Edinburgh Festival Tips

Published on July 21 2011 by Izabella

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If you think it's either too late to get yourself to Edinburgh in time for the city's festivals or it will be too expensive, think again. While it's true, you won't be able to catch the main acts without dishing out, but with flights to Edinburgh still cheap thanks to low cost and last-minute deals and many free performances on offer, there's no reason NOT to travel to Scotland in August.

The Edinburgh International Festival kicks off on August 12th and runs until September 4th, 2011. For four weeks the city is turned upside-down with parties, street theatre and general antics that make this the best place to be in Europe during the summer. The Fringe, which runs from August 5th-29th, is an energetic slapstick kind of festival which serves up everything from absolutely terrible plays to brilliance without a budget.

How to get the most out of the festival?

Get your bearings on where you are staying and where the events are taking place, particularly the free and outdoor ones. Check in at the tourist office by Waverly Station to grab a map.

Plan out your days, but don't overbook yourself. It's good to know what's going on when and highlite your priorities. Plan 2-3 main things to do per day and let yourself be taken away by the street scene in between. Plan a quiet morning activity, something fun and outdoorsy in the afternoon and a show for in the evening. Keep your eye out for pub-theatre, improptu shows for free inside an unexpected bar.

Have a plan B since you won't be able to do everything you planned, especially if the weather doesn't co-operate. Try to mix things up a bit too, combining cabaret, music, comedy and theatre. If you stick to one genre, you'll likely get bored and miss out on the diversity of the festival.

Pack properly, the weather in Edinburgh is extremely changeable. Rain coat, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, warm sweaters and layers are key. For outdoor performances, pack something waterproof you can sit on that will keep you dry and comfortable like an inflatable plastic cushion. Even in August, the evenings can become quite chilly!

During the day, bring lots of snacks and water. It would be a shame to miss something because you're hungry! Even you can waste a lot of time wandering around looking for something quick to eat. Pack some sarnies and trail mix in your bag for the day and you're set.