Visiting Edinburgh for the vavious festivals in August can be an expensive business - show tickets, accomodation, food and drink soon add up.
But the truth is that there are many ways to have some festival fun withouy spending a penny.
Admittedly some of the shows that are billed as 'free', particularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, ask for a donation after the show - but if you don't like them you don't have to put your hand in your pocket.
And there are many other attractions and events that are genuinely free.
Here are 11 of our favourites.
5. Get a taste of the Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from August 1-23 and is one of the hottest tickets of the summer. It can be expensive though. For a free taster, head to the Royal Mile, just down from the Castle when the show is due to finish at around 11pm. Not only will you get a great view of the fireworks on the esplanade, you'll also have the chance to see some of the cast march away from the venue. | Getty Images
6. Try the PBH Free Fringe
Founded by comedian Peter Buckley Hill (pictured) in 1996, the PBH Free Fringe has a whole programme of shows you don't need to book - just turn up and enjoy. Pick up a programme or pop onto the website and make your pick. As many performers joke though, it's free to get in , but not necessarily to leave. Expect a collection bucket at the end on the understanding that, if you enjoyed it, a £5-£10 donation is reasonable. | Contributed
7. Try the other Free Festival
Fringe-goers don't have to worry about the history of why there are now two different free fringes (or the associated politics) - they can just be happy at the extra choice they have. The Free Festival began in 2004 and was sert up by Laughing Horse Comedy promoters and operates from pubs and other venues across the city - most notably The Counting House (pictured) and The Three Sisters. Pretty much the same rules apply - watch a show and then pay what you want at the end. You can pick up a full programme from any of their venues. | Google Maps
8. Hit the art trail
The Edinburgh Art Festival runs from August 7-24 and celebrates the visual arts in official and pop-up galleries (such as the one pictured in Johnston Terrace Nature Reserve in 2021) across the city. Now in its 21st edition, most of the exhibitions are free - just grab a programme and use the included map to make your way around. It's also a fun way to visit parts of the city you might not otherwise see. | David Hepburn