London vs. Edinburgh vs. (possibly) Manchester

Once I finish college I'm heading off to Britain for that swap program. I'm trying to decide between London and Edinburgh, but it's a little difficult since I haven't been to either.

London being one of the most important cities in the world is a huge selling point, especially since I grew up in the backwaters of Canada (Newfoundland).

Edinburgh is also appealing. I hear is has some very friendly citizens and beautiful architecture. I'm afraid though it's more of a tourist attraction than a cosmopolitan, vibrant city, and it would get dull after a while.

I'm not sure if Manchester is an option since it doesn't have a hosting centre, but I hear it's rated the most bohemian and gay friendly city in the UK, which also sounds great.

I was hoping I could hear some opinions about each, what you like and don't like. Anything at all would be helpful.

Thanks

Hiya- welcome to the board.

It might help if you said what kind of lifestyle you are hoping to live when you are here and what kind of activities you are interested in.

Both London and Edinburgh are great cities- depends what you are really after.

Hi Tender. It does depend on what you are looking for in your experience. I lived in Edinburgh for a year, so am biased towards it! I think it's a great city - it's beautiful, it is very easy to walk around the city, it feels very safe at night (am sure there are bad areas like all places, but in the center I never felt threatened). There is tons going on - if you're into culture, then there are art galleries and theatre. If you're into clubs and music, there's plenty of that too. Live music tends to be more in Glasgow - but it's only 45 minutes away by train. There's also beautiful scenery within easy reach of the city, all by public transport.

The only negative about Edinburgh was the weather - it is cold and dark in winter, and summer has long day light hours which is great, but it never gets really hot. The south has much more moderate weather.

London is a great city to visit - but personally, I wouldn't want to live there (there are plenty of people on the boards who do though, so I'm sure they can fill you in on what they like). For me, it's just too big and chaotic. The commuting from areas where people live to inside the city would start to get to me. But again, culturally, it is wonderful - tons of art galleries, museums, theatres. Haven't been to any clubs there, so I can't comment.

It does depend on what you are looking for - and I'm sure you will get to visit both while you are here.

Manchester is not too expensive (specially compared to London), it has interesting modern architecture, it is close to Liverpool and Chester which both have their charms and closeish from the Welsh coast which is another world altogether.

Lts of clubs, lots of shopping lots of culture for better temperature than ednborough and cheaper than London

I vote Edinburgh. People are more lively and plenty of attractions. Only about a 1.5 hour train ride away from Glasgow if you want to see the "real" characters hehe.