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

Should you visit Dublin or Phoenix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Phoenix, 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dublin and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Phoenix?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dublin than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Dublin, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phoenix is known for its hiking. Dublin is more touristy than Phoenix and 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. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Dublin different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dublin and Phoenix.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for its music scene. However, Phoenix is not a live music destination.

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

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

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

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Phoenix?

Dublin is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Families?

Dublin is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Dublin is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Dublin or Phoenix Better for Students?

Dublin is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Dublin is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Dublin or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Phoenix?

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

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dublin or Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Phoenix. This city 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dublin and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dublin is in Europe and Phoenix is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Dublin is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Phoenix. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Dublin is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Dublin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dublin is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dublin for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Dublin