How to: Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual series of Military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands and display teams on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

Sounds a bit scary I guess, but it is really just a show with a lot of music and dance and fun! Edinburgh's castle esplanade is beautiful and the whole event is simply spectacular. Last year was the very first time I attended and even though I didn't plan on it, this year I am going again. With my parents and some friends (yay!)

It is really one of those things where you need to plan and book ahead, so here is my mini guide.

1. Buy your tickets in advance

This sounds like duuuh, but it is really important. It is just one of many festivals going on during August and it can get a bit crazy, but make sure you pick a date and book your tickets. You can do this online or on the phone, but they do charge you 5£ for doing so. Crazy, if you ask me. So I went to the office today (32 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB) and within 5 minutes it is done and you have your tickets in your hand. You can pick the seating yourself, the better the seats the more expensive obviously, but I just wanna say- we sat in the second cheapest seats last year (section 16, click here) and it was absolutely fine! We sat quite high up which gives you a cool overview of everything, so I definitely recommend those seats! You don't need to spend 200 pounds on a ticket!

2. Don't queue, just make sure you get to the venue before 9

Here is the deal. The road leading up to the castle is not the biggest and these several thousand people need to get in somehow. This is done by making them queue up for like ages and forever down the road. What we did is just turn up around 8.45 (show starting at 9) and we were able to slowly walk in and not really queue up at all. I mean, why would you want to stand in line? It's not like it gets you better seats!

3. Bring a blanket and warm clothes

Well, it is Scotland after all. Apparently there was not one show in the past 30 years that has been cancelled due to weather. Good sign, I guess! Nevertheless make sure you bring warm clothes and maybe even some snacks or drinks. You are quite high up on these stands and it can get reeeally cold.