A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Families, Attractions, and Old Town

Should you visit Bonn or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Dublin? 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Dublin is more touristy than Bonn and is popular 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. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Bonn or Dublin.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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.

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

Both Bonn and Dublin offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Bonn or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Bonn and Dublin.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Dublin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Dublin both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Bonn or Dublin Better for Families?

Bonn is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Bonn or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Dublin?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Bonn or Dublin?

Bonn 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.

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 Bonn or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly 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 Bonn or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The friendly 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Dublin, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Dublin?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bonn or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Dublin. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Bonn often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bonn usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Dublin. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. Bonn is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Dublin. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the spring, Bonn is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bonn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Bonn