A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Howth vs. Biarritz for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Howth or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Howth or Biarritz? 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.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Howth and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Howth is more popular for its museums and hiking. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage.

How is Howth different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Howth is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

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

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Howth or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Howth is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Howth is not a resort destination.

Is Howth or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Howth and Biarritz are high quality choices.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Is Howth or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Howth is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Howth or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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

Is Howth or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Howth and Biarritz.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

While Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Howth or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Howth and Biarritz both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Howth?

How long in Howth or Biarritz?

Both Howth and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Howth. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Howth, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

One day in Howth or Biarritz?

The fishing village of Howth offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside town 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 Howth or Biarritz?

Howth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Howth or Biarritz?

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Howth or Biarritz?

Howth is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Howth and Biarritz, 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 Howth Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth or Biarritz?

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 Howth or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Howth as well as Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Howth is cooler than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In the summer, Howth often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Howth is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Howth in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Howth usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Howth or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Howth during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Howth is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 6°C (42°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Howth often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Howth usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Howth is cooler than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Howth usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Howth