A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Aberdeen or Dublin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dublin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Aberdeen and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Aberdeen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities.

How is Aberdeen different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dublin and Aberdeen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Dublin?

Both Aberdeen and Dublin have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Dublin can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Dublin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for live music. However, Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Aberdeen and Dublin.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Dublin?

Dublin is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Dublin.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dublin is very family-friendly. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Students?

Aberdeen and Dublin are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Plenty of students visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Aberdeen and Dublin offer nice public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Dublin has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Aberdeen or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Dublin?

In either Aberdeen or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Aberdeen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Aberdeen. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dublin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dublin that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin than Aberdeen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dublin.

One day in Aberdeen or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Dublin?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dublin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Aberdeen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Dublin, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Dublin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Dublin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Dublin. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aberdeen is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Dublin. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Dublin. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Dublin. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the spring, Aberdeen is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dublin. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Aberdeen