For anyone familiar with Edinburgh and this annual event, how crowded will it be? We fly in on the 25th and then plan to take a train to Glasgow on the 26, so would need lodging for the night of the 25th, plus the train out on the 26th.
Posted by
UK
501 posts
Edinburgh has a whole spate of festivals on August. The Fringe is the biggest, and it’s - well, it’s the biggest arts festival in the world - music , theatre, comedy, dance, everything. There is also the International Festival proper (mostly classical music and drama) and the Edinburgh Tattoo (very popular on this forum).
The Fringe finishes on 28th August in 2023 and frankly the whole city is heaving during this time. Thousands of acts and performers and tourists flock to the city. Hotel prices usually triple during August. The Royal Mile becomes almost impassable at times due to street performers and people flyering for their shows.
If you’re aware of it and ready for it, it’s the best fun in the world. But if you head to Edinburgh thinking it’s just a music festival, you will get a massive shock to the system.
Hope that helps!
PS: some photos here will give you a sense of the crowds. https://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com/festivals/edinburgh-festival-fringe
Posted by
Sweden
6418 posts
Edinburgh is of course a lovely city to stay in. But there is no need to stay there before going to Glasgow unless you arrive very late. There are direct buses from Edinburgh Airport that take you to Glasgow in less than an hour.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4759 posts
Golden Girl,
I agree, The Fringe IS the best fun in the World! Until I return......
Posted by
Lake District, England
5831 posts
Personally I think you are better off keeping to Glasgow for your overnight on price and less crowded grounds. The direct bus from Edinburgh Airport runs 24/7.
Every half hour you can catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket or Edinburgh Park (for tram connections from the Airport) to Milngavie for the WHW with one change at Partick (in the western suburbs of Glasgow) taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. If you decide that you want to stay in Edinburgh.