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

Should you visit Dublin or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or San Francisco, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal 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 San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or San Francisco?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Dublin. While Dublin is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dublin is known for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. San Francisco is more touristy than Dublin and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

How is Dublin different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Dublin is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Dublin is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

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

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Francisco. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or San Francisco?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods 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.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for Families?

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

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Dublin and San Francisco are both superb 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.

San Francisco is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and San Francisco are superb 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Dublin or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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 San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or San Francisco?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Dublin or San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the welcoming 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 San Francisco. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dublin and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or San Francisco?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the summer, Dublin is cooler than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and San Francisco. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dublin is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Dublin usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as San Francisco. Many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Dublin is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Dublin usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Dublin usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Dublin