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

Should you visit Howth or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Howth or Bordeaux? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Bordeaux?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Bordeaux is more touristy than Howth and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Howth different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Howth and Bordeaux.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

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 Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great destination for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

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.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Bordeaux Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Bordeaux.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Howth or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is well known for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Howth or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Howth and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Howth?

How long in Howth or Bordeaux?

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

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

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

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

One day in Howth or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Howth or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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.

Five days in Howth or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Howth or Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the elegant destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Howth or Bordeaux?

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 Howth or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Howth is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. Howth usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bordeaux. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Howth during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Howth is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Howth in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Howth is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 6°C (42°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Howth usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Howth as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Howth is cooler than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Howth often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Howth