(TAN): August is a great time — I am even tempted to say perhaps the best time of the year — to be in Edinburgh. This is primarily for two reasons — the weather and the Fringe Festival.
With summer at its peak, August has a significant number of sunny days. It is common to see families hanging out in the green space called The Meadows… reading, with the kids running around, and barbecue smoke swirling around. The space also doubles up as a golf course.
Considering the typically good weather, it’s wonderful to walk around all the history that the Scottish capital is known for. Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat — both of which overlooks this old city — look majestic against the bright blue sky.
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Another fun reason to visit Edinburgh in August is the Fringe Festival. Certainly among the largest arts festivals in the world (or perhaps the largest), this one, which takes place over almost all of August, brings performers and audiences from across the UK and the world. Hundreds of shows — right from art and craft exhibitions to stand-ups, theatre, music, dance and puppetry — take place every single day. These shows can be either open-air or indoor, ticketed or free.
The 600,000 population of Edinburgh swells to as much as six times (or so I hear) during the Fringe Festival. The city center is crowded and lively at most hours of the day.
Adding to the August excitement is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which also takes place around this time.
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The good part is, despite the crowds, you can still find quiet localities to stay in, just about a 15-20 minute walk away from the city center. If you don’t want to walk, you can always take a bus, but truth be told, walking is faster than waiting and then taking the bus, especially during Fringe.
But be aware that accommodation costs are exceptionally high this time of the year because of how demand and supply play out. My two-week stay in a slightly better room at a prime Edinburgh location cost double of what I spent staying in central London the prior two weeks.
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