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

Should you visit Bristol 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 Bristol 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.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Bristol and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Bristol, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more touristy than Bristol and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Bristol different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Dublin and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Bristol or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Dublin can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Dublin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bristol has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Dublin draws a good crowd. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Bristol is not a live music destination.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Dublin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Dublin both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Dublin Better for Students?

For students, both Bristol and Dublin are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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.

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

Bristol and Dublin both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Dublin?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Dublin?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Dublin?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bristol. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Bristol 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, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Bristol is a little warmer than Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Dublin. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bristol is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Dublin. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Dublin. Many travelers come to Bristol for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Dublin. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Bristol