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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a beautiful, laid-back, and progressive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Copenhagen and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Dublin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dublin than Copenhagen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dublin is better known for its music, while Copenhagen is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular 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. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

How is Copenhagen different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Dublin.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Copenhagen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

The first-rate nightlife scene is relatively similar in Copenhagen and Dublin.

Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Copenhagen or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Both Copenhagen and Dublin have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

There are many historical things to see 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 Copenhagen or Dublin?

Copenhagen is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Dublin Better for Families?

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

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Dublin Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and Dublin are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Dublin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Copenhagen or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Copenhagen is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Copenhagen can take you anywhere. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Copenhagen or Dublin a more walkable city?

Copenhagen and Dublin are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Dublin?

In either Copenhagen or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Copenhagen than Dublin. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Dublin 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the laid-back city of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Dublin?

Copenhagen 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dublin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Dublin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Dublin, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Dublin?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Copenhagen is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Dublin. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Dublin. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Dublin. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

Copenhagen is cooler than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Dublin. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Copenhagen