A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Dublin for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Dublin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Dublin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun 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.

Bali and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Bali. Dublin is bigger than Bali, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bali is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is more touristy than Dublin and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Bali different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Dublin are terrific when it comes to partying.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. 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.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Bali 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.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Resorts?

Bali is terrific for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Bali is terrific for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Dublin?

Both Bali and Dublin are excellent shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. 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.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Dublin.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. 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 Bali or Dublin Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Dublin is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Bali or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Dublin is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Both Bali and Dublin offer notable public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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

Is Bali or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Bali?

How long in Bali or Dublin?

In either Bali or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than Dublin because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Dublin 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Dublin?

Bali is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Dublin. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the frequented destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The laid-back city of Dublin offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Dublin, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Dublin is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Dublin?

Dublin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Dublin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is much warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Dublin. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Dublin. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Dublin. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city.

Bali is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Bali