Hello! We are in Edinburgh from July 31-Aug 2. The fringe festival and the Tattoo starts on the 3rd. Is it likely to already be mobbed in the area? We have reservations for everything, so that is not an issue.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Yes, I would plan on it.
Popular places in Europe are crowded these days (and Edinburgh is popular), even without festivals and other special events. With special events that draw people from all over, even more so.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Yes, oh yes it will be crowded. :) So be prepared and enjoy it! Watch the shows on the street as well as in the venues.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2637 posts
Edinburgh is busy all the year round , starting to get quite busy now, I have to go through the city just after lunchtime today so will have a better idea how things are. I live and work on the south side of the city so am seldom in the centre. Give yourself plenty of time to get to places , even walking can get slowed down in different areas and on the Royal mile there are bollards on the pavment areas to stop attacks by car wielding maniacs and things can be slowed down in these areas. if using buses add at least 10 minutes on to any journey ( 20 on longer journeys) as the tourists really do slow things down as they seem to think the drivers are also tourist guides. If you are visiting the castle you might see my nephew ,at the moment he is one of the NCO's that take part in the changing of the guard, not actually on guard but in charge of those that do.
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
A lot of Fringe shows (the Free Festival ones, for example) actually start on 2nd August, and the acts will be arriving at the end of July.
However I always find it quieter than mid-Fringe...