Edinburgh International Festival

In the great festival city.

4 – 27 August 2023

BOOK HOTEL FOR THIS EVENT Things to do in Edinburgh - Sightseeings and more

Basic Information

When: 4 – 27 August 2023

Where: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Map: Edinburgh on Google Maps

Official website: https://www.eif.co.uk

Hotels: Overview of Hotels in Edinburgh

August is the big festival month.

Since the city is the country’s capital, there are vibrant cultural events during the summer, especially in August.

Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh International Festival is part of the most important summer events in Scotland and the United Kingdom.

Founded after the second world war, it’s inviting artists and audiences to a world-class festival.

Over the year, it has become a significant Scottish capital’s cultural and social event.

What is Edinburgh International Festival About?

It is an event where you find dance, film, music, opera, talks & workshops and theatre at 17 venues.

You can visit King’s Theatre, The Hub, Usher Hall, and The Queen’s Hall – Edinburgh College of Art.

The festival starts with a grand opening ceremony, followed by the Hebrides Ensemble, taking place in the Queen’s Hall the day after.

The event ends on one of the last days of August, with spectacular closure – The Virgin Fireworks Concert – that will perform Debussy’s Ecossaise or Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries.

The festival also has facilities for deaf, hard-hearing, and visually impaired people.

Destination

Check-in date

Thu 28 Sep 2023

Check-out date

Fri 29 Sep 2023

I don't have specific dates yet

Places to stay and hotel tips

Booking.com

Cheval Old Town Chambers is an apartment hotel with style, located in the central location in Edinburgh.

Just a 2-minute walk from the Waverley railway station and 5 minutes from Edinburgh castle.

Its apartments are luxurious and modern and with free WiFi.

They range in size, and there are the ones with a fully fitted kitchen and dining area, luxury bathrooms, and some with stunning scenic views of the city, TV and sound systems.

Its position is the best feature of this beautiful hotel, as in every moment you’re in the middle of the best restaurants, shops and bars that Edinburgh is offering.

If you want to spend your time in Edinburgh in style, spend it in the Old Town Chambers on the Royal Mile.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 4 – 26 August 2023
During August, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held, featuring military displays, music, and marching.
May 21, 2023/by Roger

Edinburgh international festival — Edinburgh International Festival, 4 – 27 August 2023
Edinburgh International Festival, one of the most important summer events in Scotland. Most Edinburgh festivals are in August. Check them out
May 21, 2023/by Roger

Edinburgh Food Festival, 4 – 6 August 2023
Edinburgh once again hosts this three-day culinary food festival in August: The month of festivals in Edinburgh.
May 19, 2023/by Roger

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival — Edinburgh Jazz and Blues festival, 14 – 23 July 2023
Enjoy blues and jazz at the Edinburgh jazz festival in July, held in Edinburgh's many pubs as venues.
May 19, 2023/by Roger

Lets Rock Scotland Retro Music Festival — Let’s Rock Scotland, Dalkeith Country Park, Saturday 24 June 2023
Let's Rock Scotland with good old famous artists. A Saturday with Retro Pop and Rock in Dalkeith, near Edinburgh.
May 10, 2023/by Roger

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay New Years Celebration

In recent years Edinburgh has become famous for its New Years Eve fireworks displays.

Hundreds of thousand spectators crowd into Princes Street to watch the display from the castle.

The celebration is a three days long party of spectacular events.

Bands, Shetland Vikings, choral singing in St Giles’ Cathedral, Scottish music in the Old Town, and the great fireworks at NYE.

Website: https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh Mela

Edinburgh Mela is Scotland’s biggest celebration of world music and dance.

A great culture festival with both national and international artists.

Website: edinburgh-mela.co.uk

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

One of the worlds largest arts festival with thousands of performers at hundreds of stages in Edinburgh.

Shows for any taste from well-known artists to unknown names in the entertainment industry.

Website: edfringe.com

Edinburgh Art Festival

Website: edinburghartfestival.com

More about Edinburgh and what to see and do

Edinburgh castle

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline is Edinburgh Castle, built on the top of Castle Rock, an Iron Age settlement.

The Castle is Scotland’s most-visited paid tourist attraction, with over 1.2 million visitors annually.

It contains Edinburgh’s oldest building in the 12th century, St. Margaret’s Chapel.

From the 17th century, it was used as an army garrison, and the British Army is still responsible for many parts.

On the south side of the castle’s east is the Royal Mile, the main street of the old town, which runs from the castle to Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarchy, and open daily from 09.30.

On the northern side of the castle is Princes Street.

It’s 1.6 kilometres with many famous High Street shops and banks on its north side.

Victorian gardens are on its southern side, with fantastic castle views.

Opening and closing time varies seasonally, so check their website for details.

https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

More Attractions

There are many attractions, including the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland, beside the Princes Street Gardens.

edinburgh_zoo

Edinburgh Zoo lies to the west of the city centre.

Destination

Check-in date

Thu 28 Sep 2023

Check-out date

Fri 29 Sep 2023

I don't have specific dates yet

Getting to Edinburgh

By Air

Edinburgh is the Scottish capital city, well connected with cities from Europe and cities worldwide.

Its international airport lies 12 km to the west.

Train

Two railway stations are in the centre, with Waverley’s central station located on Princes Street on the East Coast route from London.

Frequent trains go from London, Manchester and many other cities.

By car

A good network of motorways leads to the city, but parking space is very limited in the centre.

Buy a Day Bus Pass if you want to make many journeys, but there is also an excellent taxi service with the black cabs showing an orange light when available for hire.

Most tour agencies suggest walking the city, as its charming and fantastic architecture is perfect for it.