A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dublin vs. Le Mans for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dublin or Le Mans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Le Mans, 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the nightlife and museums.

Dublin and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Dublin or Le Mans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Le Mans. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its small town charm. Dublin is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular 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. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Dublin different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for Music?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for live music. However, Le Mans is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin draws a good crowd. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Le Mans is not a live music destination.


Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dublin. 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Le Mans?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for Families?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.


Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Dublin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Dublin or Le Mans Better for Students?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.


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

Dublin
Le Mans

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

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 Le Mans offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Dublin or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Dublin
Le Mans

Dublin is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of 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.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Le Mans?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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.


  • How many days in Dublin or Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dublin 2-5 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Dublin or Le Mans?

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Dublin or Le Mans?

In Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the small destination of Le Mans. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Dublin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dublin is €143, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is €83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dublin and Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dublin 68
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dublin 136
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Dublin and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Dublin or Le Mans? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dublin


Hotels in Le Mans


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dublin Hotel Prices and Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dublin 19
    Le Mans 30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $775
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Galway: $668
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $636
  • Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $615
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Shannon Airport: $615
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Limerick: $583
  • Dublin Airport:, Executive/chauffeur transfer to Belfast: $562
  • Dublin Glasnevin National Cemetery Audio Tour with Transfers: $339
  • Dublin Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets and Private Transfers: $305
  • Collon House & Garden To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer : $298
  • Dublin Airport To Collon House & Garden Private Chauffeur Transfer: $298
  • Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Dublin or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans and Dublin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dublin 49
    Le Mans 27
Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    3.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $29
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $84
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95
  • Private Market Tour and Irish Cooking Class in a Modern Skerries Home: $102
  • Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106
  • Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dublin 25
    Le Mans 15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    26
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    27
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    4.50
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    6.30

Tours and Activities in Dublin

Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
  • (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $141
  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Dublin:Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Day Trip: $119
  • 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $49
  • 2-Day Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Belfast and Giants Causeway: $217
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
  • 2-Hours Indoor Challenge Adventure Experience in Ireland: $31
  • 2-Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Walking Tour in Dublin: $28
  • 3 Hour Tour Freemasons and Templars Secret Societies: $20
  • 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
  • 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,173
  • 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,451

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dublin 17
    Le Mans 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: Trilogy Experience: $24
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tastings & Cocktail: $33


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dublin or Le Mans?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dublin is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 16°C (60°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Le Mans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than Le Mans. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dublin 16°C (60°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dublin or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Le Mans. The autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

Dublin is cooler than Le Mans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dublin 11°C (52°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dublin or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Le Mans. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. In the winter, Dublin is a little warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dublin in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Le Mans. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dublin 6°C (42°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dublin or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Dublin is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 8°C (47°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dublin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dublin 8°C (47°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Dublin

Dublin Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)