You have your show tickets booked, but don’t know where to stay for the Edinburgh Fringe? Finding the right Edinburgh Fringe Festival accommodation is just as important as planning your show schedule.
Whether you’re after central convenience, budget-friendly student halls, or a quieter spot just outside the festival rush, we’ll show you where to stay in Edinburgh during Fringe.
Read on to explore our advice on the best areas to base yourself in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival.
Visiting the Capital During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
August is the height of festival season in Scotland’s capital. This month, Edinburgh hosts the world-renowned Fringe Festival, one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most visited cities, attracting tourists from all over the world who hope to see some of the city’s world-famous attractions. These include Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, Scottish Parliament, Palace of Holyroodhouse and many more.
Top Tip: Usually, these attractions are rather spread out around the city, so being central can be a vital part of your visit, but with Big Bus Tours, you can travel around the city with ease.
Planning your Auld Reekie visit during August means you get the benefit of both worlds. You can enjoy iconic sightseeing and a packed programme of live performances, comedy skits, theatre, and music. Keep in mind that summer is a busy season in the city, so booking tickets, direct trains from London King’s Cross, tours, and accommodations in advance is highly recommended.
Best Areas to Book Edinburgh Fringe Accommodation
The Festival Fringe features over 3300 performances across more than 300 permanent and pop-up venues. Here are some of the best places to stay during Edinburgh Fringe to be part of the action, or to decompress from it all.
The Old Town
The Old Town in the city centre is the perfect place for a first-time visit to Edinburgh. This historical area of the Scottish capital dates back to the early 12th century.
The Royal Mile is a popular area for tourists and street performers, especially during August, and runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse. Although the Old Town is one of the more expensive areas to stay, it is also the most central, packed with performance spaces just steps away.
Key nearby venues: Assembly Hall, Paradise Green @ Augustine’s, Gilded Balloon Teviot, C venues, TheSpace @ Niddry St, Greenside @ Riddles Court
Why you should say here: Buzzing, central, walkable to top venues. Ideal for first-time Fringe-goers and performers.
Big Bus stops: Red Route – The Mound (5), George IV Bridge (6), National Museum (8), Canongate Kirk (9), Holyrood Palace (10)
Grassmarket
Looking for good nightlife? Grassmarket has some of the best restaurants and most popular nightclubs. Filled with boutiques and design stores, this area has the best of both worlds.
Key nearby venues: Sweet Venues @ Apex, Dance Base, Just the Tonic @ The Caves, Frankenstein Pub, PBH @ Cowgate
Why you should say here: Central, fun and social, close to nightlife and walkable to Royal Mile venues
Big Bus stops: Red Route – Grassmarket (7)
West End & Haymarket
Art, film, theatre and budget stays…the West End is a cultural hub, perfect if you would like to visit Dean Village. Right next to this energetic space is where you can find Haymarket, an affordable area with a young student population.
Key nearby venues: EICC, Ghillie Dhu, Charlotte Chapel, Arthur Conan Doyle Centre
Why you should say here: Good for easy train/tram links. Peaceful but walkable to the city centre.
Big Bus stops: Red Route: Bread Street (4)
Stockbridge
Stockbridge is a leafy area with a village-like atmosphere where you can enjoy riverside walks, delis and unique independent shops. While it is not a hub for many Fringe venues, it is within walking distance of the city centre and the bustle of the festival. Immerse yourself in the local scene whilst staying in some of the coolest apartments in Edinburgh.
Key nearby venues: Stockbridge Church, Outhouse, The Marshmallow Lady
Why you should say here: Great for extended stays or performers needing downtime. A local, relaxed charm within walking distance of New Town.
Big Bus stops: Blue Route – Royal Botanic Garden (6), Red Route – St Andrew Square (2)
New Town
In close proximity is a quaint area, which is the best area for shopping and families. This part of town features elegant Georgian properties, chic boutiques, upmarket dining and a calmer pace.
Princes Street borders this quarter and is one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh, with a stunning public garden, perfect for kids and those looking for green spaces.
