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

Should you visit Dublin or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Kotor, 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 fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. 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 Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin. Although Dublin and Kotor are popular destinations, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dublin is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Dublin different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Dublin just to party. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for live music. However, Kotor is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Kotor is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Kotor?

Dublin is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Families?

Dublin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Couples?

Dublin and Kotor are both excellent 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.

Kotor is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and Kotor are excellent 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Dublin or Kotor Better for Students?

Dublin is very good for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Dublin is popular with 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Dublin is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Dublin or Kotor a more walkable city?

Dublin and Kotor both are terrific 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.

Kotor is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Dublin or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a great place to explore. 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 Kotor?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kotor?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Kotor?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dublin is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 16°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kotor. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Dublin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Dublin is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Kotor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

In the winter, Dublin is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dublin in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dublin usually receives less rain than Kotor. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Dublin is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 8°C (47°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Dublin