A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dublin vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Dublin or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Cinque Terre, 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 welcoming, fun, and laid-back 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Dublin and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin. Although Dublin and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Dublin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Dublin and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Dublin 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.

How is Dublin different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

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

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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 Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Cinque Terre?

Dublin is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Dublin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Dublin is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

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 Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Dublin or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Dublin and Cinque Terre both are amazing 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.

Cinque Terre is a very easy city to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Cinque Terre?

In either Dublin or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

A weekend in Dublin or Cinque Terre?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

In Dublin, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this welcoming destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cinque Terre?

Dublin is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Cinque Terre?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Cinque Terre. The summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the summer, Dublin is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dublin is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In October, Dublin usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Dublin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Dublin is cooler than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dublin usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Dublin