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

Should you visit Belfast or Howth?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Howth, 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.

Howth

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

Belfast and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Howth?

Both Howth and Belfast have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Howth is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Howth is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Howth offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

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 Howth Better for Nightlife?

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

Belfast has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Howth Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Howth?

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

Belfast offers some nice shopping areas. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Howth Better for Families?

Belfast and Howth are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Howth is a family-friendly city. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Belfast or Howth Better for Couples?

Howth is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Howth is a nice destination for couples. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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 Howth Better for Students?

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

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

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Howth 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.

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

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

Is Belfast or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Howth?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Howth?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this affordable destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Howth?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Howth?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Howth, 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 Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Belfast 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 Belfast or Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Howth. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

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

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

Should I visit Belfast or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Howth. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

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

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

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

Should I visit Belfast or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is cooler than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

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

Should I visit Belfast or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Belfast