Hit the Edinburgh Festival for a World of Arts

There's only one place in the world where you can watch the biggest names in comedy perform side by side with students trying out their first stand up tour, or see a Shakespeare play performed as if all of the characters were zombies, or even take in a theatrical experience entitled something along the lines of "Musical: The Musical… The Musical!"

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is renowned worldwide as the biggest and best chance to see a mass celebration of the arts as the world's freshest talent comes together to perform in one city

Each year, the festival sees millions of performers and spectators descend on the Scottish capital to enjoy shows from their favourite performers or to experience entirely new acts - many of which offer the excellent extra of being free to attend. Many of the world's biggest comedians found their feet at the Edinburgh Festival, and for this reason it's held in very high regard amongst the higher circles of the industry. What's more, the Fringe is amateur acts' chance to test out their skills in front of an audience to see what works and what doesn't, helping them to weed out the weaker material in time for next year.

During the day, when shows aren't being put on in massive theatres or in poor students' living rooms, the streets are filled with jugglers, fire breathers, magicians and various other entertainers. All of these free shows which pack the Royal Mile are put on for the sole purposes of entertaining the masses - though they'll appreciate you dropping a few coins into their hat as you stroll past and take something else in.

Famous city park The Meadows is another great area to go and soak up the Fringe atmosphere. Like the high street and main Edinburgh areas, the Meadows is packed with performers, as well as stalls and funfair rides for all to enjoy. The world famous Chinese State Circus also sets up camp here and is well worth taking a look at, with a myriad of human performers executing stunning and dangerous routines before audiences who flock there in their hundreds.

The Fringe is best known for bringing diverse acts and tastes together. At the Pleasance courtyard venue, you're likely to catch a kids' comedy show being put on in one venue with a raunchy burlesque taking place in the next - and such diversity is the very core of the Edinburgh Festival.

August is certainly the most popular time for tourists to check into Edinburgh hotels, and with good reason. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a true must-see occasion that will have you craving a return to the city each August for years to come.