Will be able to spend 5 nights in Scotland and want to stay in either Edinburgh/Glasgow and branch out from there. Will not have a car. Would like your recommendation as to what city would be better to base myself out of, taking into account what city (in your opinion) has more to see/do. In your opinion how many days would you recommend for each city, or other cities close by?
You can easily spend more than 5 nights in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. They are an hour apart by train. Perhaps you could enlighten us as to your interests, so that we could give some sensible advice that would suit you? Do you want museums, art galleries, scenery, wildlife, beaches, walking, cycling?
We spent 3 days in each city this June. If you have only 5 days I would divide it 3 in Glasgow and 2 in Edinburgh
when are you visiting , if in August , stay in Glasgow as Edinburgh will be mobbed and expensive due to the festivals going on.
I will be staying in March 2017. I like history/architecture, beer/wine/liquor tours.
Look at the Historic Scotland Site for info on places to visit. They have an Explorer Pass that may save you money. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have outstanding Art Galleries.