The busiest month of the year is here, and it’s pretty much bigger than Christmas. That’s right, it’s time for one of the biggest art festivals in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe. While the city will be at its most crowded, we have gathered up the very best things to do in Edinburgh this August.
1. See some shows at the Edinburgh Fringe
While the Edinburgh Fringe programme might appear a tad overwhelming, we have put everything in one place. From the funniest shows to see to the most unusual ones, check out our guides to the Edinburgh Fringe to make the most of the festivities. What is more, we have also put together a guide of our top tips and tricks to improve the festival experience!
2. Indulge in a dazzling candlelit concert
Classical music lovers, rejoice! Chopin by Candlelight is coming to Edinburgh this August, showing audiences how it’s done. Right as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is coming to an end (sob) on August 24, St. Giles Cathedral will light up with a sea of candles, creating an enchanting evening of the best works from Chopin performed by Warren Mailley-Smith. You can book your tickets here.
3. Try out the juiciest burgers in town
George Street is home to Fat Hippo in Edinburgh, welcoming burger lovers to try out the menu in full glory. When visiting Fat Hippo, it is all about getting the food all over your face, so don’t wear anything you’d not want to get sauce on. The signature beef and boneless buttermilk chicken patties come with free hand-cut chips, with a range of vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available.
4. Explore waterfalls around Edinburgh
When it comes to nature outings, they become even more appealing when it involves waterfalls. Whether you just want to have a short walk near Crammond Falls or want to adventure outside of the city, we put our favourite waterfalls near Edinburgh in a handy guide.
5. Try the best fish and chips in Edinburgh
Scottish Chippy Awards named the best chippies in our wee country recently. A local family-owned business that is renowned within the community was named the ‘Best in Edinburgh’. #Fish in Marchmont is officially the best fish and chips in Edinburgh, also known for their sustainably sourced fish. The chippy has served an impressive 97 various seafood options since #Fish opened its doors. So, give it a try and tell us what you think!
6. Learn the legends behind the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel from The Da Vinci Code
When it comes to mysterious places, Rosslyn Chapel is filled with myths and legends tracking back centuries. The chapel was a major inspiration for the bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, as well as being the location of its finale. However, the fictional hidden mysteries of Christianity are not the only point of the chapel’s allure: it has been the focal point of various myths, legends and magic long before the book came out.
7. Enjoy street food in a fine dining concept
That’s right, that comforting sense of street food can now be enjoyed in a more elegant way at Junk in Newington. Located on South Clerk Street, the restaurant and bar offer comfort food in a way you’ve never had it before, having been prepared by chefs who previously worked at Michelin-star restaurants. We’d recommend going all out for the Dealer’s Choice surprise menu to try out some of the chef’s favourite dishes along with some creative cocktails. Plus, it’s a local family-run business that just opened in November 2022, so give them some much-needed love!
8. Try out one of the best things to do in the world
The Chocolatarium Chocolate Experience is the fourth best thing to do in the world, according to TriAdvisor. Now that’s quite a title, but who doesn’t love chocolate (unless you’re allergic, then I’m so sorry)! Apparently, only less than 1% of the platform’s 8,000 listings made the cut in the first place, and Edinburgh made it fourth on the list. The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour experience will take guests on a 90-minute delicious discovery adventure, with chocolate sampling, learning more about the ins and outs of chocolate making and its origins, as well as making your own bar of chocolate.
9. Discover our favourite beaches around Edinburgh
Us Scots are not put away from a wee day out by some rain, and it certainly won’t stop us from all the things to do this August. Even though glorious sunshine would be the ideal scenario, Scottish weather can often surprise us with all four seasons in one day. While there are two beaches in Edinburgh, Cramond Beach and Portobello Beach, the East Coast is also worth exploring further afield. So we’ve put together a list of the very best beaches near the capital city for you to make the most of your trip to the beach.
10. Enjoy brunch with chocolate on tap
Chocolate flows endlessly at Haute Dolci, located in St Jame’s Quarter. Dessert lovers can experience the flowing chocolatey extravaganza in person, indulging in an abundant menu set to satisfy every sweet tooth person. The Lotus Biscoff Croffles with Biscoff gelato and sauce is a noteworthy highlight, and it’s as sweet as it sounds. What is more, The Berry Good French Toast will make anyone’s day as well, with its thick, fluffy stack.