A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Saint Andrews vs. Bristol for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Bristol?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Bristol, 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 historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Bristol?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol. Although Saint Andrews and Bristol are both popular with visitors, Bristol has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bristol is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews is known for its food, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also home to The Bristol Harbour.

How is Saint Andrews different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bristol 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 Bristol?

Bristol is a well-known place 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bristol can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Saint Andrews or Bristol? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Andrews is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Saint Andrews or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Bristol 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.

Bristol offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Saint Andrews or Bristol Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for the beach. However, Bristol is not a beach destination.

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.

Bristol is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Bristol Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for hiking. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Bristol?

Both Saint Andrews and Bristol are high quality 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 Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Is Saint Andrews or Bristol Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Bristol are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bristol is a family-friendly university town. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Saint Andrews or Bristol Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Andrews is a great university town if you're traveling as 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Saint Andrews or Bristol Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Bristol is a good university town to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Bristol offer good public transit options.

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

Bristol has some public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Saint Andrews or Bristol a more walkable city?

Bristol 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.

Bristol is a very walkable city. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Bristol?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Andrews and Bristol. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bristol 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 Bristol.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Bristol 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 Saint Andrews.

One day in Saint Andrews or Bristol?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Bristol. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.

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

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 Bristol Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Bristol?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Bristol, 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 Bristol?

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 Saint Andrews or Bristol in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Bristol. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Andrews is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Bristol averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in July than Bristol. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bristol in the Autumn?

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

In October, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Bristol. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bristol in the Winter?

Both Bristol and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Andrews is much colder than Bristol in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bristol fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than Bristol. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bristol in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Bristol. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bristol averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bristol. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Saint Andrews