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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Cardiff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Cardiff, 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 peaceful, historic, and charming university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green 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 and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Cardiff?

Both Cardiff and Saint Andrews have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Saint Andrews different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Cardiff.

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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Saint Andrews is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Both Saint Andrews and Cardiff are notable 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 Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Cardiff?

Saint Andrews is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Cardiff are both notable 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.

Cardiff is a family-friendly university town. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Saint Andrews, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Saint Andrews or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews and Cardiff both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable university town. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Cardiff?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

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 museums and nightlife around the city of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cardiff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cardiff 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 Cardiff.

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 Cardiff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Cardiff. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Cardiff. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In January, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Saint Andrews during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Saint Andrews