I experienced this place as a cover teacher for a short while a few years ago, and still know…read morepeople that are teaching/studying there. It had a nice atmosphere, especially during coffee time when the students and teachers mix together informally. Of course, I can't say as a student, but as a teacher, I thought the classes I covered seemed well organised and fun, and the students were friendly and enthusiastic.

I noticed that the French institute is classed as a 'language school' by Yelp. I must say that's…read morenot even the beginning.... Well, actually, it's a good place to start, but apart from the excellent language classes offered the French Institute in Edinburgh is a fantastic venue for all sorts. And there's no snobbery, I don't have a word of French and frequently I'm laughed at for my botched pronunciations, but they still let me through the door. I've attended art classes (got my tapestry on) and seen art shows here. There's a gorgeous back room which serves as a gallery and has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Recently they held their Fête de la Musique celebrations, with a whole day of music from all over the world. Sea Bass Kid, a local ska/jazz/rock type band were particularly worth seeing! The French Institute is also a Fringe venue. Last year I went to see 'The Onion Johnnies', a not-competely-factual history of the onion Johnnies who would travel from France to Scotland on their bikes and wage war with rabbits (apparently). This year there's a range of shows on. Down in the basement there is The Bistrot restaurant which does great French food and snacks. I've eaten here a few times and to be honest, they run out of the good stuff quickly so get there early! There's also a bar. I would recommend anyone with even the slightest interest in France to pop along or at least check out their website. I think they do a fantastic job here in Edinburgh as both a diverse venue and a Frenchy-type talking place.

You will find it in the middle of a crescent off Charlotte Square in the New Town district. There…read moreare plenty of French restaurants in the area - Petit Paris, Le petiti folie....etc, probably not by accident. The Institute is using two floors of a Georgian house and offers not only courses in French, a good library collection of books and DVDs but also an attractive cultural programme of art exhibitions and film screenings. I am just back from a wonderful screening evening of a Romanian film, "East of Bucharest" on the hot topic of the Revolution in 1989 and the collapse of communism.

Last year I did a German evening class which was about £15 a week. The classes were small and…read moreeveryone got a chance to practice speech. Even though I did German at school, I never really picked it up and I now understand why the government are always going on about smaller class sizes, it make a huge difference to me (probably also because I'm a bit more mature now). The teacher was patient and encouraging and the rooms were set in a great building. Adult education ist sehr gut, ja?

It is a very well kept and run language centre, part of the University of Edinburgh. You can choose…read morefrom a good variety of language courses with the most suitable times of classes. The classes are not very big, the tutors are native speakers with good teaching experience. I took two levels of French for beginners there last year and was very pleased with the tutor, the course organization and the general interior. I would have expected to have a small library though with let's say the latest/current newspapers and magazines and a number of dictionaries. That is not why I have taken one of the stars but due to the fact that the administration is a bit negligent. They had sent my first level certificate to my old address without checking if it is still the current address. When I complained they promised to resend me a copy. I am still waiting for it.

Friendly english language school in the west end of Edinburgh. I really liked the small school…read moreatmosphere and the fact that they had an amazing social programme. Highly recommomended.

Nice pub and normally friendly. But one of the bar staff tonight was quite rude. I asked nicely…read morefor a pint and crisps -ie "can i have... " and the guy said "any please and thank you eith that? ". Im no youngster and that has never happened to me before!!!! Bit of a tosser

Picturesque building in a great location overlooking princes street, the courtyard although small…read moreand quite busy with tourists, holds a statue of John Knox. You need ID to access the library but if you wait around for someone to come in or out you might be lucky and once inside you will be greeted by beautiful stained glass windows. It's unclear though where visitors are allowed to roam so some info on this would be helpful.

As well as being a stunning building to admire from the outside, New College is an excellent venue…read morefor hosting events as well. It stands on top of The Mound and so has an imposing look, visible from Princes Street and beyond. Like Edinburgh itself, which has old and new towns, the university has Old College and New College. Also like the city, both old and new are quite old indeed. The building dates from 1846 and houses the School of Divinity at the University. However, there are also rooms that can be rented out for events, and that's what brought me here. Our ball happened in Rainy Hall, a stunning hall, with crests and coats of arms all around. Walking in through the main gate of the college brings one to the very Hogwarts-like quadrangle, which makes for some great photo ops. Once inside the building, all of the interior architecture also captures one's attention. However, I am far from an expert on this, so that's quite enough comments about architecture! Rainy Hall is an intimate venue for events. It comfortably accommodated our ~60 attendees, but much more than this and ceilidh dancing would become somewhat difficult. Catering and bar service are provided by the University's own Edinburgh First, with friendly, efficient staff, and a good selection of drinks at the bar. The food quality is very good, though portion sizes leave a lot to be desired. My recommendation to visit New College is twofold. As a tourist, the astoundingly beautiful building makes for excellent photographs. On top of this, for reasonably small events of up to 70 people, the Rainy Hall is an excellent venue to consider.