Surviving the Edinburgh Fringe

as an Edinburgh resident and veteran of numerous Festivals and Festival Fringes i would say it is great advice.I would say that you should be prepared to walk a lot and in many areas a lot slower than normally do because of the crowds, often easier and quicker walking between venues than using buses and taxis.
I don't go to as many shows as i use to when i was younger(69 now) as i just can't cope with the manic nature of things. There re shows to suit all ages and tastes ,so look at the program or app to decide what you want to see but as the article says don't try to pack too much in.
There are various "Hubs" were you can base yourself see what's going on and get last minute tickets for shows. I like Surgeons hall/ Hill Square, the Pleasance (lovely old part of Edinburgh University), George Square, the Dome and Summerhall. Be prepared to spend highly for refreshments in these areas but worth doing so for the atmosphere, talking to other fringe goers and maybe a bit of celebrity spotting.

Golden Girl are you doing a show this year

Thanks for this article! I’m planning to be in Edinburgh for the fringe and Military Tattoo in 2026.

That was a fun read. I was there in 2022 kind of last minute - had been in Scotland in July and just last minute added a few days on at the end to catch a favorite singer at the Fringe (and very last minute booked the Tattoo).

I had been to Edinburgh twice before but it was a whole new experience! I had no idea about the other festivals going on simultaneously - maybe I need to keep that in mind for a return. Because I changed my plans kind of late, I ended up staying further out in town (a bus ride away) at an absolutely lovely, elegant family BnB that remains a favorite stay. I am not much on crowds, but these were very manageable and orderly and I have some really great memories.

Golden Girl are you doing a show this year

No, Unclegus. It’s so expensive for accommodation these days. Thinking of doing a short run (say a week) at the Free Festival next year.

it really is crazy expensive, my nephew would come for a week or so when he was in drama school and family would put them up, but far too expensive now unless you have money or sponsorship to put on a show.Accommodation prices go through the roof, hotels that would be under £100 a night cost over £300 a night.

Another simultaneous festival is the festival at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, near Haymarket station.
Every lunchtime during August they have a free music concert.
August is also the only time of the year when you can normally see one of Edinburgh 's secrets - the Traquair Murals in the Cathedral Song School.
This year in the Cathedral for the whole month there is also an exhibition of weaved banners depicting bellringing patterns.

Edinburgh also has a 3rd Cathedral - St Mary's Roman Catholic. They have some of the relics of St Andrew, originally at St Andrews Cathedral.
That Cathedral is also the end of the St Wilfrid's way pilgrimage route from Hexham, the last day of which is from Rosslyn Chapel.