15 Wonderful Things To Do in St Andrews, Scotland

Planning a trip to St Andrews and wondering how to spend your time? My guide to the best things to do in St Andrews includes glorious beaches, historic sites, and stunning coastal walks around this beautiful town.

Located on the pretty Fife coast, the historic town of St Andrews has long been one of my favourite places in Scotland. The perfect balance of seaside haven and thriving university town, St Andrews is a must visit on any east coast itinerary.

For visitors to Scotland, St Andrews is often visited on an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

But I guarantee that a day spent exploring this town will only leave you wanting more. Packed full of history and architecture, there’s an incredible number of things to do and see: a ruined castle, soaring cathedral, centuries old harbour, ancient university buildings, cobbled streets.

It’s proximity to the quaint (but tiny) East Neuk fishing villages means its pretty much a sure fire stopover on any Fife trip.

Synonymous too with golf, it is a long-standing favourite with fans from America in particular, who flock here each year to play the iconic links course.

For me though, its the incredible food scene in St Andrews that often keeps me coming back - truthfully, it rivals any UK city in terms of excellent restaurants and cafes, all serving exceptional produce.

DISCOVER ST ANDREWS & FIFE’S Best-Kept Secrets

Spend less time planning and more time travelling. Unlock the best-kept secrets of St Andrews and coastal Fife with my carefully curated Google Map. Showcasing 500+ hotels, eateries, coffee shops, day trips, and unique experiences, all in one handy pocket guide. Get the map here!

One of the largest towns in Fife, though surprisingly compact, St Andrews appeals to visitors from across the UK and further afield alike.

This ongoing popularity is only bolstered with its worldwide reputation as a university powerhouse; for a small Scottish town, the community here is remarkably international and the town centre always wonderfully cosmopolitan and always lively.

Over the years I’ve spent countless weekends in St Andrews, on family and solo trips. So, I’ve got a really good idea on how you can have the best experience in St Andrews. Plus where to stay, eat, and where to find the best beaches.

This is my guide to St Andrews.

How to visit St Andrews

By car | This is the easiest way to visit St Andrews and gives you the most freedom for exploring the Fife coast. Those visiting on a day trip are best to park in the dedicated (some paid) car parks in the town centre (here and here are my preferred options). There is also parking available on residential side streets (like North Street), but it does tend to fill up quickly.

If you’re staying overnight and have a car, be sure to choose a St Andrews hotel with private, or nearby, parking.

Finally, if you’re looking to hire a car to explore St Andrews and Fife, I recommend Discover Cars for inexpensive and flexible rental car rental options.

By bus | An easy 2-hour journey, take the X59 Stagecoach bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to St Andrews Bus Station.

By train | Not quite as straightforward (there’s no train station in St Andrews) but still doable, take the train from Edinburgh to nearby Leuchars train station. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive to St Andrews - but you’ll need to arrange a taxi in advance, or wait for the Stagecoach 99 bus.

On a tour | From Edinburgh, explore St Andrews, and the East Neuk villages, on a highly rated and popular tour like this one.

How long to spend in St Andrews?

Being so compact, it’s entirely possible spend one day in St Andrews and see the main highlights. However, if you can, I suggest spending at least two days in St Andrews to fully experience the town at a slower pace, walk the coastal path, and indulge in its many cafes and restaurants.

Best things to do in St Andrews

No matter how much time you have, a visit to St Andrews is very much worth it. There’s so much to see and do, from coastal walks to castle ruins, the cathedral, beaches, and charming town centre - you’re sure to fall in love with this gorgeous Scottish town. Here’s my favourite things to do, and see, around the town:

Take a walking tour

Whether you’re staying for a weekend or on a day trip, the best way to experience St Andrews is is on foot.

St Andrews is an incredibly compact and walkable town, and you’ll have the best experience just following your feet. In fact, it’s entirely possible to lose a day exploring the cobbled streets, quaint cottages, and charming streets that crisscross the town centre. Made of centuries-old stone, many have stood for hundreds of years and are testament to the heritage of this historic Scottish town.

Personally, my favourite walk is an hour long, easy loop from East Sands beach into town; it passes the harbour, cathedral, along the path above the sea cliffs, and castle.

Tour | Take away the stress of finding your way and join this highly rated professional walking tour. Experience the most beautiful parts of St Andrews; along the way your guide will share some history and hidden gems you might otherwise miss.

Book it on GetYourGuide.

The town centre

An essential part of any St Andrews visit, the town centre is much smaller than you might expect.

