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

Should you visit Dublin or Atlanta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Atlanta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Atlanta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Atlanta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Atlanta is known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities. Dublin is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular 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. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Dublin different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Dublin or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Dublin or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. 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.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Dublin or Atlanta Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Atlanta Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. 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.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Atlanta?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Dublin or Atlanta Better for Families?

Dublin and Atlanta are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Dublin or Atlanta Better for Couples?

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

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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Dublin or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Dublin or Atlanta Better for Students?

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

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Dublin is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Dublin or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Dublin is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Dublin or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dublin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin than Atlanta 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 Dublin or Atlanta?

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Atlanta?

In Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Atlanta 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.

Five days in Dublin or Atlanta?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Dublin or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the suburban big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Dublin and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta 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. Even though Dublin is in Europe and Atlanta is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Atlanta?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Atlanta, 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 Dublin or Atlanta?

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 Dublin or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In the summer, Dublin is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dublin usually gets less rain in July than Atlanta. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Atlanta. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Dublin is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Atlanta. Many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dublin is cooler than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Dublin usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In April, Dublin usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Dublin