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

Should you visit Cambridge or Howth?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cambridge and Howth. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Cambridge and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Cambridge and Howth are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Cambridge different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cambridge or Howth?

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

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Cambridge or Howth Better for Nightlife?

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

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

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 Cambridge or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Howth for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is Cambridge or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Howth. 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.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Howth?

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

Cambridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cambridge or Howth Better for Families?

Both Cambridge and Howth are nice family-friendly destinations.

Cambridge is a family-friendly university town. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Cambridge or Howth Better for Couples?

Cambridge is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Howth is a good university town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Cambridge or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Cambridge or Howth Better for Students?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cambridge and Howth.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Cambridge or Howth a more walkable city?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Cambridge on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Howth is a very walkable destination. 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 Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cambridge or Howth to fill your time. In our opinion, Cambridge has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cambridge than Howth. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Cambridge or Howth?

In Cambridge, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scholarly destination offers. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the coastal destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Howth?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cambridge or Howth?

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

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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