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

Should you visit Marbella or Saint Andrews?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Saint Andrews, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Marbella and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marbella than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and small town charm. Marbella is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Marbella different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Andrews has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a must-see party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Music?

Marbella is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella is very popular with diverse venues. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Resorts?

Marbella is terrific for its resorts. However, Saint Andrews is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Saint Andrews is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

Marbella is terrific for the beache. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saint Andrews. 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 Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Marbella to see the old town. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

Marbella 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 Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly resort town. 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 Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

Marbella is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for couples.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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 Marbella or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Marbella is a well-known place 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.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marbella or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marbella than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella 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 Marbella.

One day in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Marbella. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint Andrews is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Andrews, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Marbella. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town 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.

Saint Andrews is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Saint Andrews?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint Andrews is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This university town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 Marbella and Saint Andrews, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Marbella.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Saint Andrews?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Saint Andrews in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Saint Andrews. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

Marbella is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Saint Andrews. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

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

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

Both Saint Andrews and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Saint Andrews. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Saint Andrews. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Marbella is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Andrews. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Marbella