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

Should you visit Bristol or Howth?

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 Howth 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 cultural, friendly, and authentic 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.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Bristol and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Howth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol. Although Bristol and Howth are both popular with visitors, Bristol has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bristol is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Bristol and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also home to The Bristol Harbour.

How is Bristol different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bristol is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Bristol offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. 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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Howth 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.

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.

Is Bristol or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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 Bristol or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is great for the beach. However, Bristol is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bristol is not a beach destination.

Is Bristol or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is great for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Howth?

Bristol is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bristol is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bristol or Howth Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Howth are good to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. 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.

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

Is Bristol or Howth Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Howth are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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.

Is Bristol or Howth Better for Students?

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

Bristol is popular with students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Bristol and Howth 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.

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

Is Bristol or Howth a more walkable city?

Bristol and Howth are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bristol or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bristol 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 Bristol, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

One day in Bristol or Howth?

In Bristol, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly 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 Bristol or Howth?

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

Bristol is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Bristol. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Howth, we can see that Howth 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 Howth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Howth 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 Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Bristol or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Howth. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

Should I visit Bristol or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months.

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

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

Should I visit Bristol or Howth in the Winter?

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

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

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

Should I visit Bristol or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Howth. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Bristol