Key nearby venues: Assembly Rooms, The Stand’s New Town Theatre, The Alchemist, Hill Street Theatre, Greenside @ George Street
Why you should say here: Central but quieter. Great for families or pros wanting elegant stays.
Big Bus stops: Both Routes – Waterloo Place (1), St Andrew Square (2)
Cowgate & Southside
This part of town features an edgy, energetic nightlife zone filled with music venues, student halls, hostels, and lively student crowds. You can potentially find cost-effective accommodation for Edinburgh Fringe here, especially if you book early or don’t mind staying in shared spaces.
Why you should say here: Affordable stays and loads of late-night shows. Perfect for younger crowds and late-night performers.
Key nearby venues: Underbelly Cowgate, Just the Tonic @ The Mash House / Subway, Assembly Checkpoint, Assembly @ Virgin Hotels, Laughing Horse venues, PBH Free Fringe
Big Bus stops: Red Route: National Museum (8), George IV Bridge (6)
Meadows & Bristo Square
This lively area combines open green space with a buzzing festival atmosphere. The Meadows offers stunning views of Arthur’s Seat and a welcome place to relax between shows. Bristo Square is a key Fringe hub, home to several major venues and the University of Edinburgh’s student union buildings.
Key nearby venues: Underbelly George Square Gardens, Pleasance Courtyard, Assembly George Square, Gilded Balloon @ Appleton Tower, Zoo Southside
Why you should say here: Campus feel with major venues all within minutes. Great for groups, university alums, and artists on the go.
Big Bus stops: Red Route – Bread Street (4)
Tollcross
Just off the main festival rush, Tollcross is a cultural crossroads filled with theatres, cafés, and student halls. Its lively yet relaxed atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for experiencing the Fringe without being overwhelmed by the busiest crowds. With major venues nearby and plenty of late-night food options just a short trip away, it’s a favourite for performers and festival goers alike.
Key nearby venues: Central Hall, Traverse Theatre, Lyceum, Filmhouse (if open)
Why you should say here: Great venue cluster, quieter than Old Town, but still close
Big Bus stops:. Red Route – Lothian Road (3), Bread Street (4)
Leith
While this may not be the first spot people turn to when looking for where to stay in Edinburgh for Fringe, Leith stays offer excellent value. This waterfront district has creative energy, street food markets and artsy pop-ups.
Key nearby venues: Leith Arches, Leith Depot, Biscuit Factory, Ocean Terminal pop-ups
Why you should say here: Trendy and lower cost. Great for fringe artists willing to bus into central venues. Especially great for visual artists and alternative theatre.
Big Bus stops: Blue Route – The Shore (3), Royal Yacht Britannia (5), Victoria Quay (4)
Top tip: Save money on transportation with our Explore Ticket, which offers an immersive city experience covering two routes over two days.
Download the free Big Bus mobile app (on Google Play or App Store) for live bus tracking and to find nearby venues!
Big Bus Tours: Your Ticket to Summer Festival Fun
Ready to experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe like a local? Our Big Bus Tours give you front-row seats to the action from our open-top double-deckers! Hop on, hop off wherever the festival spirit takes you, from the Royal Mile’s buzzing street acts to the stunning venues hosting world-premiere performances.
While you’re cruising between shows, soak up fascinating information about Edinburgh’s festival history, legendary venues and the stories behind the city’s most iconic cultural spots. With commentary in nine languages and complimentary headphones, you won’t miss a beat.
The Big Bus app keeps you one step ahead with live bus tracking, so you can plan your festival adventures without the stress of wondering when your ride will arrive. Our goal is to make your dream Fringe experience effortless.
Please note: Your Big Bus pass does not cover the ticket price for Fringe productions. We recommend booking in advance through various venues’ websites, as ticket sales move quickly and popular shows often sell out.
Now that you know where to stay for the Edinburgh Fringe, start planning your transport! Book your airport transfers with our Airport Express and secure your tour tickets for a seamless transportation experience around the city.