Edinburgh or Bristol?

I've lived in Edinburgh since 1995, and it's an absolutely great place to live. The University itself, is spread all over the city, with different departments in different areas, but as far as educational standards go it's second to none.

Edinburgh has a great night life, especially for students, who get special passes for pubs, clubs and bars with which they can buy drinks, e.t.c half price. There are also lots of restaurants, bistros, cafes, e.t.c with a great range of food types and nationalities. There are lots of great places to visit in Edinburgh to suit all interests. There are lots of historical monuments and buildings (including the castle of course), the zoo, the botanical gardens, two wonderful museums, lots of opportunity to play sport, golf courses and two major football grounds belonging to Scottish premier league teams (Hearts and Hibs), a great range of cinemas, theatres, e.t.c and all sorts of music to enjoy from rock to classical to folk.

Then in mid-winter Edinburgh has the biggest and best New Years eve (Hogmanay) party in the UK and in late summer there is the Edinburgh festival, when all sorts of performers (comedy, music, you name it) descend on Edinburgh for three or four weeks from all over the UK and Europe, in addition to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Another advantage of Edinburgh is that it has a significantly lower crime rate than other Scottish cities. It was reported earlier this year that the crime rate has fallen by 30% in Edinburgh over the past 2 years.

Although Edinburgh is a place where you will never be bored, and is a spectacularly beautiful city, it is also a quite expensive place to live. Since it is the capital city of Scotland, it has the highest council tax in Scotland, and the price of goods in general tend to be higher than elsewhere. This is most noticable with the price of alcohol, but as I mentioned students do get good discounts in selected establishments.

So on the whole I can highly recommend Edinburgh as a great place to live, study and generally enjoy yourself.

I've never been to Bristol, so can't comment on it.

Edinburgh is very civilized, and has the Festival every summer. Views on the Festival (both classical and fringe) are that it is a highly cultural experience - really great fun and it makes Edinburgh really crowded at that time of year. Bristol can also be a good place to live. I've experience in extended visits to both cities.

Bristol- without question. I have been to both cities and although I love edinburgh, bristol is extra special! It has the most amazing cultural and historic links, as well as being a 'uni city'. The University of Bristol has been graced by royalty, and the sons of the ex PM, as well as countless other celebs.

The huge array of bars, pubs and clubs- not to mention restaurants- from the upper class Whiteladies Road, to the gorgeous dockside city centre give you the opportunity to have a different night out every night of the week- and its fairly cheap to drink!!

All in all, I would chose it everytime over most other cities in the UK!

Edinburgh!!! definately!! I live just outside Edinburgh (about 10 miles) and i love the city!

Sure its no New Yourk, or london, for that matter, but its beautiful and always buzzing. Us Scots sure know how to party aswell so you'll never be bored.

In regards to the Universities, i couldnt tell you what was better! Really depends on your course, but going by the city i would definately say Edinburgh!!

You might want to consider distance from home aswell, Edinburgh has great rail links and busses aswell...Choose Edinburgh!!:)

just my opinion...

edinburgh - very touristy, scottish climate, expensive. beautiful city though

bristol - less touristy, nowhere near as cold, hilly

both unis and both cities are fairly middle-class compared to other big big city unis

i would pick bristol. its a vibrant city, with better weather and in a better location - close to bath, cardiff, cornwall and london

bristol 'invented' trip-hop - portishead, tricky, massive attack etc - so the music scene is always lively there!

Bristol - I live in this great City, however the bus fares are terrible! :) It is also getting modern as there is a new shopping centre being built!

neither - did you not try Glasgow...? you'll love it here..