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

Should you visit London or Dublin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Dublin can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Dublin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dublin is known for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Dublin and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

Big Ben

How is London different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Dublin Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Dublin is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Dublin is not a theatre destination.

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

London 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 London. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both London and Dublin.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is London or Dublin Better for Music?

London is terrific for its live music scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Is London or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Dublin?

London 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 London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Dublin Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Dublin does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination for shoppers. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Dublin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Dublin Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for its Christmas markets. However, Dublin does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Dublin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Dublin Better for Families?

London is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. 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.

Is London or Dublin Better for Couples?

London is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is London or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Dublin Better for Students?

London is terrific for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

London is a great destination for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is London or Dublin a more walkable city?

London and Dublin are terrific when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or London?

How long in London or Dublin?

In either London or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Dublin because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in London or Dublin?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. 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.

A weekend in London or Dublin?

London 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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in London or Dublin?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Dublin. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Dublin?

London has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London or Dublin?

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 London or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Dublin. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally a little warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, London often gets more sunshine than Dublin. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

London is around the same temperature as Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Dublin. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and London during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

London can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, London is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Dublin. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Dublin. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city.

In April, London is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Dublin. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and London