Hi, I am a 21 year old student studying in Europe. I'm planning a trip to Scotland March 30-April 2. It sounds as though Edinburgh is the place to see all the beautiful sights, so I'm definitely planning on staying there. I was wondering about the nightlife there, especially for younger people! Do I have to train to Glasgow for fun at night? Glasgow is more industrial, right? An ugly, fun city??

No - much of Glasgow isn't ugly (tho' some is as in any city)

But w/ all of the university students in Edinburgh you won't lack for places to go/meet people. I'd just stay in Edinburgh since you time is so limited. I'm a bit too old to give you ideas on the "happening" places but a couple of posters on here live in Edinburgh so hopefully one of them will see your thread. I do know the Venue is (or at least was a couple of years ago) a a good live music club.

I'm also a bit too old to give you ideas on the "happening" places ! However, here's my tuppence-worth.

Glasgow is supposed to have better nightlife but there is plenty in Edinburgh. And the last train back is at 11.30pm. When you get here, buy 'The List' - the fortnightly listings magazine covering Edinburgh & Glasgow. It lists clubs, as well as music, theatre, art galleries, etc. Any more specific questions, just ask.

The Venue is sadly supposed to be closing down soon but I think it's still open just now.

Glasgow struck me as pretty gritty. There was a huge population of tattooed, drunken "gothic" youth hanging around all day. No doubt they provide wild nightlife until they pass out.

We were in Edinburgh for the "fringe" so I can't say what it is like normally. Revellers there were and of a distinctly more amusing stripe.

I think you won't lack for nightlife in Edinburgh. It might be somewhat wilder in Glasgow.

I think there is usually a Folk Music Festival which starts around the 1st of April in Edinburgh, so you may be hitting a bit of extra excitement in that vein.

Pausanias, I think you only saw one small element of Glasgow. (Are you referring to the young teens who hang about outside the Gallery of Modern Art pretending to be goths ?) It has a rougher side, sure, but it also has more designer shops & a more happening contemporary art scene than Edinburgh, to name but two of its attractions for those who like that sort of thing.

I frequently go through to Glasgow in the evenings for the theatre and wouldn't want anyone to be scared to go there; but with only 2 or 3 nights I'm sure kateieboo will find plenty to do in Edinburgh.

Caroline --

I'm sure you're right. I was just a short -term visitor. The kids I referred to ranged from the necropolis behind the cathedral past the statue of Wellington (which seemed to be Ground Zero for them) and beyond. I don't know if they were pretending to be Goths, but they were certainly not pretending to be tattooed and pierced and drunk at three in the afternoon. They struck me as pathetic, not dangerous.

As you suggest, though, that scene is only a small part of Glasgow and we enjoyed our visit overall. I just wanted to describe what I saw so that katieboo, who for all I know may do her hair in a pink mohawk and sport a row of iron spikes down her nose, can decide which might suit her best. My own preference, were I thirty years younger, would definitely be Edinburgh.

At least I think so . . .

P.

Hi P. No problem, each to their own.

Yes, those are the young people I meant - they are always hanging round the Duke of Wellington's statue (outside GoMA). Like you said, I think they are more pathetic, not dangerous.

It is true that there are more murders etc in Glasgow but I work on the basis that the people doing the attacking only attack people they know

hey katieboo,

I went to Glasgow and Edinburgh last year and I preferred Edinburgh. I am 23 years old and had more fun there. When I was there I went out with a few locals and on a friday, the pub was already crowded around six. We also went to one stylish bar where they have 150 different kinds of vodka (also with flavour). I'm not sure about the name, but I think it was BAR KOHL.

Yes, it's Bar Kohl, on George IV Bridge. I enjoy it up until about 9pm but then start feeling a bit old

The best thing about that bar was coming out of it, walking down the street and seeing the lighted Castle. A fantastic view!