The hub is Market Street, composed of a cobbled street that cuts through the centre and is lined with shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s a buzzy street, always busy, and a gentle blend of souvenir shops alongside independent shops, boutique stores, small supermarkets, and (thankfully) only a very few high street brands.

To fully appreciate it, walk beyond the fountain and onwards to Market Streets natural end - a cobbled pedestrian area that is very old-world charming.

From Market Street, a myriad of side streets and lanes meander to equally lively South Street (packed with bars and restaurants). And, on the other side, North Street (home to quiet cafes and university buildings); this street leads to the castle and cathedral.

The side streets are worthy of an explore too - you’re most likely to find independent stores and cafes here, plus tucked away gems like Church Square.

To fully appreciate it, I suggest setting aside a few hours to wander, browse, eat, and people watch with a coffee.

A note on St Andrew shops…

In terms of shops in St Andrews, whilst there are a scattering of high street favourites, most are independent, boutique, and oh so tempting. Personally, I love: Bouquiniste Books, Artery Gift Shop, Eden Mill Gin, St Andrews Wine Company, Oliver Bonas, Bonkers Gift Shop, and CCW Country Clothing.

Visit the castle

I have to be honest here - the castle at St Andrews, whilst historic, is pretty tiny. And, unless you love ruined old castles, I’m not sure its worth the £8 per adult entry. However, it is worth a stroll from town to see it’s dramatic clifftop position and is best combined with a walk along East Scores downhill to the harbour.

Be sure to start your walk on North Castle Street (here), where you’ll get the best view as you pass some very beautiful old buildings.

And if you want to visit, get your tickets here.

Stroll the Harbour

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of town, the harbour is the perfect place.

Built in the 13th century, it was once home to 300 trading ships. Nowadays, the harbour is a welcome escape from the busy town, although you’ll still find small fishing boats in the harbour alongside SUPs and canoes.

Surrounding the harbour are creel pots, fishing nets - and the pretty pastel hued buildings that overlook the bobbing fishing boats. Though perhaps though not quite as iconic as the harbour at Portree, it’s a lovely area to stroll around.

After, take a walk along the long pier, all the way till the end - the views back over the beach and cathedral are a picture-perfect spot.

Visit the Cathedral

The most iconic building in St Andrews, the ruins of the medieval cathedral soar over the town.

It’s on every list of things to do in St Andrews, and rightfully so - the cathedral might be crumbling, but it’s still utterly beautiful. The cathedral’s stone towers and archways hint at the centuries old grandeur and sheer scale is still very evident today. If you’d like to read more about it’s history, this site is very helpful.

You can visit the grounds of St Andrews Cathedral for free but to enter the museum is £7.50 for an adult and £4.50 for a child.

Explore the University buildings

There’s lots of incredible buildings in St Andrews, but the university buildings have some of the most beautiful architecture.

One of the best things to do in St Andrews is visit St Salvator's Chapel, a grand building with a garden at its heart. From the gothic doorway on North Street, head inside and follow the archway into the peaceful garden. Find it here.

Equally beautiful is tucked away St Mary’s Quad. Inside the courtyard of this beautiful university building is a secluded and pretty park. Find it here.

Sunset Skies At East Sands Beach

A perfect vantage point for some of the prettiest skies in Scotland, visit this St Andrew beach on a calm evening around sunset. Though the sun actually sets behind the town, nevertheless, you’ll experience the most glorious pastel coloured skies from this spot - it easily rivals those iconic west coast sunsets.

Bring a blanket and a beer, or take a stroll across the sands. And, if you can, walk the short but steep path up onto the cliffs. From above, you’ll often spot the resident dolphin pod as it splashes past just before dark. And the town ablaze with golden light as the sun sets behind the cathedral.

It’s a stunning spot and one of my favourite things to do in St Andrews in the evening.

Janetta’s Gelateria

Something of a St Andrew institution, no trip is complete without gelato from Janetta’s.

There’s so many delicious flavours to choose from I can’t possibly list them all. But options like Caramel & Ginger, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Oreo Cookie, and Fife Raspberry Sorbet are some of my personal favourites. After, either sit in the little cafe, outside in the benches, or take a wander through town, gelato in hand.

Plan | Be warned, this is a popular spot and can get super busy and be prepared to queue on a sunny afternoon! In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Balgove Larder

Located just outside of St Andrews, a visit to Balgove Larder is one of the most wholesome things to do in St Andrews. You’ll find this unique farm shop just outside of town - home to a cafe, steak barn, shop, deli, garden shed, and sawmill-turned-BBQ.

In summer, the outdoor takeaway hut serves barista coffee and freshly baked pastries, and it’s a lovely spot for an afternoon treat.

