72 Hours in Edinburgh: Amanda’s Fringe Festival Guide on where to Sleep, Eat, Shop & Play

In August, Edinburgh transforms into one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes over every corner — theatres spill into pubs, music fills the streets, and the air buzzes with creativity. For visitors looking to soak it all in while still enjoying the city’s dining, shopping, and scenic highlights, plus handy tips for navigating the Fringe and a shortlist of shows worth checking out, Amanda has curated the ultimate 72-hour itinerary.

Begin the day at The Milkman, a cosy cafe in the Old Town known for excellent coffee and fresh pastries. From there, head to Dovecot Studios, a tapestry workshop and gallery set in a converted Victorian swimming pool, where exhibitions showcase a mix of contemporary craft and fine art. Keep a look out for Fringe shows that catch your eye on posters or the many leaflets you will no doubt be handed! Next, it’s time for vintage shopping at Armstrongs, a local institution packed with everything from retro denim to elegant occasion wear.

Lunch at The Palmerston offers a seasonal menu with rich flavours, perfect before tackling the walk up Arthur’s Seat — an ancient volcano with panoramic views across the city. Back in the centre, Armchair Books provides a literary escape, its shelves stacked high with second-hand treasures. End the evening at Timberyard, a restaurant that champions Scottish produce in a minimalist, stylish setting.

A short train ride from Edinburgh, North Berwick makes for the perfect day trip. The town’s main street is filled with independent boutiques, while the beach offers a stretch of golden sand just minutes from the station. Visitors in early August can enjoy Fringe by the Sea (until the 10th), where live performances, music, and art take place against the backdrop of the harbour. For a unique wildlife encounter, take a boat trip to the Bass Rock to see thousands of gannets and, in season, puffins.

For lunch, there are two standout options:

• The Lobster Shack, serving seafood fresh from the harbour.

• Drift, a cliff-top cafe in a converted shipping container with uninterrupted sea views.

Return to Edinburgh in the evening for more Fringe shows or a relaxed drink in one of the city’s atmospheric pubs.

Start in Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. For breakfast, skip the queues at Lannan Bakery and head to The Pantry, known for its breakfasts and brunch. Spend the morning exploring shops like Dick’s and Toast, both offering a refined selection of clothing, accessories, and homeware.

Lunch at Little Capo keeps things casual before an afternoon at the Royal Botanic Garden or a peaceful walk along the Water of Leith to Dean Village, where stone buildings and riverside paths create a postcard-perfect scene. End the trip with supper at Sotto, a welcoming Italian restaurant in Stockbridge serving fresh pasta and an extensive wine list, and a late night Fringe show.

Pack for All Seasons — Scottish weather has a mind of its own - sunshine, rain, and wind can all appear in the same afternoon. Bring a light jacket, an umbrella, and comfortable shoes (Edinburgh is a city of hills and cobblestones). Layers are essential.

Download the EdFringe App — This is the ultimate festival tool. Browse all shows, filter by time or genre, check venue maps, and try Shake to Search for a lucky dip when you can’t decide. With more than 3,600 shows this year, it’s impossible to see everything. Use the app to save favourites and plan your must-sees in advance.

See More, Spend Less — Look out for:

• Preview performances with cheaper tickets

• The Half Price Hut at the Fringe Box Office

• Regular festival-goers may also find a Fringe Friends membership worthwhile for extra discounts.

Book Early, But Stay Spontaneous — Popular shows sell out quickly, but some of the best Fringe moments come from last-minute discoveries. Take a chance on a random flyer, queue early for returns, or head to a trusted venue like Monkey Barrel or the Pleasance and pick something on the spot.

Don’t Skip the Streets — Street performers are part of the Fringe magic — from jugglers to musicians to acrobats on the High Street and The Mound. If you enjoy the performance, toss a coin or tap your card.

Take Breaks & Explore — Recharge between shows with a walk up Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat, a picnic in The Meadows, or a wander through Dean Village. Street food stalls at The Mound or George Square are perfect for a quick bite and prime people-watching.

Pace Yourself — Choose a few shows per day, allow time for travel, and leave space for the unexpected. The Fringe is about creating your own unique experience — not ticking off a checklist.

With more than 3,600 performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, narrowing it down can be a challenge. Here are some standouts Amanda has her eye on:

Level Up! — From Goldspun Media: a fast, funny, and uncomfortably current musical about ambition, crypto, carbon credits, and existential burnout. When three gamers—Jo, Raff, and Bobby—find themselves literally stuck in the game of life, the real question becomes: Who has what it takes to Level Up?

Cat Cohen: Broad Strokes — Cabaret-infused stand-up where Cat Cohen turns a personal health crisis (a mini-stroke) into razor-sharp, self-aware, and witty musical comedy. With piano accompaniment from Frazer Hadfield, the show blends humor, stylish song, and emotional honesty.

Air Heart — A captivating one-person piece that explores the life and legend of Amelia Earhart, revealing the vulnerabilities and insecurities behind her public persona — the ambition, the romance, and the cost of chasing the unknown.

Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time) — Joe Kent-Walters’ award-winning creation returns from Hell (literally), as Frankie Monroe attempts to reclaim his Rotherham working men's club from a hostile takeover—featuring puppet gags, audience chaos, and surreal, dark hilarity.

Batsu! — A high-energy, late-night spectacle inspired by Japanese game-shows. Comedians and special guests compete to avoid outrageous punishments—think gongs, body sushi, whips, hilarious chaos, and crowd participation.

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare — The internationally acclaimed Fringe phenomenon that pairs a fully serious Shakespeare play with one randomly selected, heavily inebriated cast member—guaranteed to be a laugh.

Mother, Maiden & Crone — A comedic and farcical reimagining of Macbeth from the witches’ perspective, featuring a drag queen, a klepto DJ, and a flashy shot-boy in a queer-strip. Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh