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

Should you visit Belfast or Dublin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Dublin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Dublin travel costs.

Belfast and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is more touristy than Belfast 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. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dublin is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dublin makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for live music. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Dublin?

Dublin is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Dublin is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Dublin?

In either Belfast or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Belfast or Dublin?

Belfast 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.

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 Belfast or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. 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 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 Belfast or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 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 Belfast and Dublin, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Dublin. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the summer, Belfast is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Dublin. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Dublin. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Dublin in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Belfast is cooler than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Dublin. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Belfast is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dublin. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Belfast