Edinburgh is home to some of the world's most remarkable festivals, the most action-packed month being August that sees the arrival of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, the Art Festival, the Military Tatoo and the Mela Festival to the city's cultural agenda.

The final month of summer is arguably the best time to visit the historic Scottish

capital because of the intense buzz in the air, and somewhat reasonable weather conditions considering local standards. But do consider other events taking place throughout the year such as the Science Festival in March, and Hogmanay in December.

The Edinburgh Festival Scene

The Fringe is what Edinburgh is best known for. Gathering some of the world's top comedians, actors and playwrights for over three weeks of both free and ticketed entertainment in spectacular venues across town. A visit to the Fringe really does suit any budget. Just a brief stroll down one of the city's main streets will see your hands loaded with a whole host of flyers advertising show after show.

Mela celebrates Edinburgh's multicultural side. Held in the Leith Links park in a residential area near the city's port, the event showcases cultural diversity through the arts: song, dance, and theatre as well as crafts and cuisine.

The Military Tattoo is an outdoor spectacle held beside Edinburgh's spectacular castle. It's a celebration of the Armed Forces from around the world featuring band performances, impressive marches and light shows.

For more detailed information on all of the city's festivities, visit the official website.

What to Do in Edinburgh

If you fancy a break from all the festival activity, which can get rather stressful as the streets are constantly jampacked and loud, Edinburgh has fantastic sights to see, restaurants to visit, and parks to frolic in.

The areas of Stockbridge and The Shore are quiet havens to escape from the crowds and revel in the beauty of the Scottish capital. Venture to the Botanic Gardens and Inverleith Park for strolls and picnics. You can also wander along the Water of Leith pathway that will lead you directly to The Shore where you can enjoy some of the best restaurants in the city. It's home to what is deemed the Michelin Mile, a particularly high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants.

For cheap eats and to soak up on Edinburgh's student vibe, head to Newington where you can find fantastic ethnic eateries and an array of exciting charity shops to rummage around in.

Things to Keep in Mind

Plan your transport well in advance as ticket prices soar in advance of festival season. Edinburgh is well-connected to UK cities by bus and rail links, as well as many European and worldwide destinations via its international airport. In summer months ferry lines connect the city to the Netherlands and other countries.

Edinburgh hotels get booked out fast. Chain hotels are likely to be the first to go as the usual summer tourist crowds are joined by festival goers. Seek out smaller, more independent places to stay that will also be more relaxing at the end of the day, and provide more personal service during your stay.

Prices do have a tendency to increase in August so plan to spend more than you might on your average holiday to the UK.