Location: St. Andrews
Top Things to do in St. Andrews
10 Free Things to do in St. Andrews That You Shouldn't Miss
St Andrews (Latin: S. Andrea(s); Scots: Saunt Aundraes; Scottish Gaelic: Cill Rìmhinn) is a town on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Dundee and 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Edinburgh. The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. According to some rankings, it is ranked as the third best university in the United Kingdom, behind Oxbridge. The University is an integral part of the burgh and during term time students make up approximately one third of the town's population. St Andrews has a population of 16,800 (in 2012).
Restaurants in St. Andrews
1. Birchwood Cottage Gallery and Tearoom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Gallery and tearoom currently closed due to coronavirus pandemic - please watch this space for updates.
2. Topping & Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
A vibrant, independent haven for real bibliophiles, with over 45,000 titles and knowledgeable, passionate booksellers. Host to a year round events programme packed with exciting author visits, as well as the St Andrews Literary Festival every autumn!
Reviewed By Hola4876 - Lansing, United States
We were traveling through Ireland, Scotland, then Amsterdam. Somehow, our Amsterdam guidebook was left somewhere. I went to this bookstore on a very rainy Sunday morning to find a replacement. I was warmly greeted at the door & taken to the section on "Travel". I was offered coffee or tea which was very thoughtful. I was told I could sit to browse through the Amsterdam travel books. These types of stores are few & far between these days; this is a wonderful bookstore.
3. Kartel Scotland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 165 reviews
Visit our flagship store Build your own bespoke watch at no additional cost. Add an engraved message for a meaningful gift. Proud collaborators with Harris Tweed and Johnston of Elgin cashmere & wools. Watches from £65
Reviewed By juliedS5159XP - Livingston, United Kingdom
Fantastic watch shop with a lovely range of watches, straps and accessories. Very helpful and friendly staff. We will be back
4. The Jigger Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
This historic building is steeped in history. It dates back to the 1850s, when it was the station master’s lodge and the history and heritage live on. Today, The Jigger Inn is home to golfing memorabilia, crackling open-hearth fires, home-cooked food and a superb selection of Scottish beers – this is traditional Scottish pub hospitality at its very best. Fondly referred to as ‘the towns best 19th hole’ and much loved by the many celebrities who visit.
Reviewed By TheaLouSam - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
A gorgeous little pub, hugely atmospheric with welcoming and friendly staff. Lovely beer garden situated right next toSt Andrews golf course, overlooking (i believe) the 17th green. An absolute must as a pilgrimage for any golf fan. Lots of people seemed to be partaking in some hearty food food but we just stayed for a few excellent Whiskeys from Eden Mills distillery
5. St Andrews Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,949 reviews
St Andrews Cathedral is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. The cathedral grounds will be open Sun to Tues. The remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church, show how impressive it used to be. The museum houses an outstanding collection of early and later medieval sculptures and other relics found on the site, including the magnificent St Andrews Sarcophagus of Pictish date. The precinct walls are particularly well preserved. St Rule's Tower, in the precinct, is part of the first church of the Augustinian canons at St Andrews built in the early 12th century. There are splendid views from the top.
Reviewed By Romelle11 - North Easton, United States
Spent a few hours in St. Andrew and walked through the impressive ruins of the cathedral and cemetery.
6. University of St Andrews
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Founded in 1411, this university forms the centre of town.
Reviewed By kwagmeister - Newburgh, United States
The oldest university in Scotland shares St. Andrews town with the glorious Old Course, making the town a destination point for golfers and those of us who travel with them. Thank goodness for the interesting architecture and parklike grounds of the University, which makes for a lovely walk around town. The University is spread out across the town, with departments tucked in nooks and crannies and student housing just about everywhere. The presence of the University students adds youthful energy to this very old town. We ducked into a church at one point in our walk and found a university student choir rehearsing. Their voices were absolutely beautiful and filled the old church with such life. What a treat. Graduation is next week so there was a lot of sprucing up taking place, making the grounds and buildings all the lovelier.
7. The Swilcan Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 797 reviews
The famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf. The bridge was originally built over 700 years ago so shepherds could move their flock across the Swilcan Burn which meanders through what is now the 1st and 18th fairways. Today the Swilcan Bridge, with the 'Auld Grey Toun' providing the most beautiful of backdrops, is one of the most iconic settings in golf. So much more than a little stone crossing, the Swilcan Bridge is the history of the game, it's the magic moments, it's felt the footsteps of the true greats.
Reviewed By bbeatson
A must visit and photo opportunity for golf lovers. Sunday is the only day to visit and take pictures at this golf history site unless you are lucky enough to plat the Old Course!
8. Holy Trinity Church (Town Kirk)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By giuseppecincin - Rosyth, United Kingdom
A must place when you go to St. Andrews. In the centre of the city, lovely to visit inside and outside, not busy this time of the year, very interesting and suggestive.
9. St Andrews West Sands Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 753 reviews
Reviewed By robboaberdeen
Great expanse of sand when tide was out,, you can walk for miles and the scenery and views are terrific.. Really enjoyable.
10. Artery St Andrews
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Artery St Andrews offers the very best in handmade gifts, homewares, crafts and jewellery from Scotland and the UK. Whether you are looking for something eye-catching for your home, a special present or wedding gift, come and see our stunning range. For handmade clocks, candles and soap with only natural ingredients, beautiful textiles, gorgeous glassware and the very unusual - come to Artery.
