There's no better time to visit Edinburgh than during the Fringe.

For three weeks every August, the city becomes the world's largest arts festival. The streets are packed with performers, live music spills out of every venue, and there's an incredible energy that you simply can't find anywhere else.

Whether it's your first Fringe or your fifth, here are our favourite tips for making the most of your time in the city.

1. Don't Plan Every Minute

One of the biggest mistakes people make during the Fringe is trying to schedule every hour of their trip.

Of course, book the shows you really don't want to miss, but leave plenty of space for spontaneity. Some of our favourite Fringe memories have come from accepting a flyer on the Royal Mile, discovering a tiny comedy venue tucked down a side street, or stumbling across an incredible street performer we'd never heard of before.

The Fringe is all about discovering the unexpected.

2. Eat Somewhere Outside the Festival Bubble

It can be tempting to grab whatever's closest between shows, but Edinburgh has some incredible restaurants that are worth stepping away from the crowds for.

One of our favourites is Toscano, an independent sandwhich shoop serving up amazing Italian inspired sandwhiches right in the center of the city. It's the perfect place to grab a bit in between shows. 

If you're after something even quicker, you simply can't visit Edinburgh without trying a slice from Civerinos. Their pizza has become a bit of an institution, and it's the perfect quick stop before heading to your next show.

3. Discover Edinburgh's Hidden Gems

The Fringe isn't just about theatre, it's also the perfect excuse to explore parts of the city you might otherwise miss.

Spend an afternoon getting lost in Armchair Books, one of Edinburgh's most iconic second-hand bookshops. Every room is packed floor to ceiling with books, and it feels like stepping into another world.

Afterwards, grab a coffee from Black Medicine Coffee Co., one of the city's longest-standing independent cafés and the perfect place to recharge before another evening of Fringe shows.

Sometimes the best parts of your trip happen between the performances.

4. Take a Break from the Crowds

As magical as the Fringe is, it can also be a little overwhelming.

One of our favourite ways to reset is by stepping away from the busy streets for an hour.

Pop into Recreation Jewels on Thistle Street, browse our latest waterproof and hypoallergenic jewellery collections and treat yourself to a ceremonial-grade matcha from our Matcha Bar. If you've got a little more time, book a private appointment at our Charm Bar and create your own personalised necklace, bracelet, bag charm or keyring, a unique keepsake to remember your Edinburgh trip.

Sometimes slowing down for an hour makes you appreciate the festival even more.

5. Stay Out Late

Some of the best moments during the Fringe happen long after your final show.

As the sun starts to set, the city takes on a completely different atmosphere. Musicians fill the streets, pop-up performances appear out of nowhere and every bar is buzzing with conversations about the shows people have just seen.

Rather than rushing home, spend the evening wandering through the city, stop for a late-night drink, listen to a street performer for a while and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

There's nowhere quite like Edinburgh in August.

See You at Recreation Jewels

If you're visiting Edinburgh during the Fringe, we'd love to welcome you into Recreation Jewels.

You'll find our flagship store on 20 Thistle Street, just a short walk from many of the city's Fringe venues. Whether you're looking for waterproof jewellery you'll wear all festival long, a handcrafted matcha to fuel your next show, or a personalised keepsake from our private Charm Bar experience, we'd love to be part of your Edinburgh adventure.

We can't wait to see you this Fringe season.