Edinburgh Fringe Festival starts TODAY hurrah! The city is already buzzing with performers arriving from all over the world, show posters are being stuck to every spare bit of wall faster than you can say “student drama group,” and the city is ready to welcome over 3 million people to almost 4000 different shows!
I’ve been to so many Edinburgh Fringe Festivals now I’ve lost count! For a number of years I worked for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, mainly wrangling street performers or doing front of house. But even when I haven’t been working at the Fringe I’ve loved being a punter. The energy is electric and there is so much to explore with thousands of shows in over 300 venues, not to mention all the cool pop up bars, restaurants and clubs. If you haven’t yet been to Edinburgh Fringe Festival WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
Oh, there’s no accommodation left you say? You’ve left it too late? It’s too expensive? RUBBISH. I’m definitely a last minute booking kinda gal, and I’m going to show you some of my favourite Edinburgh Fringe Festival accommodation that’s available right now.
University halls of residence may conjure up thoughts of pokey little rooms with cider stains on the carpet and an artistic arrangement of empty beer cans….no…just me. Uni halls in Edinburgh are modern, fresh, well equipped and comfortable places to stay. I stayed in This one last Fringe Festival and loved it. Prices start from around £60 per night for a double room during Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The Baxter Hostel – Near Princes Street
Travelling alone and don’t want to pay for a double room? The Baxter Hostel in the New Town, just off Princes’ Street, you literally can’t get closer to the action than this! The Baxter is a hostel that doesn’t feel like a hostel, more like boutique hotel, just look at how gorgeous those interiors are! As well as it being comfortable and modern with excellent WIFI they also provide an amazing breakfast included in the price. A dorm bed starts from £30 per person per night, and there are loads of beds still available during the Fringe Festival. A brilliant way of meeting other people to boot.
Leith is just a 10 minute bus or Uber out of the city centre and gorgeous area to stay, no matter what time of year you’re visiting Edinburgh. It’s become a bit of foodie mecca over the last few years and a is a buzz with hipster cafes and high end restaurants along the water front. It also has the benefit of being a bit cheaper than the Old/New Town of Edinburgh, so if you’re looking for affordable Edinburgh Fringe festival accommodation, this is the place to look. The Edinburgh House Hotel offers double rooms starting at £90 a night.
Code Pod – Near The Royal Mile/High Street
Fancy staying in a Japanese style pod hotel just off the Royal Mile? This is compact living, but it’s comfortable, private and has everything you need while staying in Edinburgh. You’re going to be out most of the time anyway so all you need is a comfy bed, a good shower and somewhere to store your things right? The Code Pod is perfect if you want somewhere to rest your he’d after a full day and night seeing shows.
If you’re arriving from the airport, this is an ideal location as it’s just a short distance from both the Airlink bus stop and the tram stop that take you to/from the airport. It”s close to loads of great pubs and restaurants and just a 5-10 minute walk to both the Old & New Towns. Staying in a serviced apartment also means that you have access to cooking facilities and gives you a bit more space. Palmerston Suites has a range of different size suite, so a really good option if you’re travelling as a group.
New Town Guest House – Stockbridge
When I lived in Edinburgh this is the area I lived in, so I may be a little biased when I say this is the most gorgeous part of the New Town! It’s full of very grand typical Edinburgh style sandstone town houses. And the New Town Guest House is in just one of these buildings. Loads of great cafes and independent shops around, you can walk to everything from here.
These are just some of the highlights of Edinburgh Fringe Festival accommodation, so it’s well worth checking on Agoda or Booking.com to see what’s in your price range, and just GO, you’ll have an amazing time. If none of that has convinced you, here is a blog post I wrote about all the things you have to do at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
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I really want to visit Edinburgh at some point:) I spent 4 years in the UK and never made it there, which is kinda sad. I would also love to go during Fringe! Thanks for sharing:)
Well you’ll just have to come back to the UK. Edinburgh is magical any time of year, but during the Fringe Fest it’s especially exciting.
I would love to go and see the Edinburgh Fringe Festival someday! I am going to keep your post in mind!
Such decent accomodation for last minute
Nice post.I’ve been to Edinburgh once because my friend lives there and it’s an absolutely beautiful city. Never got the chance to see Fringe Festival, but it sounds great. My favourite place in Edinburgh is Arthur’s Seat, some stunning city views up there.
Arthurs Seat is great, you get such great views. Plus if you’ve hiked all the way up there you’ve earned the calories for a Haggis supper and a beer in one of the pubs in the Grassmarket after. You should definitely visit the Fringe Fest though, though whole city comes alive.
Woah, the Baxter looks like just about the nicest hostel I’ve seen! Will definitely have to keep that in mind.
IKR. It’s like a plush country hotel
Hi Rachel,
I’m definitely a last minute person, so your post resonates. Been to Glasgow a few times, but never Edinburgh. Would love to visit someday, and would keep your post in view.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
IKR! It’s like a plush country hotel, but with bunk beds
Interesting that you’re been to Glasgow and not Edinburgh. Normally when I speak to people who have visited Scotland they say it’s the other way round. As my BF is from Glasgow I have to say I like both cities equally
I´m so excited!! I´m going to Edinburgh in fall! I´m just sad that I will miss the festival! looks like so much fun
oooh I’m excited for you! TBF it’s a fabulous city any time of year.
One of my biggest travel mistakes is that I didn’t visit Edinburgh when I was in UK. But next time, I surely will!
I would love to visit, this looks like an awesome place to stay!
I love to plan things out so I would be nerves doing things that is not planned out. But this is not something I mind walking into it is really nice to look pretty clean.
ih i want to go to these hotels really badly just to take in the decor. I only touched Edinburgh shortly to look at a property. I will bear all these places in mind when I next go there. Thank you
I think Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I loved my last visit there, and now I am going to add the fringe festival to the list of my to-dos in Edinburgh. Beautifully expressed BTW.
From,
http://www.thegypsygurl.wordpress.com
I would love to go and see the Edinburgh Fringe Festival someday. After reading your blog we feel very excited.
This looks awesome! I would love to travel here! How pretty!
oh, the place totally looks amazing! Never heard of this festival before but hopefully I can go visit one day <3
oh my! This place is so fantastic! I hope i can visit this place someday with my family.
This post is very helpful! I definitely would like to be able to visit someday!
I am so getting the travel bug right now with stories from wonderful travel blogs like yours. Thanks for allowing me to share this moment.