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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Dundee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Dundee, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Dundee

Dundee is a cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews and Dundee: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Dundee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Saint Andrews and Dundee are popular destinations, Saint Andrews has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dundee attracts visitors for its big city activities. Saint Andrews is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also well known for The Old Course. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Dundee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Dundee.

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 Dundee. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Andrews makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Saint Andrews or Dundee Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Both Saint Andrews and Dundee are nice 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 Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Saint Andrews or Dundee Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its beaches. However, Dundee 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.

Dundee is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Dundee Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

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

Dundee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Dundee?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Andrews is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Saint Andrews or Dundee Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews and Dundee are both nice 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly university town. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.


Is Saint Andrews or Dundee Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Saint Andrews or Dundee Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews is an amazing university town to visit for students. Also, Dundee 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 Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Both Saint Andrews and Dundee offer nice public transit options.

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

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.


Is Saint Andrews or Dundee a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Dundee

Saint Andrews and Dundee both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable university town. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Dundee or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Dundee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Dundee to fill your time. In our opinion, Saint Andrews has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Andrews than Dundee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Dundee. 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 Dundee. 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 Dundee 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.


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

One day in Saint Andrews or Dundee?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of Dundee. 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 Dundee?

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 Dundee. 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 Dundee?

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 food and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dundee. 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 Dundee?

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 museums and nightlife around the city of Dundee. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Dundee 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 Dundee is £234. 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 Dundee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Dundee £149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Dundee £298
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Dundee

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Dundee? 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 Dundee


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: Dundee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Dundee £16

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Dundee?

Prices for flights to both Dundee 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
    Dundee £47

Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Dundee £106

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: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $145
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $145
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $145
  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

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

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.29
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Dundee £13


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Andrews and Dundee, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Dundee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Dundee?

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

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 Dundee in the Summer?

Both Dundee 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 Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Dundee. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 14°C (58°F), and Dundee fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dundee. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Dundee in the Autumn?

Both Dundee 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Dundee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Dundee fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Dundee 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Dundee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Dundee. 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 Dundee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Dundee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Andrews in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dundee averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dundee. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Dundee 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Dundee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Dundee. 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 Dundee for the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Dundee. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 7°C (45°F), and Dundee fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 155 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dundee. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Dundee 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Dundee and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Dundee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)