Edinburgh at festival time
The Edinburgh Festival is the world’s largest arts binge and this year celebrates its 70th anniversary. Former resident Guy Dimond has the inside track on where to go for lunch and a ‘wee heavy’
BITE SIZE BREAKS
hungry traveller
IS FEST TIME THE BEST TIME?
If you love the arts, comedy and a good craic, go during the International Festival and its famous Fringe: this summer, that’s 4-28 August. But be warned that a few million other people have the same idea – on peak days, the population of central Edinburgh nearly doubles, so book well ahead for that hotel bargain you were tipped off about. If you prefer less of a bun-fight, go another month.
THE LIE OF THE LAND
Edinburgh is remarkably compact, with countless striking vistas of neo-classical and Georgian architecture. First get your bearings via the two areas defining the centre: the Old Town and the New Town.
The New Town is a vast regiment of well-preserved Georgian terraces to the north of Princes Street. It’s mostly residential, but it’s charming to wander around and marvel at the solidity of these perfectly kept 200-year-old buildings.