A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Saint Andrews vs. Outer Hebrides for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides, 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 quaint, peaceful, and historic university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Saint Andrews and Outer Hebrides: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Saint Andrews and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations, Saint Andrews has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Saint Andrews is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also well known for The Old Course. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Outer Hebrides?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Andrews is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Andrews is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Andrews and Outer Hebrides.

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.

Outer Hebrides has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

Saint Andrews is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly university town. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews and Outer Hebrides are both great 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.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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 Outer Hebrides Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Outer Hebrides or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint Andrews, and 4-10 days is enough time in Outer Hebrides.

Families should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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.

One day in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

Saint Andrews is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Outer Hebrides. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful archipelago of Outer Hebrides. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Outer Hebrides, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Outer Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Outer Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

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 Outer Hebrides Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides?

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 Outer Hebrides in the Summer?

Both Outer Hebrides and Saint Andrews during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Andrews is generally a little warmer than Outer Hebrides. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 14°C (58°F), and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 117 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Outer Hebrides. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Outer Hebrides. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine.

The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. Saint Andrews can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Andrews is cooler than Outer Hebrides. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Andrews in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Outer Hebrides averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 33 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Outer Hebrides in the Spring?

Both Outer Hebrides and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year.

In April, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 7°C (45°F), and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Outer Hebrides during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Outer Hebrides and Saint Andrews