Where to Stay When Going to Edinburgh Fringe? (Beyond the Price Tag)

Where to Stay When Going to Edinburgh Fringe?

For a visitor to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, finding a place to stay can feel like a high-stakes scavenger hunt. With a city of just over half a million people welcoming millions of visitors, every spare room becomes a "hot commodity." But the question of "where to stay" is about more than just finding a bed; it is about choosing a base that fits a person's festival style, whether they are a first-time visitor, a relaxed reveller, or a party animal. Edinburgh is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, each offering a different experience.

The Old Town: The Heart of the Action

The Old Town is the quintessential choice for a first-time Fringe visitor. The research describes it as the "most central" and "perfect place for a first-time visit". This historical area, with the Royal Mile running from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse, is "buzzing, central, and walkable to top venues". A person who stays here is trading peace and quiet for total immersion in the festival.   

This is the choice for the person who wants to be in the thick of it, where the energy never stops. Key venues like Assembly Hall, Gilded Balloon Teviot, C venues, and Underbelly Cowgate are all just a short walk away. The streets are alive with performers, crowds, and a constant, thrilling energy. The downside is that it is also "one of the more expensive areas to stay". A person who chooses to stay here is accepting the noise, the crowds, and the price hike as part of the experience. It is not just a location; it is a lifestyle choice for the duration of the festival.   

The New Town & Stockbridge: The Relaxed Retreat

For a person who wants a strategic balance between festival access and personal sanity, the New Town and Stockbridge offer a perfect retreat. The New Town is a "quaint area" that is great for shopping and families, while Stockbridge has a "village-like atmosphere". These neighbourhoods are ideal for "performers needing downtime" or for a person on a longer visit who gets overwhelmed by the crowds.   

While these areas are not central hubs for venues, they are "within walking distance of the city centre and the bustle of the festival". This means a visitor can enjoy the festival's immense energy and then retreat to a peaceful, local spot to recharge. A person who stays here can dedicate a day to exploring the leafy streets, independent shops, and riverside walks along the Water of Leith, and then head back to the heart of the action when they feel ready. This choice is for the savvy, strategic visitor who values a quiet night's sleep as much as a late-night comedy show.   

The Cowgate & Southside: For the True Party Animals

The Cowgate and Southside are an ecosystem unto themselves. The research describes Cowgate as an "edgy, energetic nightlife zone" filled with music venues, student halls, and hostels. This area is a self-contained hub for a specific type of Fringe-goer: the young and restless.   

For a person who wants to be where the party never stops, this is the perfect spot. It is home to late-night shows and some of the most affordable accommodation, especially if a person is willing to stay in a hostel or shared space. Key venues like Underbelly Cowgate and Just the Tonic are right in the heart of this area, making it a dream location for performers who want to be close to the action at all hours. Staying here means the party never stops.   

So, still wondering where to stay when going to Edinburgh Fringe Festival? In the end, there is no single "best" place to stay. The choice of neighbourhood is a matter of personal preference and a reflection of a person's festival style. Whether a person wants to be a calm connoisseur in Stockbridge, a party animal in Cowgate, or a first-time explorer in the Old Town, Edinburgh has a place to fit their every need. A person can find a place that is right for them by simply deciding what kind of Fringe experience they want to have.

Or why not head to London and catch the best comedians off the London Comedy Circuit by buying tickets to our shows on the main page