Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Andrews?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Andrews?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Saint Andrews, UK? Most people spend one to two days in Saint Andrews during their visit. After all, the charming university town will let you savor the small town atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, admire the wonderful scenery, and go shopping.

Most people think of Saint Andrews as the birthplace of the sport of golf, and you'll find many references to this in town. In addition to being the home of St. Andrews Links Golf Courses, St. Andrews also has an impressive university and a longstanding history. There is a beautiful coastline to explore as well as several great walking trails.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Saint Andrews? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Saint Andrews?

Three days is more than enough time to see the university and other sights in Saint Andrews. You can move at your own pace, enjoy the local culture, and take in the student vibe. You could also use Saint Andrews as a base for exploring the nearby destinations after you savor the small town atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, admire the wonderful scenery, and go shopping. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 3 days in Saint Andrews

Don't miss the Old Course during your trip to Saint Andrews, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this university town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.

Public transit in Saint Andrews is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the university town quite easily. There are buses through St. Andrews.

The small-town atmosphere of Saint Andrews is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. The town is all about its heritage and history.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm) ($18)
  • St Andrews Walking Tours ($19)

Saint Andrews is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. From its longstanding history with golf to its stunning landscapes, this is a beautiful and fascinating destination.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm) ($18)
  • St Andrews Walking Tours ($19)

Shopping in Saint Andrews is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

This university town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is 4 days enough time in Saint Andrews?

Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the university area of Saint Andrews at your own pace to experience the small town charm, the cuisine, the beautiful scenery, and the shops and boutiques. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 4 days in Saint Andrews

Having 4 days in Saint Andrews will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the university town.

The beautiful beaches await you in Saint Andrews, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Saint Andrews.

Is 5 days enough time in Saint Andrews?

With five days, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Saint Andrews has to offer, including the small town charm, the cuisine, the beautiful scenery, and the shops and boutiques. With the extra time, you can take in the vibe of the university town and use Saint Andrews as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the small town charm, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 5 days in Saint Andrews

With 5 days in Saint Andrews, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the university town has to offer.

This university town offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. 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.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Saint Andrews.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Saint Andrews, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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