A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Saint Andrews for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a quaint, peaceful, and historic university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Saint Andrews are both popular with visitors, Lisbon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint Andrews is known for its hiking and small town charm. Lisbon is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Lisbon different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Andrews and Lisbon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Lisbon is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Saint Andrews? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a must-see party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Music?

Lisbon is terrific for its live music scene. However, Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Saint Andrews are good choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Many people head to Saint Andrews to enjoy the beach. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Lisbon is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Lisbon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly city. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Saint Andrews make for a very good place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Saint Andrews frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is terrific for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lisbon can take you anywhere. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Lisbon or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lisbon or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lisbon than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Saint Andrews. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Saint Andrews. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Saint Andrews if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint Andrews is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Saint Andrews, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Lisbon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is Saint Andrews Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Saint Andrews, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Saint Andrews. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Saint Andrews. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lisbon is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

Both Saint Andrews and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Saint Andrews. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Saint Andrews. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Lisbon