The Fringe takes place over the month of August. There are hundreds of venues, thousands of performers putting on comedy, drama, dance, music, and stuff that brings all of these things together. It is fantastic fun and you'll need at least a week to see all the things you should.

The street performers were my very favorite part of Edinburgh. Some are hilarious, some are tragic, others are really really terrible... but I promise there is no other place or time quite like the High Street during the Fringe Fest. The performers will be in costume trying to hand you brochure/advertisements for their show in their hundreds - and often their gimmicks to get your attention in the street is better than their actual show. I was young and alone and loved the busy energy of the street, but if you cannot stand crowds or pesky salespeople, then steer clear.

The city is famous for the arts (it was once known as "the Athens of the North"), a pre-eminence reflected in its annual hosting of Britain’s largest arts extravaganza, the Edinburgh Festival. Its museums and galleries display the riches of many cultures.

Every year, for three weeks in late summer, Edinburgh hosts one of the worlds most important arts festivals, with every available space overflowing with international artists and performers. It has been held in Edinburgh since 1947 and it brings together the best in contemporary theatre, music, dance and opera. The alternative Festival Fringe, with some 600 companies involved balances the classic productions with a host of innovative performances. The most popular event is the Edinburgh Tattoo, held on the Castle Esplanade. This is a spectacle of Scottish infantry battalions marching to pipe bands from all over the world.

A fantastic series of events that cover everything from dance, theatre, and comedy to folk, jazz, and classical music. There are websites where you can buy tickets at: here, here, or here.

It is a great time to visit Edinburgh, too, as there is a definite buzz, loads of street entertainment, and the weather is usually not too bad!

Our trip to Edinburgh was completely last minute. Had we planned, we would have reserved tickets for the Tattoo, etc. Despite our unpreparedness, we were still able to take full advantage of the Fringe Fest. Even lowly latecomers, like ourselves, can snatch up tickets. You just have to be flexible, patient and willing to try different things. Great fun!