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

Should you visit Dublin or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Bari, 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dublin and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Bari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Bari is known for its food and beaches. Dublin is more touristy than Bari 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. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Dublin different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Dublin and Bari.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Is the Food Better in Dublin or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for its music scene. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Dublin and Bari both have great historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Bari?

Dublin is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for Families?

Dublin and Bari are both great 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and Bari are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Dublin or Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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 Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Bari.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Dublin or Bari a more walkable city?

Dublin is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dublin and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than in Bari. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dublin or Bari?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Bari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun destination of Dublin. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Bari?

The fun city of Dublin offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bari. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Bari?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dublin is much colder than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Bari. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Bari. Many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Dublin is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bari. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Bari. Most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dublin is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Bari. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives more rain than Bari. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Dublin