Expert Guide To Watching Street Performers During Edinburgh Fringe Festival

posted in: Edinburgh, Scotland | 10

Edinburgh Fringe is one of the most interesting and action-packed event that happens in Edinburgh during the month of August.  Edinburgh Fringe runs alongside other international festivals that begin in June and is one of the best festivals to witness in Edinburgh. It’s the busy time in Edinburgh and the population increases exponentially. Many artists come from all over the world to perform in Edinburgh during Fringe festival.

Seven spectacular festivals that happen in Edinburgh between June through August are – Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival & Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Not only tourists are flooded in the city, but there are myriad of performing artists come to Edinburgh from all over the world. Comedy, Drama, Performing Arts, Dance, Street Performances take the centre stage and colour the city during these three months. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. For more information, please check our privacy policy

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Best Places To See Edinburgh Fringe Free Shows

If you want to travel to Edinburgh, planning it around the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the best things to do. But it is also one of the crowdest time, which means be prepared for slowed down traffic, and delayed public transport.

Whole of Edinburgh gets soaked up in the festive vibe, and it’s almost chanceless to miss out the street performers entertaining in crowds. Some of these artists get lucky playing under the coziest roof of Edinburgh theaters, while many souls end up entertaining the passer by and tourists in the streets of Royal Mile.  

Most of the performances happen in the Royal Mile, near to St.Giles Cathedral and around. Some of the other places worth catching up the performances include opposite the Balmoral Hotel, near Princes Street Gardens, around Scott Monument, St.Andrews Square, and some in Haymarket

Walking down the Royal Mile is one of the best free attraction one should definitely do while visiting Edinburgh during the festive season. The crowd, cheering, performances all of it together makes Royal Mile a mile-long open air theatre.  Presenting some of the street artists pictures captured through our lens. And don’t forget to scroll down to refer to our practical information and insider’s tips on Fringe Festival. 

Edinburgh Bagppipers March Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Scottish Bagpipers Band at Edinburgh Festival
Scottish Bagpipe at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Scottish Bagpiper Performance
Many Street Artists and Performers from all over the world at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Photographs of Street Performers from Edinburgh Fringe
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Street Artists
Edinburgh Fringe Royal Mile Shows of Street Artists
Royal Mile Caricature Artist at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Street Shows in Royal Mile during Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Fire Jugglers street shows in Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Henna Artist at Edinburgh Fringe
Hair Braiding Artist at Royal Mile during Fringe Festival

Practical Tips on Watching Free Street Shows At Edinburgh Fringe

Respect the street artists and performers

They have travelled from another corner of the world to display their art and earn some bucks during the busy times of the festival. Some of the lucky ones end up in the poshest theatre, while many others land in the streets of Royal Mile, entertaining for free.

Always, always tip the artists

Show some respect and if you have watched the show, always tip them. This is their only source of income during the festival. Many times, I have seen people walking out of the show after watching the entire show, without bothering to pay.  It need not be £10, but whatever minimal tip you pay them is appreciated. 

Be mindful of the crowd

Needless to say, Royal Mile will be flooded with tourists, artists, and local people. From one of the spots in Royal Mile, you can see the entire crowd on the road. So, be prepared.

Wear comfortable shoes

Most of the free street shows happen in and around Royal Mile, and if you haven’t been there, it’s a traffic free zone, but the roads are cobblestones and uneven in many places.

Avoid using buggies/strollers

I have used my twin buggy in the past and have struggled to manoeuvre in the Royal Mile – one because it’s too damn crowded. Two thanks to the uneven uphill roads. So, if you have a choice, just leave the buggies at home. 

Be prepared for rain and wind

August is one of the beautiful months in Scotland. But the weather is unpredictable. While most of the days in August are dry, sunny and cloudy (having seen many Augusts in Scotland), it could turn into sudden summer showers or turn out quiet windy. So always have a sturdy raincoat or jumper with you. 

Plan your lunch ahead

While Royal Mile and the adjacent North Bridge/ Nicholson Street itself has plethora of restaurants, it could be really crowded during Fringe season. So either reserve your table ahead, pack your lunches, or choose a take away. 

Choose public transport over driving

During the fringe season, the population of the city doubles with floating crowd.A simple 10 minute ride turns out into a gruesome 1 hour manic traffic ridden experience. So, be wise, and choose public transport. Even better is to walk the city. 