Plan | there’re plenty free car parking available. But if you’d prefer to take public transport, then take the 99 bus service from St Andrews bus station to the larder. Either way, it’s a quick 5-minute journey from the centre of town.

Walk (some of) the Fife Coastal Path

The cliffside trail around St Andrews is a gorgeous walk, and, if you love the outdoors, one of the best things to do in St Andrews.

Part of the much larger 183km coastal path, the routes listed below have wonderful sea views, awe-inspiring cliff stacks, and a multitude of hidden coves and beaches.

To the Rock & Spindle | This walk takes around 2-hours and though it can be a little muddy in parts, it is well worth strapping your boots on for. The Rock & Spindle sea stack, hidden wild beaches, and clifftop sea views are stunning. To return, retrace the path back to East Sands Beach.

Find the route here.

To Kingsbarns Beach | Alternatively, if you’re seeking a longer hike then extend the above walk and follow the trail from St Andrews further along the coast towards stunning Kingsbarns beach. This 13.5km trail will take you most of the day but it’s genuinely one of the most gorgeous coastal walks in Scotland.

If you walk this section, return to St Andrews on the regular bus from Kingsbarns village square. Also, be aware that some small areas along this walking trail have tidal sections that are only passable at low tide. Don’t get caught out and be sure to check the tide times in advance.

Find that route here.

Visit the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve

A gorgeous walk from West Sands Beach to the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve, this route visits the saltmarshes and sandbanks just outside town. It’s a lovely walk to a quiet spot and in summer you’ll see heaps of wildlife, including seals who like to sunbathe in the shallow waters.

Route | Start with a stroll along the vast West Sands beach, continue through to the reserve, and return to town past the famous golf course. This loop takes around 2-hours, and you can find the route here.

Visit Tentsmuir Nature Reserve

Another nature reserve, this time for lovers of woodland trails and sweeping beaches. Roughly 20-minutes outside of town, Tentsmuir is one of my favourite places to go walking. A gorgeous combination of shifting sand dunes, a vast beach, and peaceful forest trails. Once you arrive, simply follow the trails between the trees and out to the soft sand.

Plan | Park at Kinshady car park. It costs £2 to access the barrier and you’ll need correct change. Find parking here. After you walk, enjoy a crepe, bagel, or coffee from takeaway cafe Salt & Pine Creperie, next to the car park.

East Neuk Day Trips

Scattered along the nearby coast are the postcard fishing villages of the East Neuk.

Visiting the East Neuk is one of the best things to do from St Andrews - spend a day driving between them, visit the historic harbours, and soak in their seaside feel. There are six villages to visit, each a short drive from St Andrews.

My favourites are iconic harbour village Crail (15-minutes), pretty fishing village perfect Pittenweem (20-minutes), tiny this tiny haven (22-minutes), and the beachside town Elie (25-minutes)

Chill on St Andrews beach

When it comes to things to do in St Andrews, going to the beach is a must.

There are two beaches to visit in St Andrews, both beautiful curves of soft golden sands, perfect for dog walkers, wild swimmers, SUPs, groups, and families alike. And whilst the city centre is a guaranteed lively spot, both beaches in St Andrews allow space to stroll and breathe and find your own calmer pace. Those St Andrews beaches are:

#1 East Sands Beach

Despite being the smallest St Andrews beach, East Sands is my favourite. The compact but perfectly formed sandy beach is backed by cliffs to one side, and harbour walls to the other. And honestly, it’s the most magical place on a blue sky day.

Frequently you’ll find people swimming or SUP’ing here, and it’s an active spot with generally calm and clear water. Nonetheless, it’s also entirely possible to find a quiet spot on the sand, or picnic tables above, to relax and people watch.

Amenities | You’ll find outdoor cafe Cheesy Toast Shack, ice cream hut, playpark, and toilets within easy walking distance of the sand.

Parking | There’s a small, free car park at East Sands Beach but this is a popular spot, especially at the weekend. Arrive early to guarantee a place. Find it here.

#2 West Sands Beach

The biggest of both St Andrews beaches, West Sands is a glorious 2-mile stretch of soft golden sand.

Backed by grassessand dunes, there’s heaps of space on this vast beach and being pretty long means it never feels crowded. Throw in beautiful views over the town, it’s a lovely beach and the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

In the morning and evening, this is a popular beach for runners and swimmers, with a sprinkling of excited dogs enjoying the space. The side closest to town is generally the busiest (being closest to amenities) but for a quiet and remote experience, simply walk along the beach and away from town.

