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

Should you visit Beijing or Dublin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Dublin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Beijing travel costs.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Dublin travel costs.

Beijing and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Dublin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dublin is known for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. Beijing is more touristy than Dublin and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

How is Beijing different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. 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 Beijing or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Dublin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great destination for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Dublin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dublin and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Beijing or Dublin More Beautiful?

Beijing is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Dublin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Dublin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Dublin are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Dublin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Beijing or Dublin Better for Students?

Beijing is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Beijing is a great city to visit as a student. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

It's common for students to 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 Beijing or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Beijing can get you around easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Beijing or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Dublin?

In either Beijing or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Dublin because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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.

One day in Beijing or Dublin?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Dublin?

Beijing 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.

In Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Dublin?

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

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Dublin?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Dublin, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Dublin?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Dublin. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Beijing is a little warmer than Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Dublin. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Dublin. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Dublin. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Beijing is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Beijing