The 16 Best Things to Do and See in St Andrews, Scotland
Home to the University of St Andrews since 1413, this seaside town on the east Fife coast is an eclectic mix of historic tradition and contemporary intellectualism. Truly, St Andrews has it all, and its ancient streets have been walked upon by students, locals, and golf tourists alike. Read on for the top seven must-dos in the Auld Grey Toon.
St Andrews Cathedral
Cathedral, Church, Ruins
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
St Rule's Tower
Cathedral, Church
University of St Andrews
University
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
Sample local beer at the St Andrews Brewing Co.
Pub, Bar, Pub Grub, British
The St Andrews Brewing Company, a local craft brewery, is adored by both students and locals for its range of Fife-made ales, stouts and IPAs. The brew pub, located on South Street, is a cozy and welcoming spot for a pint of oatmeal stout or a glass of Thistly Cross Cider. The beer hall upstairs gets lively on weekend evenings, with students sitting around the tables to sip their drinks and chat with friends.
St Andrews Castle
Ruins
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
Jannettas Gelateria
Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream, Dessert
Swilcan Bridge
Architectural Landmark
Iconic to a T(ee), Swilcan Bridge is perhaps one of the most recognizable bridges in the world — to golfers that is! Sitting unassumingly between the first and 18th fairways on the Old Course, this tiny stone structure is featured in countless famous photos with all the golfing greats. Built some 700 years ago, this golfing relic may be replicated in Florida’s World Golf Hall of Fame but St Andrews has the real deal. A cracking Instagram-op!
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
Enjoy some culture at the Byre
Theatre
St Salvator's Chapel
Building, Church, University
West Sands Beach
Natural Feature
Check out the St Andrews Links
Park
Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA)
Museum, University
St Andrews Pier and Harbour
Architectural Landmark
Still going strong since the good old fishing days, St Andrews Pier and accompanying harbour are riddled with historical memories and steeped in tradition. Every Sunday, university students and staff adorned in academic regalia take a stroll down to the pier after the chapel service subsides, a ritual ingrained in university life for decades. Whether kissed by Scottish sunshine or watched by moody skies, this picture-perfect pier is a purveyor of stunning views.
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
St Andrews Botanic Garden
Botanical Garden
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
British Golf Museum
Museum
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.
St Andrews Museum
Museum
Recommended by Tori Chalmers.