Painted Street Artist spotted in Edinburgh Royal Mile during Fringe Festival
Street Performers at Ed Fringe
Street Artists At Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Insider’s Tips on Attending Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Download the Official Fringe App and plan everything ahead

Visit the Virgin Money Half Price Hut for discounted tickets or 2 for 1 tickets

This Venue Map will come handy when you have events planned in different theatres.

Planning is key to booking the right events with competitive price

Remember the Fringe Time. It begins at 5am and ends at 4.49am. 

Make sure you have got the right time on your tickets and never be late for the show.

Book your accommodation well in advance.  Most of the good hotels and B&Bs usually fill up as early in May.  

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Why not take one of these popular tours while you are in Edinburgh?

Where To Stay in Edinburgh

When it comes to Edinburgh, there are plenty of choices to choose accommodations from.  Every street has Bed & Breakfast, Guest Houses and Hotel chains. Some of the most popular choices of locations include Princes Street, Grass Market, Old town/Royal Mile, Leith, Stockbridge. There are plenty of international hotel chains to choose from like Best Western or Radisson. Check out our handpicked recommendations on some of the best luxury and family run B & Bs around the city. Alternatively, check more options and compare the prices here.

Where To Eat Vegan Food In Edinburgh

  • Hendersons: Operating since 1962, this is one of the popular vegetarian / vegan restaurant in Edinburgh run by a couple from East Lothian. Whether you want to dine in or grab on the go, there are plenty of options to choose from.
  • David Bann: This is yet another licensed vegetarian/ vegan restaurant and their menu is loaded with plenty of vegetables.
  • Novapizza: Serving authentic Italian vegan food including pizzas, pastas, lasagne, bruchettes, this is the place to go to, if you love Italian food.
  • Sora Lella: Yet another 100% roman vegan family run restaurant in Edinburgh, Sora Lella is fairly recent addition to Edinburgh’s vegan scene.
Popular Vegan Cafes in Edinburgh
Seeds For The Soul 167 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG
Beetroot Sauvage 33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1SX
Black Rabbit 33 Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JT
Naked Bakery 24a Hill St, Edinburgh EH2 3JZ
Holy Cow 34 Elder St, Edinburgh EH1 3DX

You may also enjoy reading these posts!

Don’t Miss A Thing!

Subscribe here and keep updated with our latest travels, new posts, travel tips, destination guides and plenty of travel inspiration!

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES BELOW

Like It? Pin It!

Edinburgh Fringe Street Performers Photos
Street Performers from all over the world at Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Have you been to Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival?  What did you like the most? 

CONNECT WITH US FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM| PINTEREST | YOUTUBE| TWITTER

10 Responses

  1. Chaitali Patel

    Gorgeous photos… We happened to be in Edinburgh on the last day of a festival, the name of which I am forgetting! This was 10 years ago, but I remember that it felt like one big party, particularly at night as almost the whole city was out on the streets and there was a spectacular fireworks show at the Castle in the night.

    • countryhoppingcouple

      Wow Chaitali..That is so nice to hear that these pictures rekindled your memories back in Scotland. Is that Fringe Fireworks you saw sometime end of August? Is it time for you to come and re-visit the country?

  2. D.Nambiar

    I can almost feel the energy.
    With these pics up here, looks like that festival is going to live forever. 🙂 Awesome pics, Sri, Anu.

  3. Kelly

    The Edinburgh Fringe Festival sounds like a tonne of fun, especially if you visit with a group of friends (lots of partying lol). I love festivals and music, but I admit that the crowd of tourists would get to me after a day.
    Kelly recently posted…What To Pack For Your Day HikeMy Profile

  4. Ramya

    Your photos are beautiful and they look really inviting. I love the enactment of history too, the street artists take their job very seriously I can see that. Nice article with all the required information.

  5. Nicole

    I love fringe festival it’s such an iconic event and Edinburgh is just iconic at any time of year. Such a beautiful city.

  6. Pam

    This would be such a cool festival to experience in Edinburgh! We got to enjoy a real Highlands game last time we were in Scotland and it was such a cool experience. The Scots have quite the energy

  7. Kanupriyaa

    Wow I didnt even know about this festival. This looks so cool…especially the performers look amazing. I love this kitschy guide!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *