St Andrews
United Kingdom
Why St Andrews is a great destination
A compact, sea-breezed medieval town where golf lore, six centuries of student life and true local pubs create big-city depth without big-city crowds.
- Atmosphere: Walkable medieval streets (South, Market and North) and cliffside views along The Scores set an intimate, characterful scene—think cosy cellars and conversation-forward bars instead of heaving tourist strips.
- Pubs & food: Authentic, good-value staples meet modern craft—The Criterion’s pie board, chat-first pints at The Keys Bar, CAMRA-loved Whey Pat, St Andrews Brewing Co taps and The Central’s elevated pub grub—without queueing for a table.
- Golf lore: Brush shoulders with history at the Old Course and Swilcan Bridge, then the “19th hole” at the Jigger Inn or photo-lined Dunvegan; outside tournament weeks it’s easy to linger without the scrum.
- Living traditions: Student energy fuels folk sessions at Aikman’s Cellar Bar, lively nights at The Vic and pub quizzes, while town-and-gown rituals (Raisin Weekend, May Dip) add colour—visit in summer for a quieter, ultra-local feel.
Who should go to St Andrews?
If you love characterful pubs, storied streets, and a dash of student energy, St Andrews is for you. Scotland’s oldest university town blends academic tradition, global golf lore, and a compact medieval core that’s perfect for pub-hopping on foot. Expect a scene that’s buzzing in term-time but markedly calmer in summer, with everything from chatty local boozers to polished golfer shrines.
- History lovers: In St Andrews, sip real ale amid centuries of lore at The Criterion and The Keys Bar, where conversation and heritage photos turn the pub into a living museum.
- Golf pilgrims: Relive your round at The Dunvegan or The Jigger Inn, two iconic “19th holes” steps from the Old Course.
- Real-ale and craft-beer fans: Rotating casks at the Whey Pat and local brews at St Andrews Brewing Co. make a compact crawl easy, from 80/- heavy to hop-forward IPAs.
- Night owls & students: The Vic and Aikman’s Cellar Bar bring DJs, folk sessions and big Wednesday socials, with visible welfare and anti-spiking measures for peace of mind.
- Foodies: Gastro-forward spots like The Central and Hams Hame serve proper pub fare with whisky lists and craft taps to match.
- Budget-conscious travellers: Pick your price-point with student promos and hotel bars—think student-deal ~£3.50 vs £6+ pints in hotel pubs.
Who should go to St Andrews?
If you love characterful pubs, storied streets, and a dash of student energy, St Andrews is for you. Scotland’s oldest university town blends academic tradition, global golf lore, and a compact medieval core that’s perfect for pub-hopping on foot. Expect a scene that’s buzzing in term-time but markedly calmer in summer, with everything from chatty local boozers to polished golfer shrines.
- History lovers: In St Andrews, sip real ale amid centuries of lore at The Criterion and The Keys Bar, where conversation and heritage photos turn the pub into a living museum.
- Golf pilgrims: Relive your round at The Dunvegan or The Jigger Inn, two iconic “19th holes” steps from the Old Course.
- Real-ale and craft-beer fans: Rotating casks at the Whey Pat and local brews at St Andrews Brewing Co. make a compact crawl easy, from 80/- heavy to hop-forward IPAs.
- Night owls & students: The Vic and Aikman’s Cellar Bar bring DJs, folk sessions and big Wednesday socials, with visible welfare and anti-spiking measures for peace of mind.
- Foodies: Gastro-forward spots like The Central and Hams Hame serve proper pub fare with whisky lists and craft taps to match.
- Budget-conscious travellers: Pick your price-point with student promos and hotel bars—think student-deal ~£3.50 vs £6+ pints in hotel pubs.
Top things to do in St Andrews
These are the unmissable highlights of St Andrews. They distil centuries of town, gown and golf into a handful of essential stops.
- Walk the medieval core along South, Market and North Streets, linking classics like The Criterion and the St Andrews Brewing Co. brewpub.
- Explore the golfing epicentre at The Dunvegan and the Jigger Inn, where memorabilia and 19th‑hole tales define the town’s legend.
- Visit local bastions The Keys Bar and The Whey Pat for conversation-led pints, well-kept cask ale and old-school hospitality.
- Take the student axis via Aikman’s Cellar Bar and The Vic on a Wednesday, catching live sessions, cheap deals and the buzziest nights.
- Hike The Scores past the R&A to Hams Hame, then savour a dram with views towards the Old Course.
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Top things to do in St Andrews
These are the unmissable highlights of St Andrews. They distil centuries of town, gown and golf into a handful of essential stops.
- Walk the medieval core along South, Market and North Streets, linking classics like The Criterion and the St Andrews Brewing Co. brewpub.
