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

Should you visit Dover or Bristol?

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

Dover

Dover is a rustic, stunning, and natural town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Bristol?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bristol. Although Dover and Bristol are popular destinations, Bristol has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bristol is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also well known for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Dover different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bristol is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Bristol specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dover and Bristol both to be nice 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 Bristol. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Dover or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Bristol offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol Better for Hiking?

Dover is great for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dover for the hiking trails. 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Bristol?

Bristol 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 Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Bristol Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Bristol.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly town. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Dover or Bristol Better for Couples?

Dover is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Dover is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Dover or Bristol Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Dover is a good town to visit for backpackers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dover or Bristol Better for Students?

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

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

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

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Dover or Bristol a more walkable city?

Bristol is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Dover?

How long in Dover or Bristol?

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

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

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

One day in Dover or Bristol?

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 Bristol, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse 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 Bristol?

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 Bristol. 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 Bristol?

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.

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

A week in Dover or Bristol?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Bristol?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Bristol, 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 Bristol?

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 Dover or Bristol in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dover as well as Bristol. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dover is around the same temperature as Bristol in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dover usually gets more rain in July than Bristol. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Bristol in the Autumn?

Both Bristol and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dover in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Dover is around the same temperature as Bristol. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bristol averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Bristol. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dover or Bristol in the Winter?

Both Bristol and Dover during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bristol because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dover can be very cold during winter. In January, Dover is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Bristol. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Bristol in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Bristol. The spring months attract visitors to Dover because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year.

Dover is cooler than Bristol in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Dover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bristol. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Dover