Edinburgh Fringe 2022: The 6 best pieces of advice for Edinburgh Festival, from people who live here

As thousands of people flock to the Capital for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we asked Edinburgh residents to give advice to first-time Fringe-goers.

Navigating the Capital in August can be tricky – there’s crowds of people everywhere and countless shows to pick from. So, here’s what locals said would be their best pieces of Fringe advice for anyone experiencing it for the first time.

Don’t get in the way of the locals

A common pet peeve of Edinburgh residents is that getting anywhere during the Fringe takes double the time. One resident urged tourists to get out the way of locals, saying: “They have normal lives to lead and can’t waste time dilly dallying and bumping into tourists who can’t make up their mind where they are going.”

Dress for all weather

Even in summer, the weather in Edinburgh can turn at any moment. It could be sunny one minute, and then pour down with rain the next. So pack sunglasses AND a waterproof – you’ll likely need both.

Go out of your comfort zone

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

While you could easily pass a week at the Fringe watching only well-known acts and five-star reviewed shows, seeing something random and potentially questionable is part of the experience. Sometimes, you’ll strike gold, and other times, you’ll have to sit through something terrible – but you’ll have a great story to tell afterwards.

Enjoy the local barsLots of pop-up bars open up during August to serve Fringe-goers, but one resident suggested that tourists also try out the local pubs. If you want to soak up some Edinburgh history, then you can visit some of Edinburgh’s oldest drinking holes.

Don’t end up with a bag full of leaflets

One resident advised first-time Fringe attendees on how to avoid taking flyers, writing: "Don’t look the leafleters in the eye or you’ll go home with a bag full of them.”

Check out the free Fringe

For anyone on a budget, one local suggested trying out the Free Fringe. Across the Capital, you can go see comedy, cabaret, theatre, kids shows, and music for free – although most shows encourage you to donate what you can at the end.