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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip

Festival Theatre (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Festival Theatre?

79%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 79% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveller can buy last-minute tickets, join the monthly backstage tour, sit comfortably with clear sightlines, and relax in the foyer bars without relying on anyone else; venue feels safe and staffed.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 3,958 reviews)

Positives:

  • Excellent acoustics: The auditorium delivers clear sound from all seating levels
  • Spacious seating: Seats have ample leg room and good sightlines

Challenges:

  • Variable ticket prices: High-demand shows cost more—plan purchases in advance
  • Limited discounts: Few concessions available; check specific show policies
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🏖️ Explore Festival Theatre with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Festival Theatre. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Festival Theatre?

  • A Victorian theatre inaugurated in 1892, now seating approximately 1,900 across stalls, circle and balcony levels
  • Scotland’s largest proscenium stage dedicated to opera, ballet and touring theatrical productions under Capital Theatres management
  • A building that melds ornate plasterwork and art deco detailing with a contemporary glass façade

What is so special about Festival Theatre for solo trip?

  1. Book central stalls early for best views
  2. Join a backstage tour to meet other solo visitors
  3. Capture Art Deco details on a self-guided photo walk
  4. Enjoy people-watching at the theatre’s bars

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to see a show, explore the auditorium and enjoy a tour or drink

(View Festival Theatre on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Festival Theatre

Attend a live performance:

Watch opera, ballet or comedy on Scotland’s largest stage

Tip: Book central stalls seats online at least two weeks ahead

Join a backstage tour:

Explore the stage machinery and dressing rooms

Tip: Reserve your £15 ticket via the Capital Theatres website

Self-guided photo tour:

Roam the Art Deco foyer and auditorium

Tip: Bring a camera and arrive 30 minutes before the show

Relax at a foyer bar:

Sample local ales or coffee on any level

Tip: Try the Stewart Brewing Bar for Scottish craft beers

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Festival Theatre

  1. Pick centre stalls: Centre aisle seats give the best view and sound quality
  2. Arrive early: Use pre-show time to explore bars and avoid queues
🏖️ Tour Festival Theatre like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Festival Theatre. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Festival Theatre

Powered by Google
Fee Fee

Fee Fee

Dec 2025

Really nice theatre, we've seen dozens of shows here and enjoyed every one of them. Having said that, during the last ballet we were at, others in the audience rustling sweet papers, and talking to their kids during the performance, were really irritating. We realise we were at a matinee show, but having paid £100+ for tickets, we really wanted to be entertained by those on the stage, not by some ...

Cindy Wigginton

Cindy Wigginton

Dec 2025

Saw The Snow Queen and it was wonderful! Absolutely loved the ballet, the sets, the costumes, all brilliant! The seats in the theatre are not particularly comfortable but it’s clean and the staff are always friendly!

Shona

Shona

Nov 2025

Fabulous evenings entertainment. Very helpful usher who went above and beyond expectations, great orchestra, powerfully evocative dancers flew across the stage gracefully. Well worth the trip.

Iain Banks

Iain Banks

Nov 2025

Saw Black Sabbath the Ballet here. Absolutely amazing, even from the upper circle. Being there was no problem for seeing the performance, and in some ways, it was the best view because the patterns made by the dancers were really clear

catcherry. x

catcherry. x

Jun 2025

Great theatre in the heart of Edinburgh. I watched The Funny Widow. I had never been to a theatre before where one can enjoy vegan ice cream whilst watching the spectacle! All in all a phenomenal experience! See you next time!

When is the best time to visit Festival Theatre (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

Summer musicals sell out fast—book early. Winter pantomimes offer special matinees. Check the theatre calendar before you visit.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Standard show ticketGBP 40
Backstage tourGBP 15
Drink or coffeeGBP 5
Total EstimatedGBP 60

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Festival Theatre

Address: 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT, UK

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Festival Theatre (Edinburgh)?

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About Festival Theatre

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:Closed

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 529 6000

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