A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Howth for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aberdeen or Howth?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Howth? 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.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Aberdeen and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Howth are popular destinations, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Howth 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 Howth?

Aberdeen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Howth 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.

Howth has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Aberdeen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is well known for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Howth?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Aberdeen offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for Families?

Aberdeen is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Howth make for a nice place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Howth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Aberdeen or Howth Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a popular place for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

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

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Both Aberdeen and Howth 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.

Howth has some public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Aberdeen or Howth a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Howth both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Howth is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aberdeen or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aberdeen than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Howth 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 Howth.

One day in Aberdeen or Howth?

In Aberdeen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The fishing village of Howth offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Howth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Howth?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Howth, we can see that Aberdeen 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 Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Howth. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Howth. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

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

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

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. Aberdeen is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Aberdeen