St Andrew Square, Edinburgh - A sidewalk at Helsingborg, Sweden
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St Andrew Square Edinburgh

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

August evenings

Fringe festival buzz

CrowdHigh
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St Andrew Square, Edinburgh - A sidewalk at Helsingborg, Sweden

St Andrew Square Edinburgh

Best Time

August evenings

Fringe festival buzz

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"St Andrew Square: A beautiful Georgian hub, buzzing during Fringe, but tricky for drivers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Melville Monument

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

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

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

St Andrew Square is a central hub, but driving can be tricky. Reddit users suggest alternative drop-off points like Dublin Street or Queen Street if you're driving. Parking is available at Waverley or Greenside Place car parks, though it can be pricey. :car: :bus:

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Hub

During August, St Andrew Square transforms into a vibrant hub for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, featuring food vendors and the Famous Spiegeltent. Expect lively crowds and a festive atmosphere. :performingarts: :foodtruck:

Best Times

When
August evenings
Why
Fringe festival buzz
Crowd
High
When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh? That's a question asked all the time! Let's break down what to expect in spring. Remember: weather, crowds, and your budget are all connected when planning your trip. Edinburgh experience: Spring (March-May): Weather: Mild with increasing temperatures (7-13°C (or 45°-55°F), but still expect some rain. Flowers: Enjoy blooming trees and flowers, with cherr...
@rhonatheunicorn
231.7K likes • 1.6M views

🚗 Driving & Parking Advice

Consider drop-offs on nearby streets like Dublin St. Car parks at Waverley or Omni Centre are options. :car: Reddit

🎭 Fringe Festival Fun

Enjoy food vendors and the Spiegeltent during August for a lively experience. :performing_arts: Instagram

For the best views of Edinburgh Castle, head to the cafes along Princes Street. #edinburgh #edinburghscotland #edinburghlife #TravelMemories #travel #traveltips
@myedinburgh
45.3K likes • 505.8K views
Deadly Synths opens tonight 💖 The Famous Spiegeltent, St Andrew Square 9:30pm ⚡️ tix: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/laurie-black-deadly-synths (ps comment & share for cheap tix code)
laurieblackinc
108 likes • 1.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the New Town

St Andrew Square is a gateway to Edinburgh's elegant Georgian New Town. :house: TikTok

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

Capture the square's symmetry and monuments, especially during golden hour. :camera: TikTok

St Andrews Square in the Fringe! 🍕 Check out all of the amazing vendors who have pitched up right next to Kaplan for August 🐮 Why not join Hamish for some lunch in the Spiegel Garden? @civerinos_official @primestreetfood @edinburghgin @burgerhead.edin #kaplanedinburgh #kaplanexperience
kaplanedinburgh
64 likes • 0 views

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: Reddit

🎭 Fringe Festival Fun

Enjoy food vendors and the Spiegeltent during August for a lively experience. :performing_arts: Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the New Town

St Andrew Square is a gateway to Edinburgh's elegant Georgian New Town. :house: TikTok

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

Capture the square's symmetry and monuments, especially during golden hour. :camera: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Elegant Georgian architecture
Central location
Fringe Festival atmosphere

What People Dislike

Difficult driving access
Expensive parking

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. Reddit

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: TikTok

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: TikTok

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: Instagram

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: Instagram

Yes, tickets for shows at the Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square can be booked through the official Edinburgh Fringe Festival website. :computer: Instagram

🎫 📍 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: Instagram

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: TikTok

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: Instagram

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: TikTok

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: TikTok

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: TikTok

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

St Andrew Square offers a pleasant open space for families to relax. During the summer months, especially August, the square becomes a lively hub for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, featuring various food stalls that can be a hit with children. Instagram The open lawns provide space for kids to move around, and the central monument can be an interesting point of discussion.

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

St Andrew Square is an excellent free attraction in Edinburgh. You can enjoy the architecture, the green spaces, and the central monument without spending a penny. TikTok It's a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, saving money on dining out.

During the Fringe Festival, while the Spiegeltent shows have ticket prices, the general atmosphere, food vendors, and the square itself remain accessible. Instagram 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

During August, St Andrew Square undergoes a vibrant transformation as it becomes a key venue for the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The open green space is filled with a lively atmosphere, hosting a variety of food vendors offering diverse culinary delights. Instagram This culinary hub provides a perfect spot to refuel between shows or simply soak in the festival's energetic vibe.

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. Instagram 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Navigating St Andrew Square by Car

For visitors planning to drive to St Andrew Square, it's important to be aware of the traffic regulations. Direct vehicular access into the square itself is often restricted, primarily allowing buses. Reddit This means that if you're planning to drop someone off, you might need to find alternative arrangements.

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. Reddit 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. Reddit 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. Reddit The key takeaway is to plan your route and consider the most convenient drop-off or parking locations beforehand to avoid frustration upon arrival. Reddit

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