To get the most out of your Festival experience, all you’ll need is an adventurous spirit (and a sturdy pair of shoes, a city map, some useful phone numbers and access to an oasis of calm to recharge those batteries.)
At first glance, a trip to Edinburgh’s Festivals may not bare the markings of an outdoor adventure holiday, but for seasoned festivalgoer, the experience is made better by making use of these useful tips, tricks and little extras.
1. Wear a good pair of walking shoes
As a walkable and in places hilly city you’ll often find yourself on foot. Whether it’s going from one festival performance to another or just getting to know Edinburgh, packing some decent footwear will be a step in the right direction.
2. Always carry the Edinburgh Festivals Map
The city is a mosaic of streets, parks and alleyways – X marks the spot and if you have the map finding treasure will be easy. Listing all the venues across seven summer festivals, the Edinburgh Festivals Map will show just how easy it is to get around town.
3. Buy the daily newspapers
Full of the latest reviews, previews and festival features, newspapers such as The Scotsman will have the latest information on the festivals hottest shows. Most papers rate shows in a 1-5 star rating system with 5 star shows being the must see hits of the festival.
4. Keep and an open mind
Enjoying the festivals is as much about taking a chance, going with the flow and talking to people about what’s worth seeing. Word of mouth makes a difference in Edinburgh and is the quickest way to find the next big hit, so say hello to a stranger and get talking!
5. Don’t forget to plan ahead
Festival pre-planning is time well spent – getting around Edinburgh is easy and made even easier by getting to grips with familiarizing yourself with timetables for Lothian buses (www.lothianbuses.co.uk) and knowledge of cycle and walking routes (www.spokes.org.uk).
6. Recharge your festival batteries
Immersing yourself in Edinburgh’s festivals is intoxicating. Hours of screenings, shows, events, exhibitions and more can be tiring – make time for some down time, recharge your batteries and be ready to do it all again. Our top tips to be kind and unwind include getting lost in the Royal Botanic Gardens, stretching your legs on Arthur’s Seat or worshipping the sun by the seaside on Portobello beach
7. Enjoy yourself
