Saint Andrews
,Saint Andrews is a charming coastal town located in Fife, Scotland. It is renowned for its historic university, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the English-speaking world. The town is famous for its picturesque beaches, including the iconic West Sands, popular for its long stretch of golden sand.
Saint Andrews is also a hub for golf enthusiasts, with prestigious golf courses such as the Old Course attracting players from around the globe.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
St Andrews Explorer
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the historic St Andrews Cathedral, exploring its impressive ruins and learning about its rich history. Take a stroll along the nearby beach for beautiful coastal views.
afternoon
:Enjoy lunch at a local café, followed by a visit to the British Golf Museum to discover the sport's fascinating history. Take a leisurely walk around the picturesque streets and shops in the town center.
evening
:Dine at a cozy restaurant offering local cuisine. If you're up for it, take a walk along the beach to watch the sunset.
Coastal Wonders
morning
:Begin your adventure by walking along the scenic Fife Coastal Path, enjoying stunning views of the sea. Stop by the East Sands Beach for a lovely morning break.
afternoon
:Pack a picnic lunch and continue your hike to nearby golf courses, marveling at their landscapes. Consider visiting the charming village of Crail in the afternoon for some quaint shops and snacks.
evening
:Return to St Andrews for a special dinner at a seafood restaurant. End your day with a relaxing evening stroll along the shoreline.
Highlights
Good
- Home to one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, providing a rich academic heritage.
- Beautiful coastal scenery and stunning beaches, ideal for outdoor activities.
- A vibrant golf culture with famous courses like the Old Course, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Small-town charm with a strong sense of community and historic architecture.
- Access to various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Bad
- Higher cost of living compared to other towns in Scotland due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
- Limited public transport options, making it necessary to have a car for convenient travel.
- The weather can be unpredictable and often wet, which may deter some visitors and residents.
- Fewer job opportunities in certain sectors, particularly outside of education and tourism.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Golfing
Saint Andrews is known as the 'Home of Golf', offering some of the most prestigious golf courses, including the Old Course.
Walking along the West Sands Beach
Enjoy a scenic walk or a relaxing beach day at West Sands, famous for its stunning views and expansive sandy shores.
Exploring St Andrews Botanic Garden
Visit the beautiful botanic gardens that feature a wide variety of plants, flowers, and tranquil walking paths.
Hiking the Fife Coastal Path
Embark on a hiking adventure along the Fife Coastal Path, which offers breathtaking coastal views and opportunities to see wildlife.
Visiting the St Andrews Castle Ruins
Explore the historic ruins of St Andrews Castle, which provides insights into the town's rich history and offers beautiful coastal views.
Cycling the local trails
Rent a bike and enjoy the extensive cycling paths around St Andrews, perfect for exploring the countryside and coastline.
Bird Watching at Cambo Estate
Discover a variety of bird species and enjoy the natural beauty at the Cambo Estate, with its stunning gardens and woodlands.
Kayaking in the bay
Take to the waters of St Andrews Bay for kayaking, where you can enjoy marine life and beautiful coastal scenery.
Participating in local festivals
Join in on various local festivals throughout the year, which often include outdoor activities, food stalls, and community events.
Visiting the East Neuk of Fife
Take a short trip to the charming coastal villages of East Neuk, offering picturesque views, quaint shops, and ocean walks.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Saint Andrews with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
St. Rule's Tower
Provides panoramic views of Saint Andrews and the surrounding area.
West Sands Beach
Offers stunning views of the coastline, perfect for capturing beautiful sunsets and beach scenes.
The Swilcan Bridge on the 18th Hole of the Old Course
Iconic spot for capturing the beauty of the famous golf course and its surroundings.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Arbroath Smokie
A traditional Scottish delicacy consisting of haddock, hickory-smoked to perfection. Head to I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Haggis
A savory pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock. The Old Course Hotel's Road Hole Restaurant serves a superb rendition.
Cullen Skink
A hearty soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. The Seafood Ristorante offers a delectable version of this Scottish classic.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Saint Andrews better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
St Andrews Farmer's Market
Operating every month, this market is a treasure trove of fresh local produce and delectable street food offerings. Look out for the artisanal bread, cheese, and delectable pastries.
