I've never been to Scotland

[Trills]

I'm thinking of planning a weekend away in Jan or Feb (just me and DP).

Tell me why I should go to Edinburgh rather than, say, Bruges or Paris. It's quicker for me to get to Belgium or France on the train than it is to get to Scotland.

Tbh, and I say this as a Scot and ex-Edinburgh-dweller, go to Paris. Edinburgh is fantastic in December, what with lights and Hogmanay and all that, but Jan and Feb are dreich, depressing months.

Or visit during one of our many festivals in more clement months.

Actually forget I said Paris, everyone thinks Paris is glamorous.

Assume the alternative is some other random not-a-big-name European city. Bruges or Lille or something else that I can get to on the Eurostar.

Agreed that Scotland is at it's worst in Jan!

Glasgow at end of Jan for Burns night could be fun though. (Biased as Glaswegian.)

Glasgow and Edinburgh are close enough to each other that you could do both (1hr on train.) I can also recommend an AMAZING hotel in Glasgow that I use every excuse to stay in because its luffly and so bloody cheap for what it is.

Citizen M

Edinburgh is beautiful and the architecture is unforgettable as is it's history.
Glasgow hasn't been preserved as well but is less touristy.

Well, Paris was rather glamorous when we had our honeymoon there, one November. Even the foul weather was bearable. But then, we were young and in love, and living in Edinburgh.

If you want to be talked into seeing Edinburgh, on the plus side there are loads of galleries and museums, and far fewer tourists to trip over in the off-season. The weather can be bracing, but bracing can be good if you're walking on the beach at Portobello. (Take eye protection, it's sandy and it bloody stings...) The Botanical Gardens are lovely all-year round, and there's good shopping if you're interested in same.

I stayed in the CitizenM on the first night of official opening, just out of curiosity. Don't think it's worn well, though, at least not the public bit where we had a drink recently.

I love Edinburgh I live betwwen Edinburgh and Glasgow but mostly choose Edinburgh if dh is driving as It always makes me feel like a tourist.The sky line as you walk along Princes street is just amazing

I've seen that hotel in London - but I haven't had an excuse to stay there.

Hmm, Amsterdam. Also an option.

I feel like I should go to Edinburgh or similar because I've not been to Scotland, and it seems silly not to have been to one of the countries of the UK.

Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world

Lots of windy wee streets and tucked away pubs, great restaurants, fantastic views, lots of history, great galleries and museums.

Go!

(and there's no chance of my going further up into Scotland if I'm just going for a weekend)

I like the idea of going on the train, but it is reeeeeeeally long journey.

Check the flights, it's often cheaper and quicker.

Yes, Scotland would be a flight probably.

Recently been to Edinburgh which we loved - so many great museums, restaurants and beautiful buildings and views. Paris is my favourite city in the world but weather wise I have been in January and it was -5. Also done Amsterdam in winter - once unbelievably cold and once fairly mild. So much depends on the sort of winter we are about to have. One place you didn't mention on the Eurostar is Brussels which is worth a look. Bruges is lovely for a weekend but less to do than the other cities mentioned. If you decide on Paris do send message if you want endless list of things to do, also for Amsterdam. Good luck with your decision.