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

Should you visit Dover or Dublin?

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

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dover and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin. Although Dover and Dublin are both popular with visitors, Dublin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Dover and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin 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 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.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dover and Dublin both to be good 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 Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dover or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

People head to Dublin just to party. 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.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Dover is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Dover is not a live music destination.

Is Dover or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Dover 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 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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Dublin?

Dublin 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 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. 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.

Is Dover or Dublin Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Dublin are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Dover or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

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

Is Dover or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Dublin is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

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

Dublin has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Dover or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Dover?

How long in Dover or Dublin?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Dover. 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.

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

One day in Dover or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. 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 live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dover or Dublin?

Dover 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.

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

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

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Dover. This town 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Dublin. 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 nightlife. 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, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover or Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Dublin. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Dublin. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Dublin. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Dover is around the same temperature as Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dover is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Dublin. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city.

In April, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Dover