We asked our Twitter followers for their top tips of advice that they would give to a first-time Fringe-goer. What they said may surprise you, excite you and help you prepare for your Fringe adventure!

1. Download the App to plan ahead

The Official Fringe App is a great way to get details for 3500+ shows in your pocket and help organise your Fringe adventure in advance. It also enables you to find what’s happening soon near you and book shows on the move, so it’s a great way to discover shows.

 

2. Wander the city streets and soak up the atmosphere

There is no atmosphere quite like the Fringe in full swing. Roam the Royal Mile, meander through the Mound – you’ll be astonished by the beauty of the city and exciting, often bizarre spectacle of the Fringe. Drink it in!

 

3. Set your watch to 'Fringe Time'

Did you know that the Fringe has it’s own time zone? Known as 'Fringe Time', a day at the Fringe begins at 05:00 and ends at 04:59, so shows in the early hours will be listed for the day before. Fringe shows take place from breakfast time to the wee hours of the morning and many bars and pubs in the city are open until 05:00, making the city a 24/7 celebration of arts and culture.

So remember that when you book on our website or App, a show listed as 1am on Friday night is actually in the early hours of Saturday morning and be sure your tickets are for the right show on the right day.

 

4. Be nice to the flyerers

You’re bound to be approached by an eager flyerer promoting their show. Give them a minute of your time if you can – they’re working hard, often in the rain and they might even offer you a free ticket!

 

5. Pack a map and plan your route

Edinburgh’s Old Town can be a maze. If you are booking back-to-back shows, ensure you have enough time to travel between venues comfortably and keep in mind that Edinburgh is a multi-storey city with many hills!

 

6. Pack for Scottish weather

We often enjoy four seasons in one day here in Edinburgh! Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack a light rain jacket in case of a sudden downpour. There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!

 

7. Grab a bargain with our 2for1 ticket offers

Friends of the Fringe can avail of the Friends 2for1 ticket offer on selected shows. In Fringe 2018, over 2000 shows participated in the Friends 2for1 offer! To find out more about becoming a Friend of the Fringe, click here.

 

...and the general public can also grab a 2for1 ticket bargain on the first Monday and Tuesday of the Fringe. When booking online simply add two tickets to your basket on the applicable dates and the 2for1 discount will be added to your order at the checkout stage – easy as that! 

 

8. Give yourself time to breathe

If it’s your first Fringe, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. Many Fringe regulars recommend taking the time to pace yourself – you won’t be able to enjoy all 3,500+ shows. In fact, it would take eight years to watch all performances at the Fringe this year! Remember that Edinburgh is home to beautiful nature where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the Fringe if it’s too intense.

 

9. Don't be late for an important date

Some shows may not allow latecomers in, so be sure to arrive before the listed start time! It's best to allow plenty of time to get to your venue, collect your tickets, run to the loo and grab a drink at the bar to get the full Fringe show experience. When getting to your venue, remember that foot and motor traffic can be busy during the Fringe and if you need directions, you might find our Venue Map helpful. 

 

10. Comfortable shoes are your friends

Edinburgh is best explored by foot. When getting between venues, make sure you have comfy footwear. Back-to-back shows can mean a long day on your feet!

 

11. Collect your tickets in advance from locations around the city

We are delighted to have 40+ ticket collection points located across the city of Edinburgh. Instead of getting your tickets posted to you and running the risk them not arriving in time, it is recommended to grab your tickets at any of the handy collection points listed here. All you need to pick them up is the card you booked with – easy!

 

12. Check out the awesome street events

Edinburgh is home to some incredible busking talent. Wander the Royal Mile and the Mound to be wow-ed by jugglers, acrobats, fire-breathers, escapologists and many more! Find out more about the new Virgin Money Street Events.

 

13. Remeber that the Fringe team is here to help you with all your access requirements

At the Fringe Society, we are committed to making the Fringe as inclusive and accessible as possible. As part of this committment, we are delighted to provide sensory backpacks for autistic people, a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility, a range of accessible performances and a dedicated access ticket booking service. Find out more about accessibility at the Fringe.

 

14. Above all, be spontaneous

By far the most popular advice we received was to be spontaneous and try out new acts. Listen to word of mouth recommendations, check out the Fringe Programme and take risks with shows you choose.

 

15. …and finally, sit in the front row and be the star of the show.

 

Have a great Fringe!

 

Read all of the top tips here

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