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

Should you visit Southampton or Saint Andrews?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Saint Andrews? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Southampton and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews than Southampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Andrews is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Also, Saint Andrews is famous for The Old Course. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

The Old Course

How is Southampton different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Andrews and Southampton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Saint Andrews.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

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

Saint Andrews has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Southampton and Saint Andrews.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

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.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

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

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for hiking. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

Saint Andrews is a great university town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Saint Andrews is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Saint Andrews.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

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.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Saint Andrews make for a very good place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Saint Andrews offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Southampton and Saint Andrews are notable when it comes to walkability.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Southampton 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 Southampton or Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Southampton. 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.

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

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

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This university town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. This port 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.

Because Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Saint Andrews?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Southampton. 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.

Since Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Southampton Expensive? and Is Saint Andrews Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Saint Andrews?

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

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 Southampton or Saint Andrews in the Summer?

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

Southampton is a little warmer than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Saint Andrews. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Saint Andrews. Many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Southampton is a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Andrews. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

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

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. Southampton can be very cold during winter. In January, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Saint Andrews. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Saint Andrews. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

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

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

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Southampton