A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Geneva or Dublin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Dublin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

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

Geneva and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Geneva. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Geneva attracts visitors for its food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Geneva 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. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

How is Geneva different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Geneva and Dublin have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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.

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

Geneva is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Geneva. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great destination for live music. However, Geneva is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Geneva is not a live music destination.

Is Geneva or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Dublin?

Geneva 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 Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Geneva is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can take you anywhere. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Dublin?

In either Geneva or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Geneva because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Geneva. 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 Geneva. 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Dublin?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Geneva or Dublin?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

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 Geneva or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Geneva or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classy big city of Geneva. 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 welcoming 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Dublin. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Dublin. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Geneva is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Dublin. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Dublin. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Geneva