Visit Edinburgh in August
Visiting Edinburgh: August 2023
August is the busiest month in Edinburgh for tourism. It’s when most of our summer festivals are on. The whole city is alive with music, art, performance and entertainment – there is nothing quite like it anywhere else! Book your stay at Parliament House Hotel early and start planning your summer festival adventures with us.
August festivals and events
There’s so much going on over the month of August! Two of the major festivals taking place are the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, both of which celebrate arts and culture, but in very different ways. The International Festival showcases renowned artists and performers from around there world, while the Festival Fringe is open to anyone with a story to tell. This makes for a wonderful, eclectic mix of shows and experiences. The atmosphere in the city is magical, whether you’re walking the streets or attending a show.
But it doesn’t stop there. Further festivals in August include the Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival. There’s also the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular show at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, which wows crowds with military performances, displays and pageantry.
Concert breaks this August
Some great musical acts will be performing in Edinburgh this August. Popular artists include Lady Blackbird at the Festival Theatre on 12th August, Jake Bugg at Edinburgh Playhouse on the 23rd, followed by Alison Goldfrapp on the 25th. First Aid Kit will be at the O2 Academy on the 16th and The Killers will play the Royal Highland Centre on the 29th.
Attraction of the month: Scott Monument
To mark Sir Walter Scott’s birthday this month, our attraction of the month is the Scott Monument. This iconic landmark on Princes Street was built in honour of the celebrated Scottish writer in 1846. The monument is open 7 days a week and visitors can climb the 287 steps to the top platform for amazing city views. But if you don’t have a head for heights, the gothic tower and statue can also be admired from the ground. Look out for the 64 sculpted characters from Scott’s novels, which adorn it. Visitor information.
Offer of the month: Pay Upfront Discount
Enjoy a break in Edinburgh for less when you book your stay 5 days or more in advance. Simply book your stay online and choose our Advance Purchase rate to get up to 25% off*. Payment will then be taken at the time of booking. This discount is applied to our Room Only, Best Available Rate. The amount discounted is dependent on the time of year, but is always set to be our cheapest rate. *Full details and T&Cs.
Day trip of the month: Portobello
If you want to escape the city for a wee while, there are plenty of wonderful places to visit nearby. On a beautiful summer’s day in August, head down to Portobello Beach for some seaside fun. Portobello is east to reach from the city centre by bus, in under half-an-hour. There you can enjoy refreshments in the cafes and bars on the promenade, sunbathe on the golden sands, and visit nearby attractions such as Portobello Swim Centre and Figgate Park.
Our top August blogs
Our Edinburgh Blog features news, guides and travel information to help you plan your visit. Check out our pick of the best blogs for August:
- The best festivals in Edinburgh this summer
- What to see at the Edinburgh International Festival
- Experience the Edinburgh Tattoo
- Beginner’s guide to the Edinburgh Fringe
- The biggest concerts in Edinburgh this summer
Visiting us this August
So, book your stay at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh and start planning your adventures. Remember, we have further information on attractions, shopping, itineraries, road trips and more in our Edinburgh Guide. And we are always here, should you need any help planning activities during your stay.
