgh Fringe Visitors

Theatre

23 Jun

Written by Penny

Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, but in August there are so many visitors that it is said that the city’s population more than doubles. For three weeks it’s home to the world’s biggest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, as venues across the city play host to over 3,000 shows, covering every genre of performance that you can think of, and probably a few that you have never heard of!

It’s launched many a career. Heard of a fairly successful TV show called Fleabag? That started at the Edinburgh Fringe as a one-woman play, and its writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge is now the Honorary President of the Edinburgh Fringe Society. Then there’s Richard Gadd, whose controversial Netflix hit Baby Reindeer premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe. Legendary comic Arthur Smith has been going to the Fringe for 30 years, alternating his scheduled comedy shows with a now infamous late night walking tour of the Royal Mile.

With venues ranging from large professional theatres to a café’s cellar, and some shows taking place in a taxi, on a bus or offering a one-to-one experience in a shipping container, it’s a huge event to stage and can be a little daunting, particularly if it’s your first time visiting.

So, how do you cut through the noise to find the next Fleabag? How do you navigate the Royal Mile without getting buried in an avalanche of flyers? And how do you get from Cowgate to the New Town without getting hopelessly lost?

Read on for some tips on making the most of your time at the Edinburgh Fringe …

1. Book early … but not too early

With thousands of people descending on Edinburgh looking for “the next big thing”, shows with good reviews will sell out quickly. So, if something has caught your eye, get it booked. If the word of mouth is good enough, the biggest hits will sell out their full run in a couple of days.

That said, don’t fill your entire schedule before you arrive in Edinburgh. If you’re fully booked by the time you’ve checked into your accommodation, then there’s no room for a spontaneous booking that could be so much fun it makes your day, your week, or your entire Fringe experience!

2, Apps are your friend

Download the official Edinburgh Fringe app, it’s free. You can book shows, store your e-tickets, save your favourites, search for a show and work out the route between venues. There are also unofficial apps that can be really helpful when you’re planning your day, but the official one is the one you want for keeping track of your schedule. If you’re staying for a while, become a Friend of the Fringe. You can get 2-4-1 on a lot of tickets and discounts in the Fringe shop on the Royal Mile.

Google Maps is also a life-saver when you’re trying to navigate the city. A lot of the action centres around the old town, which might look like it’s all pretty close together on one level, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. For example, Cowgate, home to the main Underbelly venue, is on a lower level to a lot of venues that on a map look like they’re right next door. There are steep cobbled streets running down to Cowgate from the Royal Mile, and the venue itself has entrances on two different levels.

3. Dress for all weather!

Sometimes, it feels like Edinburgh can experience all four seasons in one day. Some years have seen wall to wall sunshine, and one year I spent the whole trip serving “drowned rat” realness, so relentless was the rain! Most experiences will be somewhere in the middle. So, if you’re heading out for the day don’t forget to pack a light raincoat in your bag. Umbrellas aren’t much help as the city’s so crowded you’ll be constantly walking into people. And if you’re staying out late, take your official Fringe hoodie* along with you as it can get chilly.

* Other hoodies are available!

4. Take a chance on a random flyer!

When you’re walking around Edinburgh, it’s impossible to avoid a sales pitch from an aspiring comedian, a student theatre group or somebody dressed as a giant chicken. Of course you can’t see everything, but it’s always worth going to see a show if the person handing you the flyer has grabbed your attention. The first time I went to the Fringe, I took a flyer from an Irish girl promoting a sketch comedy act who were performing in a small room at Underbelly on Cowgate. Fast forward a few years and Foil Arms and Hog recently sold out the London Palladium. They’re back in Edinburgh this year, headlining at one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s biggest venues, the stunning McEwan Hall.

5. Get chatting!

Fringe fans are a friendly bunch. And we LOVE to share our recommendations! So, whether you’re sitting down to breakfast in your bnb, in the queue for your next show or just hanging out at one of the venues – get chatting! What have you loved? What have you hated? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen? What are you looking forward to most? And while you’re at it, tell everyone to check out Theatre and Tonic for reviews and recommendations!

6. Take a Break

With over 3000 shows to choose from, in over 260 official venues, it’s safe to say Edinburgh is busy in August! If you’re feeling a bit “Fringed out”, don’t worry. There is so much more to do in this brilliant city. Take a look at Trip Advisor for something to do or somewhere to eat. My top recommendations would be a walk up Arthur’s Seat to escape the crowds (well, along with all the other people who’ve had the same idea!), or enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake at Maison de Moggy, Scotland’s first cat café. On a budget? The Museum of Childhood is free and Harry Potter fans will find some familiar names in the Greyfriars Kirkyard – have a photo with the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue, but don’t stroke his nose as too much attention over the years has damaged the metal!

There are infinite options for food and drink, from Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, serving comfort food with a twist, to David Bann, a culinary paradise if you love vegetarian and vegan food. Frankenstein’s is a must for classic horror fans (with a Fringe venue in its basement). Or visit George Square Gardens for a taste of the street food that’s on offer across the city.

So, whether you’re in Edinburgh for a couple of days or the whole three weeks, get ready to “Unleash Your Fringe”. However you want to spend the time, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it, but I hope these tips make the navigation of the brilliantly organised chaos of the Edinburgh Fringe a little easier!