They have played host to big names like music superstar Elton John, American rock icon Tina Turner and Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, as well as hundreds of lesser known actors, dancers and musicians.
Theatres are an essential part of the city's fabric and integral to the Capital's cultural scene.
Here are some fascinating black and white photos, selected from the Evening News archive, of shows, stars and staging from 40 years ago.
Scroll through the old pictures and get a flavour of what was happening on stage in the mid-1980s.
17. Andrew Cruikshank in Thrie Estaites
Scottish actor Andrew Cruikshank as The Abbot in the Scottish Theatre Company production of Ane Satyre of the Thrie Estaites at the Assembly Hall during Edinburgh Festival 1985. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand
18. Steve Nallon, the voice of Margaret Thatcher on TV's Spitting Image, dressed as Mrs Thatcher to promote his show 'Mouthing Off' at Heriot-Watt theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 1985.
Steve Nallon, the voice of Margaret Thatcher on TV's Spitting Image, dressed as Mrs Thatcher to promote his show 'Mouthing Off' at Heriot-Watt theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 1985. | TSPL Photo: Stan Warburton
19. The Wallace
Alec Heggie as Scottish hero William Wallace with Roy Hanlon as Sir John Menteith (left) in Sydney Goodsir Smith's play The Wallace at Edinburgh Festival 1985. | TSPL Photo: Hamish Campbell
20. 'Trumpets and Raspberries'
Andy Gray and Elaine C Smith in Borderline Theatre Company's production of 'Trumpets and Raspberries' at Moray House Theatre during Edinburgh Festival Fringe 1985. | TSPL Photo: Alan Macdonald