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

Should you visit Dublin or Paris?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Paris, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dublin and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Dublin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dublin attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Dublin and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Dublin is famous for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Dublin different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris 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 Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout 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 Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Dublin is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Dublin is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dublin or Paris 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.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Is Dublin or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Is Dublin or Paris Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Paris?

Paris is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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.

Is Dublin or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Dublin does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Dublin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dublin or Paris Better for Families?

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

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

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

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

Paris 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 Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Dublin is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Paris?

Both Dublin and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Dublin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Dublin or Paris?

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun 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.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Paris?

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.

Paris 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 Paris?

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 Paris. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Paris?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back 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.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dublin and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dublin is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 16°C (60°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Paris. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Paris. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dublin is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives more rain than Paris. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Paris. The winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In the winter, Dublin is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dublin in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Paris. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dublin is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 8°C (47°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Paris during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Dublin