A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dublin vs. Saint-Etienne for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Saint-Etienne, 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin and Saint-Etienne: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Saint-Etienne. Dublin is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular 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. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Dublin different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.


Is the Food Better in Dublin or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dublin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is great for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.


Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

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

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Dublin is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.


Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dublin is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.


Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Dublin or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Dublin
Saint-Etienne

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.


For even more information, also check out Is Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dublin or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dublin than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dublin 2-5 
    Saint-Etienne 1-2

One day in Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Dublin. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun destination of Dublin. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is €108. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dublin 68
    Saint-Etienne 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dublin 136
    Saint-Etienne 92
Compare Hotels in Dublin and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Dublin or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dublin 19
    Saint-Etienne 44
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 Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne 34
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
    Saint-Etienne 25
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
    Saint-Etienne 10

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 Saint-Etienne, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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


Which is Bigger, Dublin or Saint-Etienne?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dublin is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dublin 16°C (60°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Dublin or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Dublin is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dublin in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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

In October, Dublin usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dublin 11°C (52°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dublin or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. In January, Dublin is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 6°C (42°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

Dublin usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dublin 6°C (42°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Dublin or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Dublin is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dublin 8°C (47°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Dublin

Dublin Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)