Edinburgh Parking

[Scottishhighlander]

Doing the fringe along with sightseeing and a few visits to coastal towns next week so got car hired.
Staying near Leith Docks so will use tram during day to go into the centre but what's it like for parking in the evening in the George Street area and also if we went over the North and South Bridge towards Clerk Street I think it is.
Just that we have booked a few late shows so feel happier and safer taking the car.

Sorry, someone up thread mentioned ULEZ and it's a hire car but the rest stands.

There’s a low emission zone in place in the centre now so check your car is compliant. My DC meeting a 17 year old friend tomorrow who lives in Leith, doesn’t seem to have any more concerns than everyone else about going out in the evening (Leith has great bars and restaurants, do check them out).

@Scottishhighlander I wouldn't bother bringing the car into town, Leith is really well served by public transport (even throughout the night - N11, N16, N22) and parking in Edinburgh is dire unless you're prepared to pay through the nose.

Have walked late at night at the fringe. I would take public transport and leave the car.
If all else fails you can always phone a taxi but, seriously, you will not need to.

If you really must take the car, I used to park in the Raddison Blu hotel car park. Cost a fortune but only a few minutes walk to Princes Steeet.

(Disclaimer I haven't had to take the car to Edinburgh since before covid so might be worth checking you can still do this)

Is it just me who'd feel more unsafe in a multi-story car park late at night than standing at a bus stop??

I don’t think Raddison Blu would be a good idea during the Fringe given the high street and the Cowgate are pretty much the epicentre of activity.

Incidently I thought George street seemed less busy than usual the other day and where have all bars that used to be on top of Waverley Mall gone?

Regardless of parking spaces and costs you'd likely be quicker walking wherever you're going (bar the tram back to Leith). Buses can take an age in August and they get to use the bus lanes, your car doesn't.

If you're able to, just get your comfy shoes on and walk.

I go to the fringe every year and would never drive in to town. Much better taking the bus or tram. They run late in to the night and some into the early hours.

Have a good time.

If you’ve never been to the festival before you are probably hugely underestimating how busy it is up to the early hours of the morning in the centre of town. Buses and trams are fine.

For George Street I’d park in the New Town. Heriot Row, Abercrombie place way. I wouldn’t even try to cross to the old town.

Or just walk up to the Old Town from Heriot Row. It’s a fun atmosphere.