A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Dover vs. Bath for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dover or Bath?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Bath can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Bath

Bath is a historical, beautiful, and architectural spa town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Bath: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Bath?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bath than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bath is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is more popular for its hiking. Bath is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Also, Bath is famous for The Historic Roman Baths. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

The Historic Roman Baths

How is Dover different from Bath?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or Bath?

Bath is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Bath on the map. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Is the Food Better in Dover or Bath? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dover and Bath both to be notable destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Nightlife?

Bath is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Bath Better for its Old Town?

Bath is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Bath?

Bath is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Bath.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Bath is a family-friendly town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Couples?

Bath is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Bath has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Bath are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Students?

Bath is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Dover is not popular with students.

Is Dover or Bath Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bath is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Bath has a few public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Bath a more walkable city?

Bath is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Bath on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is Bath Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bath or Dover?

How long in Dover or Bath?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Bath. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Bath. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bath.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath than Dover 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 Bath.

One day in Dover or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bath, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this architectural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Bath?

Dover is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bath. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Dover or Bath?

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Dover. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bath is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bath. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Bath?

The iconic town of Dover offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the architectural destination of Bath. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Bath?

Bath has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Bath, 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.