- Explore the golfing epicentre at The Dunvegan and the Jigger Inn, where memorabilia and 19th‑hole tales define the town’s legend.
- Visit local bastions The Keys Bar and The Whey Pat for conversation-led pints, well-kept cask ale and old-school hospitality.
- Take the student axis via Aikman’s Cellar Bar and The Vic on a Wednesday, catching live sessions, cheap deals and the buzziest nights.
- Hike The Scores past the R&A to Hams Hame, then savour a dram with views towards the Old Course.
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3-day St Andrews itinerary
Day 1: Medieval lanes, town-and-gown, and first pints
Stroll the compact historic core to get your bearings among spires, wynds and sandstone quads. Today blends big-hitter sights with classic student and local haunts, so you feel the rhythm that shifts between term time and summer.
- Morning: Walk South Street, Market Street and North Street to the cathedral and castle ruins; layers help on breezy headlands. Pause for a coffee before looping back through St Salvator’s Quad to watch red gowns and daily campus life.
- Midday: Settle into the Criterion for a pie-and-pint; order at the bar and consider starting a round if you’re in a small group. If you prefer a sit-down menu and live sport screens, the Central does reliable pub classics.
- Afternoon: Duck into Aikman’s Cellar Bar for continental beers and to check the chalkboard for live folk sessions (note steep stairs; the upstairs café is easier access). If cask ale’s your thing, the Whey Pat Tavern is a short amble and often has award-winning real ales on rotation.
- Evening: Start early at the Keys Bar for a perfectly kept pint and conversation (no music/TV; keep voices low). Then head to St Andrews Brewing Co’s South Street brewpub for dinner and a local flight; on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays, the Vic turns lively with student DJs—bring ID and expect queues—or choose a quieter nightcap back on South Street.
Day 2: Golf lore and the world’s most famous 19th holes
Lean into the golfing heartbeat that draws visitors from everywhere, whether you play or just love the stories. You’ll trace the coastline, then warm up with fireside drams and photo-lined walls.
- Morning: Walk the edge of the Old Course from the West Sands end, keeping to paths and heeding marshals; grab a shot near the Swilcan Bridge when it’s quiet. If skies are clear, a brisk beach wander sets you up nicely.
- Midday: Take lunch by the links: the Jigger Inn is cosy with memorabilia and a garden beside the Road Hole (premium prices; dogs only outside), while Hams Hame offers polished takes on Scottish staples near the clubhouse. Book if it’s tournament week.
- Afternoon: Amble along the Scores for sea views, then pop into the Dunvegan to soak up decades of golfing lore on the walls; go mid-afternoon for a better chance of a seat. During the Open, arrive early and expect queues.
- Evening: Make it a whisky-forward night: ask the bartender for a gentle progression (Highland to Islay) and toast with “Slàinte Mhath.” Last orders typically come around 11 pm–midnight; taxis can be scarce after 1 am, so plan your walk home.
Day 3: Coastal calm, locals’ favourites and a finale crawl
Your final day balances sea air and unhurried pints where staff know regulars by name. Cap it off by tasting all three faces of the town—local, student and golf—in one smooth loop.
- Morning: Follow the Fife Coastal Path from the harbour along East Sands; look for seabirds and the old pier. Weather turns fast—pack a waterproof and warm layers even in summer.
- Midday: Refuel at the Whey Pat Tavern with a toastie or scotch egg and a well-kept cask; quiz nights are popular mid-week. Ask what’s drinking well on handpull today.
- Afternoon: Choose culture or greenery: the Wardlaw Museum for university treasures, or the Botanic Garden for a peaceful hour. Back in town, sample a seasonal tap at St Andrews Brewing Co; despite recent restructuring the venue remains open and buzzing.
- Evening: Do the insider “trio”: start with a quiet half at the Keys Bar, head to Aikman’s for a student-leaning vibe, then finish at the Dunvegan for golf lore. Mind rounds etiquette, keep an eye on your drink (bars can provide stoppers), and note that Wednesdays bring loud sports socials while summer is calmer and more conversational.
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Food and drink in St Andrews
St Andrews blends classic Scottish comfort food with a vibrant pub scene shaped by students, locals, and golfers. Expect hearty pies, well-kept real ales, and locally brewed craft beers alongside quality gastro‑pub fare. Its compact medieval streets keep great food and drink close at hand.
- Steak & ale pie – a pub classic with rich gravy and buttery pastry; The Criterion’s pie board sets the benchmark. Atmosphere: snug, lively bars where space is tight and conversation flows.
- A pint of heavy (80/-) – malty, amber Scottish ale poured to perfection in locals’ pubs like The Keys or The Whey Pat. Atmosphere: quiet, TV‑free bars built for chat.
