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

Should you visit Dublin or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Hvar, 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dublin and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dublin than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dublin is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Dublin and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Dublin different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dublin or Hvar has a better nightlife scene.

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.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for its live music scene. However, Hvar is not a live music destination.

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.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Hvar?

Dublin is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Families?

Dublin and Hvar are both high quality 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Couples?

Dublin and Hvar are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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.

Is Dublin or Hvar Better for Students?

Dublin is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

Is Dublin or Hvar 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 Hvar.

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 Hvar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Dublin or Hvar a more walkable city?

Dublin is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Dublin or Hvar. 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 Hvar.

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Hvar. 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 Hvar than Dublin 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 Hvar.

One day in Dublin or Hvar?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Hvar?

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.

Hvar 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.

Five days in Dublin or Hvar?

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 Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dublin and Hvar, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Hvar?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

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

Dublin is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives more rain than Hvar. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Hvar in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Dublin is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dublin in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Hvar in the Winter?

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

In January, Dublin is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 6°C (42°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives less rain than Hvar. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Hvar in the Spring?

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

Dublin is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Dublin