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

Should you visit Hanoi or Dublin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Dublin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a colorful, cultural, and historical city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Hanoi and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Dublin. Hanoi is bigger than Dublin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dublin is more popular for its nightlife and music. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

How is Hanoi different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi 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 Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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

Hanoi 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 Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Is Hanoi or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Hanoi has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Dublin?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Dublin Better for Families?

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

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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

Is Hanoi or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international 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.

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

Dublin is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Dublin?

In either Hanoi or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Hanoi. 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 Hanoi. 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Dublin?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Dublin?

Hanoi 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Hanoi or Dublin?

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

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy big city of Hanoi. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Dublin, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Dublin is in Europe, 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Dublin?

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

Dublin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is much warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Dublin. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Dublin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Dublin. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Dublin. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

Hanoi is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Hanoi