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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Kiel?

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

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

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Andrews and Kiel: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Kiel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its big city activities, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle.

How is Saint Andrews different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Andrews
Kiel

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

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 Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.


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

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Saint Andrews or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Both Saint Andrews and Kiel 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 Kiel. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Saint Andrews or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Both Saint Andrews and Kiel have notable beaches worth visiting.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kiel. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.


Is Saint Andrews or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

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

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Kiel?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Saint Andrews or Kiel Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews and Kiel 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.

Kiel is a family-friendly university town. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.


Is Saint Andrews or Kiel Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel is a good university town for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Saint Andrews or Kiel Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel 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 Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known 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 Kiel. There is a bus system around town.


Is Saint Andrews or Kiel a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Kiel

Saint Andrews and Kiel 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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable university town. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Kiel?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Kiel 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 Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Andrews 1-2 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Saint Andrews or Kiel?

Saint Andrews is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Kiel. 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 Kiel?

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Saint Andrews is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This university town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Because Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel 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 Kiel is £118. 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 Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Kiel £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Kiel £116
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Kiel? 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 Kiel


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: Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Kiel £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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
    Kiel £33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Kiel £16

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 Kiel

Here are a few actual costs in Kiel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Kiel £10


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

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 Kiel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Kiel?

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

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 Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Kiel. 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 Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Kiel. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Kiel. 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 Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kiel. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Kiel. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)