American choosing between Edinburgh and Manchester

Hello, I have been accepted to both Edinburgh and Manchester. I am an international student, and will be unable to visit either of these universities. Does anyone know which one is more prestigious? The course I've been accepted to at Edinburgh is: Spanish & Politics(unconditional) and i am still waiting to hear back about International Relations. At Manchester, I've received conditional offers for: Business studies and politics, as well as International relations & politics.

I know that both are top-notch uni's, but I am unsure of which one is better recognized internationally. Also, in terms of night life which one is better? What kind of night life activities are available? I am looking for an atmosphere with lots of bars and clubs, and shopping.

Thank you!

I live in Manchester and have a son who is at Edinburgh university. Edinburgh tends to come slightly higher on international league tables, if that means anything to you, but Manchester also has a pretty good international standing as well. Manchester is very much a party city, with lots of very good shops, but it's urban and gritty. Edinburgh is much smaller (and colder) but has lots of touristic appeal and some very decorative bits to it. It has a massive arts festival every summer, and as a capital city, albeit a small one, it has a lot to offer in most respects. My son loves Edinburgh, but then I felt the same way about Manchester when I came here as a student myself. Guess that's not much help to you, really.... I'd pick Edinburgh if I had my time over again, for what it's worth.

Edinburgh.

Thank you all for your help. I am trying to visit in the next few months if possible, but I think i am going to end up choosing Edinburgh.

Thank you all for your help. I am trying to visit in the next few months if possible, but I think i am going to end up choosing Edinburgh.