- Local craft beer flight – rotating IPAs, stouts and lagers from St Andrews Brewing Co., fresh from the brewery. Atmosphere: modern café‑bars with a mixed crowd.
- A wee dram of single malt – ask the bartender for a region‑led recommendation and sip, don’t shoot. Atmosphere: wood‑panelled golf‑side bars and traditional town pubs.
Eat like a local: Discover St Andrews top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in St Andrews
St Andrews blends classic Scottish comfort food with a vibrant pub scene shaped by students, locals, and golfers. Expect hearty pies, well-kept real ales, and locally brewed craft beers alongside quality gastro‑pub fare. Its compact medieval streets keep great food and drink close at hand.
- Steak & ale pie – a pub classic with rich gravy and buttery pastry; The Criterion’s pie board sets the benchmark. Atmosphere: snug, lively bars where space is tight and conversation flows.
- A pint of heavy (80/-) – malty, amber Scottish ale poured to perfection in locals’ pubs like The Keys or The Whey Pat. Atmosphere: quiet, TV‑free bars built for chat.
- Local craft beer flight – rotating IPAs, stouts and lagers from St Andrews Brewing Co., fresh from the brewery. Atmosphere: modern café‑bars with a mixed crowd.
- A wee dram of single malt – ask the bartender for a region‑led recommendation and sip, don’t shoot. Atmosphere: wood‑panelled golf‑side bars and traditional town pubs.
Eat like a local: Discover St Andrews top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in St Andrews
Choosing the right area in St Andrews shapes your trip more than the hotel brand. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm—from golf‑side calm to student‑energy streets—so pick the vibe that matches your plans.
- Old Town core (South, Market & North Streets) — medieval lanes dense with pubs and eateries, steps from cathedral and colleges; lively in term‑time, quieter in summer—great for first‑timers, pub‑hoppers and culture buffs.
- The Scores & Old Course — seafront ridge by the Links with golf‑heritage bars, premium hotels and sunsets over West Sands; ideal for golfers, couples and higher budgets.
- West Port & Bridge Street — gateway by the historic city gate, locals’ pubs like the Whey Pat and a more residential, better‑value feel; suits value‑seekers, families and early‑to‑bed types.
- East Sands & Harbour — beach paths and harbour with cathedral ruins nearby, sea air and morning dips, few late‑night venues and a 10–15 min walk to the centre; perfect for walkers, history lovers and dog owners.
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Where to stay in St Andrews
Choosing the right area in St Andrews shapes your trip more than the hotel brand. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm—from golf‑side calm to student‑energy streets—so pick the vibe that matches your plans.
- Old Town core (South, Market & North Streets) — medieval lanes dense with pubs and eateries, steps from cathedral and colleges; lively in term‑time, quieter in summer—great for first‑timers, pub‑hoppers and culture buffs.
- The Scores & Old Course — seafront ridge by the Links with golf‑heritage bars, premium hotels and sunsets over West Sands; ideal for golfers, couples and higher budgets.
- West Port & Bridge Street — gateway by the historic city gate, locals’ pubs like the Whey Pat and a more residential, better‑value feel; suits value‑seekers, families and early‑to‑bed types.
- East Sands & Harbour — beach paths and harbour with cathedral ruins nearby, sea air and morning dips, few late‑night venues and a 10–15 min walk to the centre; perfect for walkers, history lovers and dog owners.
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Good to know before you go to St Andrews
Travel to St Andrews is straightforward: it’s a compact, walkable town with most sights, pubs and beaches within a short stroll. A few details—like arriving via the nearby rail station and the academic calendar—help with timing, budgets and bookings.
- Affordability: Expect pub mains at £15–£25 and pints £4.50–£7.00; accommodation ranges roughly from £90–£150 for B&Bs, £140–£250 for mid‑range hotels, and £300+ for premium golf stays (book early in peak weeks).
- Transport: The town centre is fully walkable; arrive by train to Leuchars (10–15 minutes away) then bus/taxi, with frequent buses to Dundee and the East Neuk, and a car useful for coastal day trips though parking is tighter in the centre.
- Language: English is the main language and universally understood, with the odd Scots phrase or Gaelic toast adding local flavour but no barrier to visitors.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe, family‑ and solo‑traveller friendly; use standard common sense with belongings, note lively student nights (especially Wednesdays/weekends), limited late‑night taxis (pre‑book), and pack for breezy, changeable weather.
- Crowds: Term time (Sep–May) is liveliest, summer is calmer but busier around golf events, and The Open weeks are extremely crowded—book rooms, dining and taxis well in advance for major tournament or student tradition weekends.
Good to know before you go to St Andrews
Travel to St Andrews is straightforward: it’s a compact, walkable town with most sights, pubs and beaches within a short stroll. A few details—like arriving via the nearby rail station and the academic calendar—help with timing, budgets and bookings.
