There’s August, and then there’s August in Edinburgh.
Once a year for a month, the Scottish capital is transformed into the world’s largest performing arts festival. Street performers, ballet dancers, comedians, writers and fireworks take over the medieval streets. With the city on the cusp of its biggest cultural moment of the year, we’ve dug into KAYAK data to uncover what’s happening in Edinburgh this August and how much it really costs to join in the festivities. We’ve also sussed out how you can plan your trip and save a few quid, even if you’re deciding to go at the last minute.
HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY
Edinburgh in August? It’s like a whole different city!
- Five major festivals take over the city – from the world-famous Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) to the Royal Military Tattoo – bringing with them hundreds of shows, street acts and cultural moments.
- Highlights for 2025? Brian Cox takes the stage, a gender-bending ballet of “Mary, Queen of Scots” and a netball-themed production of “Macbeth”…and the legendary Oasis reunion shows set to steal the spotlight.
- With millions of visitors expected, beds and seats will fill up quickly!
Savvy travellers can still find good flight deals.
Still want to fly? In that case, fly later in the month for a cheaper seat.
- Best days to fly: 18 – 22 August, when average flight prices range from £120 – £171.
- Days to avoid: 2–3 and 6–9 August, when the average return economy flight price exceeds £260. Flying domestically from the UK? Avoid 21–22 August (it’s the busy bank holiday weekend).
Hotel prices: Curtain up, rates up by 38%.
Check the city’s schedule before securing your stay and stay outside the old town.
- Stays during the final festival week can save you up to 34% compared to the peak dates, as the average nightly rates drop to £187. Heading earlier in the month? Early and mid-week stays are your best bets.
- Hotel rates can be as high as £310 in early August, especially around Oasis’25 concert dates, when the city is particularly busy.
- City centre hotels are likely to fill up quickly (and get pricey), but staying in Leith, Haymarket or near Bruntsfield can help you save on accommodation.
- Consider student dorms, which are rented out during summer – basic, central, and often cheaper than a hotel.
How to save while you’re in Edinburgh.
Even during the peak season, Edinburgh doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Read on to find out how savvy festivalgoers keep their spending in check.
Catch shows on the cheap
- Dozens of comedy and theatre shows are completely free (or pay-what-you-can) thanks to groups such as Laughing Horse and PBH’s Free Fringe.
- Use the Half Price Hut: Located on the Royal Mile, this booth sells same-day discounted tickets for big-name Fringe shows.
- Download the Fringe App to see hidden shows, last-minute ticket releases and digital passes, and to get tickets without queuing.
Walk everywhere
- Edinburgh is walkable, and most venues are within 20 minutes of each other.
- If you must use transport, download the Lothian Buses app for tap-and-go tickets (a day pass is ~£5.50).
Eat like a local
- Skip sit-down dinners during peak hours and grab bites from food markets at George Square or The Meadows.
- Look for student pubs and university cafés, which often stay open with cheaper prices during festival season.
- Some restaurants offer “Festival Menus” with set-price deals before 6 PM.’
Our insights are based on the analysis of flight and hotel searches made on KAYAK and associated brands between 01/01/2025 and 20/07/2025 for traveling to Edinburgh between 30/07/2025 and 27/08/2025. For year-on-year comparison, these searches were compared to searches made for the same search and travel periods in 2024. For month-on-month comparison, these searches were compared to searches made between 01/12/2024 and 20/06/2025 for traveling between 29/06/2025 and 27/07/2025. All flight prices are average prices for economy, return tickets. The hotel prices are average prices per night for a double room. Prices may vary. Percentages are approximate.
To identify best days to travel, the average daily prices for flights and hotels between 30/07/2025 and 27/08/2025 are calculated. Prices may vary. Percentages are approximate.