The water’s fantastic and the shoreline long, offering ample opportunity to paddle. For those seeking adventure without the hassle of kit, you can hire a SUP or kayak from outdoor experience company Blown Away.

Amenities | Public toilets and outdoor cafe Dook are at the side of the beach closest to town; there are no amenities further along the beach.

Parking | You’ll find plentiful free parking, on the grass, just behind West Sands Beach. Find it here.

Indulge in the foodie scene

The foodie scene in St Andrews is genuinely nothing short of incredible.

Eating out is a whole reason to visit St Andrews in itself - it’s that good. No matter how much time you have in St Andrews, it’s impossible to eat in every cafe, coffee shop, and restaurant. I’m not exaggerating here: there are just so many amazing options to choose from.

And, importantly, the quality of the local produce used by each means you’re guaranteed a wonderful meal. Whilst you can read my complete list of the best St Andrews restaurants, below are my favourite St Andrews eateries for a more casual daytime bite:

Northpoint Café | A great breakfast and lunch spot, Northpoint Cafe is one of St Andrew’s most popular cafes. There’s frequently queues for a table (they don’t take bookings) but the food is most definitely worth the wait. I ordered a bagel with Greek yoghurt, peanut butter, and jam and honestly it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten.

Takeaway if you don’t want to wait.

The Cheesy Toast Shack | The clue is in the name, and this shack on East Sands beach serves up a selection of big fat cheese toasties. The macaroni toasty is especially decadent and delicious. Expect a food coma shortly after devouring.

Fisher & Donaldson | Something of a Fife institution, this family run bakery has been creating delicious sweet treats, breads, and cakes for over 100 years. Treat yourself to hot baked goods, a strawberry Danish pastry, or freshly made sandwich, all for takeaway.

Mitchell’s | I’m a huge fan of Mitchell’s and their cafe serves exceptional food. At night, choose from delicious mains. But during the day, this is the place to visit for breakfast or brunch - the eggs benny with bacon is a must! Plus, there’s an incredible deli if you’re looking to recreate a restaurant experience in your apartment.

The Bothy | A beautiful restaurant in the heart of town, with a quintessential Scottish menu. The main menu is all about (super delicious) big plates. But during the day, I love their sandwich menu - their Bothy Club with fries is to die for.

They also have a the little garden on the square, perfect for a G&T and nibbles on a sunny day.

Things To Do in St Andrews: Staying Over

There are some important factors to consider when choosing where to stay in the town. But the biggest one, by far, is what type of accommodation you want.

There are heaps of hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses to choose from, to suit all tastes and budgets. Recently however, a range of top-notch, design-led aparthotels have made their presence known and I’m personally loving the self-catering element for a longer stay.

Below you’ll find a combination of my favourite apartments and hotels:

No 1 Apartments

No 1 Apartments (pictured above) have the most gorgeous luxury apartments in two locations. Apartments vary in size, but each is designed as a private residence, and has everything you need for the perfect St Andrews stay including a thoughtful welcome hamper. Inside, there’s a fully fitted out kitchen, coffee maker, living room, and dining area. Plus, many of the residences have either a private patio or balcony. The bedrooms are gorgeously decorated in a soft colour palette and have heaps of storage.

The best thing about No 1 Apartments though is their location - right in the centre of town, the best things to do in St Andrews are all within an easy walk.

The Arran

The Arran is an aparthotel, a perfect blend of hotel comforts and a fully serviced apartment. Rooms vary in size, from a cosy studio to two-bedroom suites, but each feature a list of mod-cons like award winning mattresses, luxe toiletries, and flat screen TVs. Plus, rooms are beautifully decorated in muted pastels and a chic minimalist vibe. Just a short walk into town, you’ll also love the location.

The Saint

The highly rated Saint hotel sits above a restaurant and cocktail bar of the same name, just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of St Andrews. There are four rooms, each simple but contemporary, and it’s perfectly located for your first visit to the town.

Haar With Rooms

This boutique hotel has only six bedrooms, each beautifully designed and inspired by their coastal surroundings. Expect panoramic views and touches of luxury. Downstairs, the seafood restaurant is one of the best eateries in town.

The Fairmont

A luxury hotel, located just outside of the town, the Fairmont is perfect for those seeking 5-star services like a spa, gym, two AA Rosette restaurants, and even its own golf course. If you can tear yourself away from the luxe amenities, a complimentary shuttle runs to and from the hotel straight into St Andrews town centre.

Read next:

Posts on this site may contain affiliate links that help support my business in creating content. If you purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.

If you’ve found this guide helpful, you can buy me a ‘virtual’ mug of Earl Grey here.