A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Dover vs. Belfast for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dover or Belfast?

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 Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and shopping.

Dover and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Belfast?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Belfast than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Belfast is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle.

How is Dover different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dover is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dover is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Dover offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Dover or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast Better for Hiking?

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Belfast?

Belfast is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Belfast to go shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Belfast Better for Families?

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

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly town. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Dover or Belfast Better for Couples?

Dover is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Dover or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Dover or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is very good for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Both Dover and Belfast offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Dover or Belfast a more walkable city?

Dover and Belfast both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Dover?

How long in Dover or Belfast?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dover or Belfast?

In Dover, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this under-rated 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.

A weekend in Dover or Belfast?

In Dover, 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 Dover has to offer.

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

Five days in Dover or Belfast?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

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

A week in Dover or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Belfast, 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 Dover or Belfast?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dover or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dover is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Belfast. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Dover is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Belfast. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Dover can get quite cold in the winter. Dover is around the same temperature as Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Belfast. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dover is around the same temperature as Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Dover