I know it's very late and I haven't even tried to book a flight yet, but we're thinking of going to Edinburgh on Aug 4 for 3 or 4 days and then travelling through Scotland. I also realize that there are two major festivals going on at that time and I'm wondering just how crowded does it get? Wall-to-wall people? No hotel rooms or good restaurants available? Would it be better for a first time visitor to come at another time? How is the weather in August?

Thanks for any help. Barb

I'm going to Edinburgh for the first time in August. I got a pretty reasonable flight through Continental into Glasgow. We're staying in a university residence that is pretty reasonable, but hotel prices are pretty high. I'd take a look at hotel prices for the sorts of places you'd want to stay before proceeding any further. Many are already booked. I got some good advice on (cheap) places to eat in an earlier thread also.

It does sound like Edinburgh will be crowded, but it can't be any worse than Florence or Rome.

You are very VERY late to be starting to plan an August stay in Edinburgh.

Not only several festivals but the International Tattoo. It isn't just tourists that fill up the hotels - but the thousands of performers/support staff too. So it may be <b>really</b> hard to find a room for 1 night let alone for 4.

At this late date I'd suggest not even trying to stay in the city. Maybe in Fife or Stirling or Perth or even Glasgow and take the train into Edinburgh for a day trip(s)

Here's one place to look for accommodations:

http://www.edinburghfirst.com/accomm...tion-index.asp

If your stay doesn't include a weekend, you have a better chance.

Festival
Fringe Festival
Book Festival
Film Festival
Art Festival
Tattoo
Jazz Festival
Mela

busy? You're kidding, right? It gets crowded and at night it's wall to wall people. It's also great fun if you like that sort of thing. Hotel rooms will be t a premium. Restaurants, at this stage will not be a problem. Most people don't book ahead, because of the thing about doing three or four shows and not knowing what you'll get.

If you like buzz, come. If you like peace, come later.

The weather might be nice.

&quot;It does sound like Edinburgh will be crowded, but it can't be any worse than Florence or Rome.&quot;

Wanna bet

Oh - I missed that &quot;<i>It does sound like Edinburgh will be crowded, but it can't be any worse than Florence or Rome.</i>&quot; bit.

Surprise!

Oh well, it will be fun anyway .

Yikes!!

Thanks, everyone. I guess I'll go to France instead and visit Edinburgh next April or July.

Barb

Iv avoiding crowds is on your list, stay away from the French C&ocirc;te d'Azur in July/August. Most places are mobbed.

Just to point out that July is the Scottish school holidays - and the last week of July is the England &amp; Wales school holidays

I just checked with Expedia. There are still hotels in Edinburgh to be had on those dates. You can always get a restaurant.

It gets crowded, but that increases the activities that are offered. Plays, Tattoo, street performers, concerts, tours, all contribute to the excitement.

We had a wonderful time during the fringe at the end of August. We long to return.