I am not a local to St. Andrews. However I really wish I was. This small town in Scotland is absolutely MAGICAL!!! The architecture and buildings and history actually blow my mind. I feel like I’m walking through a fairy tale as I sip my coffee, browse bookstores, and feel the ocean wind blow through my hair.
So, while I’m not a local, my buddy Aoife is. Aoife is PERFECT and goes to school in St. Andrews and knows ALL the best spots for a pint, a cup of Joe, and how to spend a perfect day here! Here are her best recs!
Needing a Place to Stay?
There are quite a few places you can check out if you need a place to stay!
- Click HERE for some cheap spots to stay!
A tip, however, is that its pretty expensive to stay in St. Andrews directly, but if you stay in the nearby town of Dundee, you can find some cheaper places!
Pubs
The most important. Obviously.
- Whey Pat
- A cozy vibe with live music depending on the night
- Centra
- Traditional music!
- Criterion
- A bit expensive but still a great spot
- It’s well known for “cri pies”
- Nice outdoor seating!
- Molly Malones
- Sports pub with live music
Cafes and Food
- Toastie Shack
- East Sands
- The seagulls will drive bomb you and try to take your food. HOWEVER there is the “famous seagull insurance” where you can pay a little bit extra for your toastie, and if your food gets snatched, you get a new sandwich!
- It’s also right next to the water with a view of the old cathedral. It’s an awesome spot!
- East Sands
- Dook
- West Sands
- It’s run by the brother of the owner of Toastie Shack!
- West Sands
- Janettas
- Tons of unique ice cream flavors!
- Taste
- A local coffeeshop. It opens at 7 am if you need to start your work early, but it doesn’t have a ton of seating. Epic vibes and good coffee!
- Kinettles Van
- Great outdoor seating!
- Toastie Bar
- 50p toasties from the Baptist Church fortnightly 11pm-3am
- Cute book shop
Other
- Toppings Book Shop
- Bouqiniste
- Cute book shop
- Markets!
- Head to South Street on Saturdays!
- Balgrove Larger Market
- Forman’s Ceilidh
- If you’re not sure what a ceilidh is, don’t fear. It’s actually pronounced “kay-lee”, and its traditional Scottish dancing! It is SO FUN! And on Saturday nights in St. Andrews.
- Blind Mirth
- This is a free improv comedy show at the union. You can find it on Monday nights at 8 pm.
- 50p toasties from the Baptist Church fortnightly 11pm-3am
- Lade Braes walk
- Kingsbarns Cambo Estate
- Visit the Cathedral ruins by the sea!
Day Trips
There are a bunch of lovely coastal towns that you can access by bus or by walking from St. Andrews.
- Kingsbarns
- Crail
- Anstruther
- Elie
- Pittenweem
- Check out Pittenweem Chocolate Company while you’re there!
Keep Exploring!
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