Edinburgh after the Fringe

I was in Edinburgh this past Sept., specifically Sept. 8 – Sept. 20. Yes, the Royal Mile will be very crowded, but there are always ways to avoid the crowds. Get out early to see the popular areas and spend your afternoons away from the main tourist sights or take a day trip out of the city.

Note that Sept. is a very expensive time to travel in Edinburgh. I was surprised to see hotel costs compared to a previous May trip I had taken.

They were still in the early stages of taking down the stage/bleachers up at Edinburgh Castle. So, the area around the entrance were restricted.

I wouldn’t let any of this stop you from going. I don’t think a little later will make much difference unless you are talking about October.

The Fringe crowds drop very quickly - even on the final day (there’s always a few shows that seem to run one day longer than others) it’s significantly less busy. I’ve been there for the Fringe and stayed on for a couple of days in order to get a cheaper train home, and it is markedly quieter. It’s a slightly odd atmosphere as posters come down, etc, but nowhere near the Fringe crowds.

That said, September is a busy and popular month for visitors to Edinburgh but go for it.

I was there this year from August 26 (the Tuesday after Fringe ended) - September 2. It was crowded, but not uncomfortably so, and it got less crowded as the week went on. I looked up the dates that the festivals ended and looked for an AirBnB starting two days later and had no trouble finding one. What was crowded was the airport on the day I arrived. I left the terminal and then decided to go back in and use the restroom before I got on the tram, and departures was an absolute madhouse. Other than that, crowds were not an issue.