Northpoint Cafe Food Van
Visit this food van for an assortment of delicious street food, from gourmet burgers to authentic wood-fired pizzas, enjoyed amid the charming seaside scenery.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness
In Saint Andrews, as in much of the UK, politeness is highly valued. Use 'please', 'thank you', and 'excuse me' frequently. A friendly demeanor and a smile can go a long way in fostering respectful interactions.
Dress Code
While there is no strict dress code, locals tend to dress smartly, especially in social settings or dining establishments. Casual but neat attire is generally appropriate, and dressing up a little more for events or visits to local churches is considered respectful.
Respecting Space
Personal space is important in social interactions. Ensure that you maintain an appropriate distance during conversations, and prioritize politeness when asking someone to stand aside or move in crowded areas.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Saint Andrews with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Saint Andrews, as in much of the United Kingdom, tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. It is common practice to leave a tip of around 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. In pubs, tipping is less common, but it is customary to round up the bill or leave small change. Tipping for taxi drivers usually involves rounding up to the nearest pound or adding a few extra pounds for good service.
Payment
Payment methods in Saint Andrews include cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are widely available. The use of mobile payment apps is also gaining popularity. It is advisable for visitors to have some cash on hand for smaller businesses or in locations where card payments may not be accepted.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Saint Andrews.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Saint Andrews, as the weather begins to warm up and the surrounding landscape comes to life with blooming flowers and greenery. It's a good time for outdoor activities such as golf and sightseeing.
Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Saint Andrews due to the warmer weather and longer days. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events. It's a popular time for golf enthusiasts to visit the famous golf courses.
Autumn
Autumn brings beautiful foliage and milder temperatures to Saint Andrews. It's a quieter time to visit, with the opportunity for scenic walks and enjoying local produce at harvest festivals.
Winter
Winter in Saint Andrews can be chilly, but the town takes on a serene and cozy atmosphere. It's a good time for indoor activities like visiting museums and enjoying traditional Scottish cuisine.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
West Sands Beach
A long beach located near St Andrews, ideal for a scenic walk along the coastline, with views of the sand dunes.
St Andrews Links
Famous for its golf courses, but also offers scenic walks with stunning views of the coastline and the town.
Gin Mill Hill
A hill located just outside St Andrews that provides a moderate hiking trail with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Crail to Fife Coastal Path
A beautiful coastal path that stretches from Crail to St Andrews, offering picturesque views of the sea and rugged coastline.
Tentsmuir Forest
A large forest area near Leuchars perfect for hiking, featuring various trails through both woodlands and coastal areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Saint Andrews through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Saint Andrews by plane.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland, located approximately 80 miles south of Saint Andrews.
Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Glasgow Airport is another major airport in Scotland, situated around 90 miles west of Saint Andrews.
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
Aberdeen Airport is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Saint Andrews and serves both domestic and international flights.
Inverness Airport (INV)
Inverness Airport, positioned about 130 miles northwest of Saint Andrews, caters to both local and international travelers.
Dundee Airport (DND)
Dundee Airport is much closer, located roughly 20 miles south of Saint Andrews, but offers limited international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White British
The largest demographic group in Saint Andrews, representing the majority of the population.
Other White
Includes individuals from other European and non-European white backgrounds.
Asian or Asian British
Comprising various Asian ethnicities including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Chinese.
Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups
Individuals identifying with more than one ethnic group.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)
A collective term for ethnic groups that are not classified as White British.
Other Ethnic Groups
Includes various smaller ethnic categories that do not fit into the aforementioned groups.
The Soul of Saint Andrews
Discover the essence of Saint Andrews through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Golf
Saint Andrews is known as the 'Home of Golf,' boasting the famous Old Course, which is one of the oldest golf courses in the world.
Football
Football is a popular sport in Saint Andrews, with local clubs participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Tennis
Tennis is enjoyed by many residents, with several courts available and a local tennis club hosting events and matches.
Rugby
Rugby has a strong following in the area, with local teams representing the community in competitive leagues.
Cricket
Cricket is played during the summer months and has a dedicated community with local matches and clubs.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Saint Andrews provides numerous eateries and cafes focusing on vegetarian and vegan fare, including the vegetarian haggis at The Grange Inn and the vegan-friendly fare at Northpoint Cafe.
Gluten-Free Choices
Visitors with gluten sensitivities should explore The Glass House, known for its excellent selection of gluten-free dishes, and Zest, a lovely cafe offering gluten-free cakes and treats.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Saint Andrews with these cultural adventures.
