How to survive the Edinburgh Fringe: A local’s guide to making it through August

Every August, Edinburgh transforms into one of the busiest cities in the world. Streets that are normally busy become packed and quiet pubs become comedy venues. Even better, a simple walk through town can turns into a 30-minute journey because you have been stopped by five performers, three flyer distributors and one person dressed as something you cannot quite identify.

For visitors, the Edinburgh Fringe is an unforgettable experience. For locals, it can sometimes feel like a month-long endurance challenge.

Whether you are trying to get to work or meet friends without accidentally ending up watching experimental theatre in a basement, these tips will help you survive Edinburgh during Fringe season.

Avoid the Royal Mile unless you actually need it

via Unsplash

The Royal Mile is the heart of the Fringe, but for locals it can quickly become the most stressful street in Edinburgh.

During August, walking from one end to the other can feel impossible. Crowds stop suddenly, performers gather in groups, and someone will almost certainly hand you a flyer for a show you had no intention of seeing.

If you are in a hurry, find alternative routes. The Old Town has plenty of closes and side streets that can save you time and your patience.

Accept that everything takes longer

During the Fringe, “I’ll be there in 10 minutes” is easily one of Edinburgh’s biggest lies.

A journey that normally takes a few minutes can triple because of crowds, road closures and packed pavements.

Give yourself extra time, especially if you are travelling through the city centre. If you arrive early, you can always enjoy a coffee. Alternatively, if you arrive late, you will spend the next 20 minutes apologising.

Learn the art of ignoring flyers

Flyers are a major part of the Fringe experience. Thousands of performers stand around the city trying to convince people to attend their shows.

Some are brilliant. Some are bizarre. Some will make you question whether you have accidentally walked into a different reality.

You do not have to accept every flyer offered to you. A polite “no thanks” is perfectly acceptable. Your bag does not need to become a collection point for hundreds of comedy leaflets.

Book ahead if you actually want to eat somewhere

Edinburgh’s restaurants and pubs become incredibly busy during August. If you have a favourite place to eat, assume everyone else has had the same idea.

Book ahead where possible, especially at weekends.

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Alternatively, embrace the Fringe atmosphere and explore somewhere away from the busiest areas. Sometimes the best escape from the crowds is only a few streets away.

Invest in comfortable shoes

This might sound obvious, but Edinburgh’s cobbles, hills and endless walking are not kind to unsuitable footwear.

During Fringe season, you will walk further than expected. You might end up standing in queues, climbing Old Town stairs or rushing across the city because you forgot how far away your next destination was.

Comfortable shoes are one of the best survival tools you can own.

Plan your escape routes

Every local has their favourite ways to avoid the busiest areas.

Sometimes this means taking a different street. Sometimes it means knowing which bus route is less crowded. Sometimes it means accepting that walking is faster.

The key is not relying on the same routes you use during the rest of the year. Edinburgh changes during the Fringe, and locals have to adapt.

Remember that tourists are not the enemy

It can be easy to become frustrated when the city feels overcrowded. Pavements are packed, prices increase and familiar places suddenly look completely different.

However, the Fringe is also one of the things that makes Edinburgh unique. Thousands of performers, artists and visitors bring energy to the city every year.

The trick is finding a balance: enjoy the atmosphere when you want to, and know where to escape when you do not.

Make the most of it

Despite the chaos, the Edinburgh Fringe is an incredible part of living in the city.

You can discover talented performers before they become famous, see shows in unusual venues and experience an atmosphere that few other cities can match.

So embrace the madness, keep your walking shoes nearby, avoid the busiest streets when necessary and remember one important rule:

Never say, “I’ll just quickly pop into town during the Fringe.”

You will not be quick. You will not simply pop in. And you will probably come home with at least one flyer.

Featured image via Unsplash