Edinburgh and Glasgow: a quick orientation

Here is a quick orientation to Scotland's two largest cities. Edinburgh is compact and walkable, split between the medieval Old Town around the castle and the Royal Mile and the elegant Georgian New Town. It gets very busy each August during the festival and Fringe season, when accommodation is scarce and pricier, so book far ahead if that is your window. Glasgow, about 50 minutes away by train, has a bigger, grid style centre and a strong reputation for music, galleries, and architecture, including several Charles Rennie Mackintosh landmarks. Both have good public transport, and Glasgow also runs a small subway loop. A common approach is to base in one and day trip to the other, since the rail link is so quick and frequent. Prices and opening hours shift seasonally, so check before you go. If you only had time for one, which would you pick and why?