St Andrew Square Edinburgh
A grand Georgian square in Edinburgh's New Town, featuring the Melville Monument and vibrant festival life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fringe festival buzz
St Andrew Square Edinburgh
Best Time
Fringe festival buzz

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand Georgian square in Edinburgh's New Town, featuring the Melville Monument and vibrant festival life.
"St Andrew Square: A beautiful Georgian hub, buzzing during Fringe, but tricky for drivers."
🚗 Driving & Parking Advice
Consider drop-offs on nearby streets like Dublin St. Car parks at Waverley or Omni Centre are options. :car:
🎭 Fringe Festival Fun
Enjoy food vendors and the Spiegeltent during August for a lively experience. :performing_arts:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Melville Monument
Center of St Andrew Square
A towering tribute to Henry Dundas, offering a central landmark and a focal point for the square's greenery.

Fringe Festival Buzz
St Andrew Square (August)
Experience the electric atmosphere of the Edinburgh Fringe with food stalls and the iconic Spiegeltent.

Elegant Georgian Architecture
Surrounding buildings
Admire the refined Georgian facades that define the New Town's architectural splendor.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating St Andrew Square
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Driving & Parking Advice
Consider drop-offs on nearby streets like Dublin St. Car parks at Waverley or Omni Centre are options. :car:
🎭 Fringe Festival Fun
Enjoy food vendors and the Spiegeltent during August for a lively experience. :performing_arts:
🚶♀️ Explore the New Town
St Andrew Square is a gateway to Edinburgh's elegant Georgian New Town. :house:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture the square's symmetry and monuments, especially during golden hour. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Driving & Parking Advice
Consider drop-offs on nearby streets like Dublin St. Car parks at Waverley or Omni Centre are options. :car:
🎭 Fringe Festival Fun
Enjoy food vendors and the Spiegeltent during August for a lively experience. :performing_arts:
🚶♀️ Explore the New Town
St Andrew Square is a gateway to Edinburgh's elegant Georgian New Town. :house:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture the square's symmetry and monuments, especially during golden hour. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St Andrew Square is a beautiful and central Georgian square, praised for its elegant architecture and role as a vibrant hub during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Visitors appreciate its open green spaces and the iconic Melville Monument. However, driving and parking can be challenging due to restricted access and high costs.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving directly into St Andrew Square can be restricted to buses. For pickups, Reddit users recommend passengers walk to nearby streets like Dublin Street or Queen Street for easier access. If you must drive, consider parking at the Omni Centre or Waverley car parks, though they can be expensive.
Yes, St Andrew Square is very well-served by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop directly at or very near the square, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. :bus:
Absolutely! St Andrew Square is a central point in Edinburgh's New Town and is easily walkable from many popular areas like Princes Street and George Street. :walking:
The most convenient way is to take the Airlink 100 bus service, which stops at Waverley Bridge, a short walk from St Andrew Square. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. :airplane: :bus:
The square itself is largely flat and paved, making it generally accessible. However, some of the surrounding pavements might have kerbs. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St Andrew Square is a public space and is free to enter and explore. You only need tickets if you're attending an event at the Famous Spiegeltent during the Fringe Festival. :ticket:
St Andrew Square is open to the public at all times. However, specific attractions within the square, like the Spiegeltent during the Fringe, will have their own operating hours. :clock3:
The gardens and green spaces within St Andrew Square are free to access for everyone. Enjoy the open lawns and monuments without any charge. :moneywithwings:
Yes, St Andrew Square is a major venue during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, hosting food vendors and the Famous Spiegeltent. Keep an eye on local listings for other seasonal events. :performing_arts:
Yes, tickets for shows at the Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square can be booked through the official Edinburgh Fringe Festival website. :computer:
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
St Andrew Square features the Melville Monument, beautiful green spaces for relaxing, and is surrounded by elegant Georgian architecture. During August, it buzzes with Fringe Festival food vendors and performances. :park: :performing_arts:
Yes, the square offers excellent photographic opportunities with its symmetrical layout, the Melville Monument, and the surrounding New Town architecture. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide beautiful light. :camera:
During the Fringe Festival, St Andrew Square hosts various food vendors. The surrounding streets, particularly George Street, offer a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. :coffee: :wine_glass:
Established in 1772, St Andrew Square is a key part of Edinburgh's New Town, designed with elegant Georgian architecture. It's named after the patron saint of Scotland. :scroll:
St Andrew Square is generally a safe area, being a central and well-trafficked part of the city. However, as with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. :flashlight:
📸 📸 Photography
The Melville Monument provides a great central subject. For wider shots, position yourself at the edges of the square to capture the symmetry of the Georgian buildings. The surrounding streets also offer classic Edinburgh vistas. :camera:
Early morning offers fewer crowds and soft light, ideal for capturing the architecture. Late afternoon and early evening can provide beautiful golden hour light, casting a warm glow on the buildings. :sunrise: :city_sunset:
Drone usage in urban areas like St Andrew Square is often restricted due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check with local authorities or Edinburgh City Council before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
Focus on the elegant Georgian townhouses surrounding the square, the intricate details of the Melville Monument, and the overall symmetrical design of the New Town layout. :building_construction:
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expanse of the square and its architecture. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots or capturing the monument clearly. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more structured family experience, consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere is more relaxed. While there aren't specific playgrounds within the square itself, its proximity to Princes Street Gardens offers more extensive recreational opportunities. Remember to keep an eye on children, especially during busy festival periods. :child: :ice_cream:
💰 Budget Travelers
During the Fringe Festival, while the Spiegeltent shows have ticket prices, the general atmosphere, food vendors, and the square itself remain accessible. Look for affordable eats from the various food trucks. For parking, be aware that city center car parks can be costly; consider using public transport or walking if possible to keep costs down. :money_bag: :bus:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
St Andrew Square and the Edinburgh Fringe
Dominating the festival presence in the square is the Famous Spiegeltent, a stunning, ornate venue that hosts a packed program of comedy, music, and cabaret. The tent itself is a spectacle, adding to the unique charm of the Fringe experience. Visitors can enjoy performances, grab a drink, and mingle with festival-goers from around the globe, making St Andrew Square a must-visit destination during this busy period.
While the Fringe brings excitement, it also means increased crowds and noise. Planning your visit to coincide with specific shows or exploring the food vendors during off-peak hours can enhance the experience. Remember to book tickets in advance for popular Spiegeltent performances to avoid disappointment.
Navigating St Andrew Square by Car
Reddit users frequently advise that the simplest solution for pickups is to have your passenger walk a short distance to nearby streets like Dublin Street or Queen Street. This avoids the complexities of navigating the square's restricted access and makes the process smoother for both parties. If you need to park, several car parks are within a reasonable walking distance, including those at Waverley Station and the Omni Centre. Be prepared for these to be relatively expensive, especially during peak times.
When considering parking, George Street also offers pay-and-display bays, which can be a viable option, though also not the cheapest. The key takeaway is to plan your route and consider the most convenient drop-off or parking locations beforehand to avoid frustration upon arrival.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit