Every reason why living in Edinburgh is better than living in London

It’s the capital of Scotland and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but just in case you were in any doubt about Edinburgh being the best city in the UK, and infinitely better to live in than London, here’s why:

Everyone is so much friendlier

Whether you’re at a restaurant, walking down the street or at the shops, people are far more likely to smile and treat you like a human being. A far more pleasant experience than being pushed around by men in suits late for their business meeting.

Edinburgh is literally Harry Potter city

The description of Hogwarts in the books matches George Heriot’s School, Victoria Street is the real life Diagon Alley, J.K Rowling wrote the first book in an Edinburgh cafe, there’s literally a statue of Dumbledore (well of an Albus lookalike) in New College and you can find the gravestones of a Tom Riddle and Professor McGonagall in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. Oh, and the Big Cheese is held in POTTERrow – really think that’s a coincidence?

Cheap pints

Not only do you get change back from a fiver if you order a pint, if you go to the right places you might even be able to get two – a concept totally alien to Londoners.

People are actually proud of coming from Scotland

And with good reason. Whether you’ve lived in Scotland all your life or just a year whenever you hear Loch Lomond, Flower of Scotland or Caledonia, there’ll be a tear in your eye.

Arthur’s Seat

How many other cities can say they have a massive extinct volcano slap bang in its centre? If you can get through the short climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with the best views in the city.

We’ve got a beach

Image: Calum Connelly

Yes, it’s a wee bit chillier up here but at least we have a beach to enjoy when the weather warms up. Some people even go surfing there in the winter. All London has is an hour drive to Brighton where you’ll be met by insanely large crowds.

And we’re not far from the Highlands

The Highlands are probably the most beautiful part of the UK. When you’re going up its hills you feel like you’re living your childhood dreams of walking round Middle Earth.

Everything is walking distance

In Edinburgh, you can forget spending up to a tenner a day on public transport – pretty much everything is walking distance. The best places to go out in the city are all close to each other, giving you the opportunity for spontaneous night outs to everyone’s taste.

Chris Hoy comes from Edinburgh

That’s right, Britain’s greatest Olympian comes from Edinburgh. His golden postbox is in Hunter Square.

Edinburgh Castle

Even though you’re not technically meant to visit it until you graduate, it’s the perfect, grand backdrop for many of the city’s views.

It’s cheaper

Yes, Edinburgh and particularly its rents are getting more expensive, but let’s be honest everything is still about half the price it is in London.

There are tourists, but not too many of them

In London, it’s actually quite uncomfortable getting around tourist hotspots. Here in Edinburgh, we still have huge numbers of tourists showing that we’re a great place to visit as well giving us a multicultural vibe, but with the exception of the Fringe it never gets too busy.

The Fringe

Okay it gets crazy busy, but we should be proud of hosting the world’s biggest cultural festival. Nowhere else in the world can you find so much talent in one place for a whole month.

Forth Rail Bridge

It’s stunning and epic, so much better than any bridges London has to offer.

Scotland might actually win the Six Nations

Whilst England might be regular winners, now that Scotland are actually doing well, the whole of Edinburgh gets into the spirit and really cares about how its team does – the city buzzes every time Scotland wins. Murrayfield is also an incredible stadium that’s used far more than for just international rugby matches.

Trainspotting

London is the setting for a whole host of films, but so many that you don’t care when it’s in the background of something you’re watching. Its landmarks are world renowned so you lose a sense of ownership of them. When there are films set in Edinburgh, like the iconic Trainspotting duo, you get a sense of pride when you see a scene like Renton and Spud leg it down Princes Street.

Haggis, neeps and tatties

It may sound grim, but have you ever really asked what’s in a sausage? Probably the most filling meal imaginable.

The nightlife is diverse and affordable

Whatever your scene, there’ll be a night for you. You can also actually go out without forking out extortionate amounts of money. Pretty much all clubs have £5 or less entry during the week and the drinks are cheap as chips.