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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Bergen, 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.

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.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Saint Andrews and Bergen are both popular with visitors, Saint Andrews has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Andrews is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its historical sights. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also home to The Old Course. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Bergen.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.


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

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Saint Andrews is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Saint Andrews is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Both Saint Andrews and Bergen are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

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

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Both Saint Andrews and Bergen are very good shopping destinations.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.


Is Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly university 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 Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Saint Andrews and Bergen are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Bergen 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 Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

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 Saint Andrews or Bergen Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Bergen is a well-known place 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 public transit in Bergen can get you around easily. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Bergen a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Bergen

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Andrews and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bergen than in Saint Andrews. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint Andrews, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Andrews or Bergen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Andrews 1-2 
    Bergen 1-3

One day in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nostalgic destination of Bergen. 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.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. 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.


A week in Saint Andrews or Bergen?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Bergen. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Saint Andrews?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Andrews is £215, while the average daily cost in Bergen is £87. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Andrews and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Bergen £54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Bergen £108
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Bergen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Andrews


Hotels in Bergen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Bergen £7.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Sedan: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $92
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen to Bergen Airport BGO by business sedan: $98
  • Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Saint Andrews change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Andrews £62
    Bergen £25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Bergen £13

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Andrews are as follows:

  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • The Original St Andrews Photo Shoot Tour: $82
  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • Explore Bergen with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • Visita a pie Bergen NORDIC FREEDOM TOURS: $4.96
  • Guided Walking Tour: $4.96
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a witch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $6.99
  • Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $7.63
  • Pocket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio tour in Bergen: $8.99
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Bergen £5.51


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Andrews and Bergen, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Bergen, 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 Saint Andrews or Bergen?

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 Saint Andrews or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Bergen. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Bergen. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. Saint Andrews is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Bergen. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Bergen. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)