Venue zones
A "venue" at the Fringe might be a theatre, a bar, a church, a lecture room or a shipping container. Rather than rank single venues, we plan by zone - so you can cluster shows, cut walking and avoid late arrivals.
Jennifer Bonauer / UnsplashVenue zone
Old Town & the Royal Mile
The historic heart and the home of the free Street Events - atmosphere first, but the busiest, hilliest ground in the city.
K. Mitch Hodge / UnsplashVenue zone
Southside & University (George Square / Bristo Square)
The densest show-going zone - student and university spaces packed with stages, a short walk south of the Old Town.
Bree Anne / UnsplashVenue zone
New Town
Calmer grid streets, dining and hotels north of Princes Street - a restful base with some climbs back up to the Old Town.
Sergey Konstantinov / UnsplashVenue zone
West End & Haymarket
The transport gateway - tram and train links and practical hotels, with a longer walk to some Old Town and Southside venues.
Ross Sneddon / UnsplashVenue zone
Tollcross, Bruntsfield & Marchmont
Useful for theatre venues, local restaurants and quieter stays close to the Meadows.
Leo Korman / UnsplashVenue zone
Leith
Food, a relaxed waterfront and an alternative base for longer stays - with real travel time to the core Fringe zones.
Venue zone
Portobello & outer areas
Beach, rest and a lower-pressure base for visitors who want downtime - requires transport planning for show days.
Programme details change throughout the summer. Always confirm individual show times, venues and access on the official edfringe.com listing before booking.