Underbelly Cowgate

Underbelly Cowgate is one of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s main Old Town hubs, based at 66 Cowgate beneath the streets around the Royal Mile.

The complex contains several individual performance rooms, allowing theatre, comedy, cabaret, and other Fringe shows to run throughout the day and late into the evening.

Underbelly describes Cowgate as the venue where its Edinburgh festival operation began. Its 2026 spaces include Belly Button, Belly Dancer, Belly Laugh, Big Belly, Iron Belly, Jelly Belly, and Top Belly, alongside licensed bars and the Cow Cafe.

Individual shows are assigned to a specific room, so check the room name on your ticket before arriving. The Cowgate complex can become particularly busy during August, especially around evening performances and changeover times.

Location

The venue is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, close to George IV Bridge, Victoria Street, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Waverley is within walking distance, although the Cowgate sits at a lower level than several surrounding Old Town streets.

Before You Go

Opening times vary with the Fringe programme. Allow a little extra time to find the correct performance space, particularly if you have not visited the Cowgate complex before.

See the official Underbelly Cowgate page for current shows, venue information, accessibility details, and ticketing.