Edinburgh Festival Guide P2

15 December 2022|Read time 2 mins

If you've read our 'Booking' article for the Edinburgh Festivals you'll know how to save by booking self-catering accommodation.

However, the next big expense to consider is tickets.

A long weekend with a few shows every day will soon rack up, but you can keep your pocket happy with a little bit of foresight and an open mind.

Edinburgh Festival Guide P2: Budgeting 

Read through our top tips for budgeting during the Edinburgh Festivals and enjoy your festival season!

The Virgin Money Half Price Hut

Sitting like a (not so) hidden treasure on The Mound, this lovely little hut offers 50% off thousands of tickets for shows that day.

Previews of Edinburgh Festival shows

Most shows have a dry run or dress rehearsal for a couple of days before the main Fringe kicks off on 1st August.

This allows performers to perfect their craft, and lucky punters to catch a first glimpse of the action for knockdown prices.

Check out the official guide and you’ll see lower prices quoted for the first few days for early birds.

Free Fringe shows

However, it’s not all about the big guys.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has been the starting point of almost every comedian worth his or her salt.

Help to support tomorrow’s talent by checking out smaller shows, and with free tickets, everyone’s a winner! Free Fringe and Free Festival are both worth checking out.

A slightly more controversial tactic, although increasingly popular, is to miss out on the shows altogether and just come along for the ride.

You can soak up the atmosphere across a colourful variety of streets and open venues.

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Not exactly a venue, per se, but certainly the focal point of the Festival.

Crowds mob this medieval street from dawn until dusk to watch street performers juggle flames, and dodge promoters and flyers.

Pleasance Courtyard

A rickety old quad full of nooks and crannies, Pleasance plays host to plenty of bars and food stalls.

For many, this is the heart of the Fringe, and where you’re most likely to spot a celeb or bump into an old mate from many moons ago.

The Fringe Festival is all about new experiences and making the most of them, so consider grabbing your food on the go and staying amongst the action.

Cheap eats are the way forward for saving time and money, but that doesn’t mean having to opt for overpriced fast food vendors that only pop up in time for the core tourist footfall.

The main festival areas are also lined with independent eateries and firm local favourites that have been around for years.

Places to eat during Edinburgh festivals

Oink, Edinburgh

With shops on Victoria Street and Canongate, you’re never far from some delicious hot meat rolls.

With whole hogs roasted in the windows and sourced from the owner’s very own farm, happy piggies mean happy tummies.

Piemaker, South Bridge

Piemaker is located just off of the Royal Mile on South Bridge and produces the most unbelievable, fresh pies.

The menu is extensive, the staff are very friendly, and the opening times will keep you going from breakfast to a post-Pleasance pig-out.

Remember, if you haven't booked your Festival Accommodation, view our self-catering options to find a luxury apartment during your time here (often at a cheaper rate than a hotel).

Book now with Reserve Apartments

Reserve Apartments offers a variety of self-catering accommodation for your Edinburgh Festival season.

Browse our portfolio and book your Festival trip with us today.

Feeling hungry now? Coming up in part 3, the all-important 'Booze and Belly'!