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

Should you visit Christchurch or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Christchurch 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Christchurch and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Christchurch. Dublin is bigger than Christchurch, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Christchurch is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Christchurch and Dublin.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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 Christchurch or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Christchurch is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Christchurch. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. 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.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Christchurch. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Dublin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dublin and Christchurch.

Christchurch is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. 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 Christchurch or Dublin Better for Families?

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

Christchurch is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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 Christchurch or Dublin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Christchurch and Dublin make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night 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.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch and Dublin are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Christchurch is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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.

Is Christchurch or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Christchurch is a great city to visit as a student. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Christchurch and Dublin.

You'll find some public transit in Christchurch, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

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

Is Christchurch or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Dublin?

In either Christchurch or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Christchurch because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Christchurch. 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.

One day in Christchurch or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Dublin?

Christchurch 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Dublin, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Christchurch. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Dublin, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Dublin is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Dublin?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dublin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Christchurch is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Dublinin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Christchurch or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Christchurch is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.

In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Dublinin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Dublinin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Dublin. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Dublinin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublinin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Christchurch or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Christchurch is a little warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Dublinin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Dublinin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Christchurch