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

Should you visit Dundee or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Dublin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Dundee and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
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
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Dundee or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Dundee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is more touristy than Dundee and is known 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. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dublin and Dundee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dundee or Dublin?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Dundee
Dublin

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Dublin can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

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.

Is Dundee or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Dundee or Dublin Better for Music?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for live music. However, Dundee is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Dundee is not a live music destination.


Is Dundee or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Dundee 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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Dublin?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Dublin Better for Families?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.


Is Dundee or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Dublin Better for Students?

Dundee
Dublin

Dundee and Dublin are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dundee is a good city to visit for students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Plenty of students 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 Dundee or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dundee
Dublin

Both Dundee and Dublin offer nice public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Dublin has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dundee or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dundee
Dublin

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Dublin?

In either Dundee or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Dundee because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin than Dundee 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 Dundee or Dublin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Dublin 2-5

One day in Dundee or Dublin?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Dundee or Dublin?

Dundee 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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dundee. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dundee or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dundee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Dublin is £123. 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 Dundee and Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Dublin £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Dublin £116
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Dublin? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Dublin


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Dublin £17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

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


  • Rental Car for a Day
    £13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • One-Way Bus Transfer from/to Dublin Airport: $9.99
  • Belfast | Coach transfer from / to Dublin: $12
  • Airport Transfer and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • Private Transfer from Dun Laoghaire Port to Dublin Airport (DUB): $46
  • Private Dublin Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $61
  • From Dublin Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Dublin: $74
  • 4 to 8 People Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to City Centre: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin airport DUB to Dublin: $82
  • Departure Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin to Dublin airport DUB: $82
  • Private Sedan(4 seats) Transfer from Dublin City Center to Dublin Airport: $95
  • Private Sedan (4 seats) Transfer from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center: $95
  • One Way Transfer Dublin Airport to or from Dublin : $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Dublin £42
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

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


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    £3.38

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.
    Dundee £106
    Dublin £21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82

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
    £22
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    £23
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    £3.85
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    £5.39

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Dublin Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Retracing Viking Origins on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.60
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide for smartphone in French: $5.35
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Dublin: $5.45
  • Turtle Bunbury's A Self-Guided Audio Tour from a Celebrated Author: $5.99
  • Temple Bar Self-Guided Must-See Highlights Tour: $6.31
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Dublin £15

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 Dundee and Dublin, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Dublin?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dundee or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Dublin. Many travelers come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dundee is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dundee in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Dublin 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Dublin. Many visitors come to Dundee in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Dundee is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 10°C (49°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Dublin 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dundee can be very cold during winter. Dundee is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Dublin 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Dundee during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Dundee because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the spring, Dundee is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dundee in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Dublin 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and Dundee

Dundee Dublin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)