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

Should you visit Dublin or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Boston, 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 friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dublin and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Boston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boston than Dublin. While Dublin is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boston is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dublin attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and shopping. Dublin is famous for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Boston is famous for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also well known for The Freedom Trail.

How is Dublin different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston 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 Boston are among the most recognizable in the world. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Dublin or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Dublin is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Dublin is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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 Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Boston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Boston?

Dublin is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Dublin does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Boston. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Dublin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Dublin does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Dublin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. 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.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Couples?

Dublin is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Dublin or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is terrific for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

Boston is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Boston can take you anywhere. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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

Is Dublin or Boston a more walkable city?

Dublin and Boston both are world-class when exploring on foot.

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

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Boston?

In either Dublin or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Dublin. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Boston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Boston?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dublin or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dublin or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. This 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Boston. This 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dublin and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dublin is in Europe and Boston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Boston?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Dublin or Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Boston. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dublin is generally cooler than Boston. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 16°C (60°F), and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives less rain than Boston. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Boston. Many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Boston. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. In the winter, Dublin is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dublin in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Boston averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Boston during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives less rain than Boston. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Dublin during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In April, Dublin is generally around the same temperature as Boston. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 8°C (47°F), and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Boston. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Boston and Dublin