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

Should you visit York or Saint Andrews?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

York and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Saint Andrews?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Saint Andrews are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Saint Andrews attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Saint Andrews is famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is York different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to York can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

York is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is York or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

York is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

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

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

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

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Saint Andrews?

Saint Andrews is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

York is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly city. 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 York or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 York or Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Saint Andrews offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

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

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or York?

How long in York or Saint Andrews?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Saint Andrews 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 York.

One day in York or Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, 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.

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.

A weekend in York or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 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.

Five days in York or Saint Andrews?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval destination of York. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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.

A week in York or Saint Andrews?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Saint Andrews?

York has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Saint Andrews?

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 York or Saint Andrews in the Summer?

Both Saint Andrews and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York 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.

In the summer, York is a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 14°C (58°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Andrews. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. 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 October, York is generally a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Saint Andrews. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Saint Andrews. Most visitors come to York 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. York can be very cold during winter. York is a little warmer than Saint Andrews in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Saint Andrews. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

In the spring, York is a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and York