A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kiel or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Dublin? 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Kiel and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Kiel. Dublin is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Dublin is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Kiel different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Both Kiel and Dublin offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

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 Kiel or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is well known for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dublin. 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Dublin?

Dublin is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Dublin Better for Students?

Kiel and Dublin are notable places to visit for students.

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Dublin is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel 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 Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Dublin?

In either Kiel or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Kiel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

One day in Kiel or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kiel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kiel or Dublin?

Kiel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Kiel or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the maritime destination of Kiel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The welcoming city of Dublin offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Kiel and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Kiel Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel or Dublin?

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 Kiel or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is around the same temperature as Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Dublin. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Dublin. Most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Kiel or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Kiel is cooler than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dublin. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Kiel