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

Should you visit Palermo or Saint Andrews?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Saint Andrews can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palermo and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Saint Andrews are both popular with visitors, Palermo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palermo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Palermo different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Saint Andrews.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Saint Andrews is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Palermo or Saint Andrews? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palermo and Saint Andrews offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Andrews. 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 Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is a well-known place 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.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

Palermo is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

Both Palermo and Saint Andrews are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is very popular for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Saint Andrews is a very popular university town 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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a very walkable city. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

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

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun destination of Palermo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Andrews has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the colorful destination of Palermo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint Andrews is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Saint Andrews?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Since Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Saint Andrews?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo or Saint Andrews?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palermo or Saint Andrews in the Summer?

Both Saint Andrews and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

Palermo is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Andrews. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Saint Andrews. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Andrews. In the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Saint Andrews. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Palermo is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Saint Andrews. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Palermo