Ten tips for Fringe first-timers in 2025
First time visiting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe? Welcome! We’re thrilled to have you joining us at one of the greatest celebrations of performing arts and culture on the planet, where thousands of talented and passionate artists bring their work for you to experience and enjoy. Whether you're a fan of theatre, comedy, music, dance, circus, musicals, exhibitions, opera or spoken word, there's something for everyone at the Fringe.
We understand that the sheer scale of the Fringe can be overwhelming for first-timers, but don’t worry, we have pulled together a list with our top tips to help you make the most out of your visit and make unforgettable memories at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
1. How to choose shows
There are c3,500 shows at Fringe 2025, which is way more than anyone can see during a single festival. So here are a few ways to explore the programme:
- Browse online: you can use search filters to create a list of shows that are relevant to you – for example, using a certain date range depending on when you'll be in town, or focusing on specific genres you want to see.
- The official Fringe programme: the printed programme contains information on almost every show at the Fringe and there are three mainn ways to get yourself a programme - pick up a copy in person, order online, or become a Fringe Friend.
- The official EdFringe app: as with edfringe.com, the official EdFringe app [free to download] is kept up to date with every show. The app also has several handy features including a venue map, Nearby Now which helps you find shows near your location that are starting soon, and Shake to Search, which presents a random show if you can’t decide and fancy taking a gamble.
- Media listings: Before the Fringe begins a number of media publications publish some of their top tips, and then throughout August the main newspapers - notably the Scotsman and the Herald - provide daily reviews and updates. This is a great way of building up a picture of the shows you might want to see. But be aware that once shows begin to get attention, tickets start to fly - especially once the weekly Fringe First award winners are announced.
- Word of mouth: During August everyone is in the city to see shows, so one of the easiest ways to get recommendations is to get into conversation with people in cafes or bars. A simple 'Have you seen anything good yet' can be the start of a great conversation and sometimes the basis of a lifetime friendship!!!
Once you find shows you want to see, tap ‘Add to favourites’ online or in the app to create your favourite list. Bingo...from c3,500 shows, you now have your very own Fringe list!
2. See more for less
Various discounts and bundles are available, so you can see many shows while saving money. The Half Price Hut is where you find half-price tickets for shows starting the same day or the next morning. The Half Price Hut opens on the first Wednesday of the festival following the 2for1 days, and is located at the Fringe Box Office, Old Assembly Close, High Street, EH1 1QS.
Many shows are also taking part in the 2for1 tickets offer, which will be happening on the first Monday and Tuesday of the Fringe. Preview tickets and group discounts are also available on specific dates throughout the festival.
The Fringe Friends membership also gives you access to a wide range of exclusive benefits, including 2for1 ticket offers, free or discounted programme delivery, a discount in the Fringe shop and invitations to exclusive events during August and throughout the year.
3. Get a map of the city
Edinburgh streets can get busy especially in the central festival area (around the Royal Mile, the Grassmarket and Bristo/George Square) and the signal can be weak. So its best to have a map easily to hand. You can either download the city map in your navigation app or buy a map of Edinburgh with all Fringe venues at the Fringe Shop.
4. Travelling between venues
While Edinburgh is quite a compact city, it can be extremely busy in August, so it's worth leaving plenty of time to get from show to show (even if the venues appear to be close together). This also applies if shows are at the same venue – many venues have multiple performance spaces, and it can take time to exit one show and join the queue for another (especially if you want to grab some food, visit the bar or use the facilities in-between). Some venues will not admit latecomers once a show has started, so make sure you leave plenty of time for travelling between shows, and try to avoid booking them back-to-back.
5. Street events
The Fringe Street Events bring an explosion of breath-taking sights, sounds and experiences to the streets of Edinburgh, where you'll be able to catch incredible acts from a diverse range of world-class street entertainers. The main event areas are right in the heart of Edinburgh – the High Street / Royal Mile (from Cockburn Street to George IV Bridge), Hunter Square and the Mound Precinct, off Princes Street. The Fringe Street Events is a busking festival. This means that the only people paying the performers are you, the watching public. If you enjoy a show and you can afford it, please show your appreciation and put some money in the hat. Street theatre is for everyone, so if you cannot afford to pay our performers that’s ok. A simple 'thank you' is also welcome
6. Pace yourself
It’s exciting to have so many shows to see, but make sure to pace yourself! The goal is not to see all the shows but to create your own Fringe experience. Schedule a reasonable number of shows per day so you can appreciate the art. Edinburgh streets can get busy during August, so leave time to travel between venues and unwind before the show starts.
7. Don’t forget to take breaks
Remember to leave time in your day for food, drinks and to chill. If you feel a little bit tired by the many events and things to do and see, take a break while exploring the city! Calton Hill and Authur's Seat are perfect if you fancy a walk in the nature with beautiful views of the city. The Meadows are perfect for a lie-down and picnic. Go for ice cream at Grassmarket while enjoying the view of the castle. And depending on what are of the city you find yourself in, we've put together a list of restaurants, bars and cafes that we think you'll enjoy - based on our own extensive research!!!
8. Pack for all weather
Weather can be unpredictable in Scotland, with sunshine in the morning, rain in the afternoon, and wind in the evening. It is actually possible to experience four seasons in one day. To make sure you stay warm and dry, remember to bring an umbrella and pack a light jacket in your bag in case it gets chilly or rainy. Edinburgh is a city with seven hills, so don’t forget to wear comfy and supportive shoes to walk around.
9. Be spontaneous
Planning ahead is always good, but it is also important to leave some time to be spontaneous! The Fringe is filled with surprises and unexpected encounters, and a show you might love and remember for a lifetime might be show no one is talking about. So take the chance on something new, go see the show you’re given flyers for, or chat with people who are seeing similar shows. Everybody has their very own, unique recommendations. You can also pick a random show by filtering the time of the day on the EdFringe app, you might just find next your favourite show!
10 Last but not least
The Fringe experience is meant to be unique and unpredictable. No matter how you want to spend the time, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. We hope you’ll have an amazing time and Unleash Your Fringe!