- Affordability: Expect pub mains at £15–£25 and pints £4.50–£7.00; accommodation ranges roughly from £90–£150 for B&Bs, £140–£250 for mid‑range hotels, and £300+ for premium golf stays (book early in peak weeks).
- Transport: The town centre is fully walkable; arrive by train to Leuchars (10–15 minutes away) then bus/taxi, with frequent buses to Dundee and the East Neuk, and a car useful for coastal day trips though parking is tighter in the centre.
- Language: English is the main language and universally understood, with the odd Scots phrase or Gaelic toast adding local flavour but no barrier to visitors.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe, family‑ and solo‑traveller friendly; use standard common sense with belongings, note lively student nights (especially Wednesdays/weekends), limited late‑night taxis (pre‑book), and pack for breezy, changeable weather.
- Crowds: Term time (Sep–May) is liveliest, summer is calmer but busier around golf events, and The Open weeks are extremely crowded—book rooms, dining and taxis well in advance for major tournament or student tradition weekends.
Best time to go to St Andrews
Seasonality in St Andrews hinges more on the university and golf calendar than pure weather. Expect a lively term-time scene and a calmer, golf-centric summer, with exceptional surges when The Open is hosted.
- Term Time (Sep–May): Cool, changeable weather; pubs and streets heaving mid‑week with students; buzzy, boisterous vibe around socials and traditions.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild with long daylight; students away so crowds thin out except around the Links; relaxed, golf‑focused atmosphere with easier pub seating.
- Open Championship Weeks (when hosted, usually Jul, ~every 5 years): Summer weather but variable; town at absolute capacity with premium prices; electric, golf‑obsessed buzz from dawn till late.
Best time to go to St Andrews
Seasonality in St Andrews hinges more on the university and golf calendar than pure weather. Expect a lively term-time scene and a calmer, golf-centric summer, with exceptional surges when The Open is hosted.
- Term Time (Sep–May): Cool, changeable weather; pubs and streets heaving mid‑week with students; buzzy, boisterous vibe around socials and traditions.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild with long daylight; students away so crowds thin out except around the Links; relaxed, golf‑focused atmosphere with easier pub seating.
- Open Championship Weeks (when hosted, usually Jul, ~every 5 years): Summer weather but variable; town at absolute capacity with premium prices; electric, golf‑obsessed buzz from dawn till late.
Share St Andrews with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to St Andrews
By Air
- Edinburgh Airport (approx. 80 km): 1 hr 15 mins by car. By public transport, tram to Edinburgh Gateway (10–15 mins), train to Leuchars (1 hr), then bus/taxi to St Andrews (10–15 mins).
- Dundee Airport (approx. 21 km): 25–30 mins by car. By public transport, local bus/taxi to Dundee city centre, then Stagecoach 99 bus to St Andrews (30–40 mins).
- Glasgow Airport (approx. 125 km): 1 hr 50 mins–2 hrs by car. By public transport, bus to Glasgow Queen Street, train to Haymarket/Edinburgh Waverley, train to Leuchars, then bus/taxi to St Andrews.
- Aberdeen Airport (approx. 135 km): about 2–2.5 hrs by car or train to Leuchars then bus/taxi.
By Train
- St Andrews has no railway station. Nearest station: Leuchars (for St Andrews) on the Edinburgh–Aberdeen line.
- Journey times to Leuchars: Edinburgh Waverley/Haymarket ~1 hr–1 hr 15 mins; Dundee ~10–15 mins; Glasgow Queen Street (via Edinburgh/Haymarket) ~1 hr 50 mins–2 hrs; London King’s Cross ~5.5–6.5 hrs (many services are direct to Leuchars).
- Last leg: Stagecoach 99 bus from Leuchars to St Andrews every ~10 mins daytime (10–15 mins). Taxis usually available at the station.
By Bus/Coach
- St Andrews Bus Station (City Road) is the town hub.
- From Edinburgh: Stagecoach X59/X60 from Edinburgh Bus Station to St Andrews (~2 hrs), frequent daytime services.
- From Dundee: Stagecoach 99 to St Andrews (every few minutes peak; 30–40 mins).
- From Glasgow: usually change in Edinburgh or Dundee; train is typically faster.
By Car
- From Edinburgh: A90 over Queensferry Crossing, M90 to J2A/A92, then A91 to St Andrews (approx. 1 hr 15 mins–1 hr 30 mins).
- From Glasgow: M8/M90 route (approx. 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs).
- From Dundee: A92/Tay Road Bridge, then A919/A91 (approx. 30 mins).
- Parking is limited in the town centre; use long‑stay car parks (e.g., Petheram Bridge, Argyle Street) where possible.
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