What is there to do in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Things to Do in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The short answer

Between shows, Edinburgh has Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Stockbridge Market and Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat, and five more picks across the city and around it. Open from 9.30am every day.

Edinburgh Castle

Open from 9.30am every day. Tickets often sell out far in advance, above all over the summer, so book online before you go.

Plan your visit ↗

National Museum of Scotland

Thousands of objects across dozens of galleries. Free entry, with charges for some special exhibitions; open daily, 10:00 to 17:00.

Visit the museum ↗

Stockbridge Market

Every Sunday all year round, 10am to 4pm. Independent small traders with hot food, bread, cakes, meat, fish, art and crafts.

The market ↗

Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat

Rolling hills, cliffs and lochs in the heart of the city, with Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcanic site, looking out over Edinburgh. Road closures in the park are posted on its page.

Holyrood Park ↗

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Floors of hands-on illusions on the Royal Mile, a Camera Obscura show and a rooftop terrace. Open every day; booking online ahead is recommended for guaranteed entry.

Tickets and times ↗

The Stand Comedy Club

A stand-up room with shows across Scotland and the North East, here in its Edinburgh home on York Place. One more show on a night off the festival.

What's on in Edinburgh ↗

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The King's official home in Edinburgh, open all year at the far end of the Royal Mile. A free multimedia guide of about an hour leads you through rooms tied to Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It's a working palace, so it can close at short notice.

Tickets and visiting ↗ · Practical information ↗

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

More than 70 acres of garden a mile north of the city centre, with the Rock Garden, the Chinese Hillside and views back over the skyline. Open daily from 10am, and the restored Palm Houses are open again, with tickets. Buses 8, 9, 23 and 27 run from the city centre to its East Gate.

Plan your visit ↗

Rosslyn Chapel

A day out seven miles south of the city: a chapel founded in 1446, known for its ornate carved stonework and the Apprentice Pillar. It opens 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday, in 90-minute slots, so book ahead. Lothian bus 37 marked Penicuik/Deanburn via Roslin takes 45 to 60 minutes from Princes Street or North Bridge.

Tickets and opening times ↗ · Getting there ↗