A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Howth for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Hamburg or Howth?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Howth can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Hamburg and Howth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Hamburg or Howth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg. Although Hamburg and Howth are both popular with visitors, Hamburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hamburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Hamburg different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Howth?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg
Howth

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Hamburg and Howth.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Music?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is an amazing port city to visit for its live music scene. However, Howth is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Howth is not a live music destination.


Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Beaches?

Hamburg
Howth

Howth is well known for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Hiking?

Hamburg
Howth

Howth is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Howth?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hamburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Families?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Couples?

Hamburg
Howth

Both Hamburg and Howth are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Howth is a nice destination for couples. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.


Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Students?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is a popular place for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Howth is not popular with students.

Is Hamburg or Howth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Hamburg can get you to some places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Hamburg or Howth a more walkable city?

Hamburg
Howth

Hamburg and Howth both are great when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.


For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hamburg or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hamburg than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Howth 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 Hamburg.


  • How many days in Hamburg or Howth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hamburg 1-3 
    Howth 1-2

One day in Hamburg or Howth?

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hamburg or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer.

Five days in Hamburg or Howth?

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Hamburg or Howth?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth or Hamburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, while the average daily cost in Howth is €135. 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 Hamburg and Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg 54
    Howth 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg 108
    Howth 128
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg or Howth? 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 Hamburg


Hotels in Howth


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg 29
    Howth 41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg hotels to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $86
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $92
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth and Hamburg 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
    Hamburg 35
    Howth 44
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg 39
    Howth 25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Tours and Activities in Howth

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

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg 17
    Howth 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


When comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Howth, we can see that Howth is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Hamburg or Howth?

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 Hamburg or Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hamburg is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 17°C (62°F), and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. Hamburg usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Howth. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Hamburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Hamburg is cooler than Howth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Howth. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. In the winter, Hamburg is much colder than Howth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hamburg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Howth averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Howth. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Howth. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Hamburg is generally cooler than Howth. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 8°C (46°F), and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Howth. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Hamburg

Hamburg Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)