Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe, Tattoo Advice

Barbara, Things will be hectic in Edinburgh at that time of year, with both the Festival and the Tattoo taking place. However, you should have no problems with "safety" issues. I'm sure some of the ladies here will be able to give you some good tips. As you have to travel by Bus to your Hotel, I'm assuming you're staying a short distance from the Royal Mile, perhaps just off Dalkeith Road? Again, you should have no problems even later in the evening. I assume you already have your tickets for the Tattoo? I'll also be attending the Tattoo this year, and quite looking forward to it! Happy travels!

You should be fine. You just want to be aware of your surroundings. The issue with Edinburgh during the Festivals is that the place is mobbed with people. So, any time that there are that many people in one place, pick pockets are around and about. So, be smart with your belongings. Edinburgh, like any city, has it's bad areas, but they are near the tourists sites. I think you'll be fine riding the bus back to the hotel after the Tattoo. You can always double check with your hotel if you are concerned. I often walked back to my hotel near the Royal Botanic Gardens after a late dinner up near Prince's Street or The Royal Mile. Pam

Thanks so much for the great advice! I purchased Tattoo tickets in February - can't wait!

We attended the Tattoo in '09, and the best advice we got ahead of time was: dress warm, and dress for possible rain. The grandstands are not covered, and even though it's August, it can be (and was for us) C-O-L-D on top of that Castle hill at night. But no matter what the weather, it's a tremendous show, and no one who has the opportunity should miss it. We used the city bus to return to our hotel after the show. In fact, we used city buses our entire time in Edinburgh. Using the buses never felt the slightest bit unsafe to us.

Agree with Tom. Be prepared for a light rain and cold. But enjoy it, no matter what the weather

I went to the LATE show with fireworks, and still walked back to my room at the University after the show. Edinburgh really felt safe, it's a lovely city. Be aware, know where you're going, and you'll be fine. If you haven't bought Fringe tickets online, I'd do that too. Things can sell out, leaving you without what you wanted to see.. or, waiting in a long line the day of to get tickets.

I'll take a different tack from JumpinBug - my teen daughter and I were in Edinburgh during the Fringe a few years ago and really enjoyed just dropping in on a few shows. I had checked the website beforehand but found it overwhelming, so when we arrived we just looked to see what was available and interesting. Some was really good, some not so good - but still fun. And it was great to just wander the streets and see all the amazing street performers. Have a wonderful trip!

I can certainly understand being overwhelmed by the website. But I wished later that I had just taken the plunge and booked some tickets as at the last minute it seemed that the shows I picked were booked. Certainly there are lots of options and you can always find something to attend, but if you think you might have some specific shows that you want to attend, then book ahead, even if it's just the week before. pam