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

Should you visit Howth or Paris?

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

Should I visit Howth or Paris? 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Howth and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris. Although Howth and Paris are popular destinations, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Howth and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Howth different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Howth or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Howth is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Howth is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing 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 Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is Howth or Paris Better for Beaches?

Howth is great for its beaches. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Paris Better for Hiking?

Howth is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Paris?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Howth does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Howth does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Howth or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's 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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit 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 Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Howth and Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Howth?

How long in Howth or Paris?

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

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

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

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

One day in Howth or Paris?

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this picturesque destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Howth or Paris?

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

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Howth and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Howth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Howth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Howth 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Howth.

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

When is the best time to visit Howth or Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Howth during the summer are popular places to visit. 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, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In July, Howth is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 16°C (60°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Howth often gets less sunshine than Paris. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Paris. The hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Howth is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Howth usually receives more rain than Paris. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Howth or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Howth as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Howth is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Howth in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Howth often gets less sunshine than Paris. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Howth is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 8°C (47°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Paris during spring. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Howth