Thinking about heading to Edinburgh for the festival in 2025? Good call. There's nowhere quite like the Scottish capital in August; cobbled streets humming with energy, pop-up plays in the unlikeliest places, and more comedy, cabaret, and creative chaos than you can shake a sporran at. Aye, you’re in for a treat.
But before you get swept away by the spirit of the Fringe, the stand-up shows, street performers, and lashings of late-night gigs, there's one important thing to sort: where you’re going to stay.
As every local and seasoned festivalgoer knows, cheap hotels in Edinburgh in August are about as mythical as the Loch Ness Monster – so we’ll show you how to sneakily snag some student accommodation and bag yourself a bonnie bed for the night without forking out on astronomical accommodation.
But first, let’s set the scene...
Edinburgh in August: What's All the Fuss About?
Every summer, Edinburgh transforms into the world's biggest arts festival - well, several festivals, with over 3,000 shows.
In short, it's artistic overload in the best possible way.
You'll need to bring comfy shoes, a sense of humour, curiosity and adventure, and maybe even a spreadsheet to keep up with your show schedule as you attempt to pack as many laughs and as much learning as possible into your trip.
The Fringe vs. The International Festival: What's the Difference?
While both festivals light up Edinburgh in August, they cater to different tastes. The Edinburgh International Festival is a curated event, showcasing world-class performances in opera, classical music, and theatre.
In contrast, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an open-access festival, welcoming anyone with a story to tell and a venue to perform in. This inclusivity leads to a diverse array of shows, from polished productions to experimental performances.
Edinburgh Festival: Making Newcomers into National Treasures
One of the biggest springboards to comedy stardom is what’s now known as the Edinburgh Comedy Award, previously the Perrier Award.
Launched in 1981, it is regarded as the ultimate stamp of comedic approval for UK audiences. Winning, or even being shortlisted, can be a career-defining moment; past winners include Steve Coogan, Dylan Moran and The League of Gentlemen, who all went on to become household names.
There’s also a Best Newcomer category, so if you’re in the mood to uncover tomorrow’s stars, catching a few nominees from this list can be a smart move.
But it’s not just comedy that gets the glory. Productions that debut in Edinburgh often go on to win major theatre awards or transfer to the West End and Broadway, like Fleabag which began life as a one-woman show at the Fringe before catapulting Phoebe Waller-Bridge to international stardom.
Fringe Favourites
These are hot tickets year after year and worth checking out:
La Clique: A cabaret and variety show that has become a Fringe staple, known for its eclectic mix of circus, comedy, and burlesque.
Trainspotting Live: An immersive adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel, offering a raw and visceral theatre experience.
Shedinburgh Festival: Originating as a digital initiative, Shedinburgh offers live performances in a unique 100-seat venue, supporting emerging talents.
Or why not try something quirkier? A Jaffa Cake Musical delves into the infamous legal debate: is it a cake or a biscuit? combining catchy tunes with courtroom drama.
Alternatively, you can be the star of the legal drama, with This Is Your Trial - an interactive, improvised courtroom comedy where audience members become the accused and real lawyers and comedians preside.
Insider Tips from Fringe Veterans
Book Ahead. The official Fringe programme is released in June, but tickets for popular shows sell out fast. Use the EdFringe website and app to browse and book shows. Keep an eye out for last-minute additions and free performances.
Don’t try to do it all. Seriously. With thousands of shows across hundreds of venues, the FOMO is real, but it’s impossible to see everything.
Comfort is Key. You'll be walking a lot. Wear comfortable shoes, pack layers, a brolly, and sunscreen. In short, be prepared for all weather conditions – it may be summer, but this is still Scotland.
Use the Half Price Hut. This is where you can nab same-day discounted tickets and 2 for 1 offers. Great for discovering hidden gems.
Catch free shows. The Free Fringe is packed with comedians and performers testing out material - some of the best laughs are had here. It won’t cost you a penny (though chucking a fiver in the bucket at the end is the done thing).
Take breaks. A quiet coffee in Stockbridge, a wander around Dean Village, or a walk up Calton Hill. Not every moment needs to be showtime.
Embrace the Unexpected: Wandering around and seeing what you stumble across is half the fun of the festival – as with life, it’s the things you don’t plan for that can be the most memorable, so leave room in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries.
Respect the Locals: The influx of visitors can be overwhelming for residents. Be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas, and spread the joy as well as the cash by supporting local businesses.
Booking Tips for Travel & Accommodation
The first rule of the festival is to book your Edinburgh accommodation and travel as early as possible. Trains and flights fill up quickly, hotels are booked months, even years in advance, and prices soar.
Take our tip and bag yourself a stylish university accommodation option, if you want to be a canny festival-goer.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in August? Let’s be real – it gets pricey. That’s why those in the know (and anyone who's done it more than once) often turns to university rooms like these:
