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

Should you visit London or Howth?

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 Howth can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic 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.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

London and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Howth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London. Although London and Howth are both popular with visitors, London has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. London is more touristy than Howth and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

Big Ben

How is London different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London 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 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.

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 London or Howth Better for Theater?

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

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. 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.

Howth is not a theatre destination.

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

London 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 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.

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 London or Howth Better for Nightlife?

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

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

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 London or Howth Better for Music?

London 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 London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is London or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great fishing village for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great fishing village for hiking. However, London 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Howth?

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

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is London or Howth Better for Christmas?

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

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. 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.

Howth does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Howth Better for Christmas Markets?

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

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Howth does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Howth Better for Families?

London 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, London is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 London or Howth Better for Couples?

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

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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

Is London or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 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.

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 London or Howth Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent London. 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

London 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 London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London or Howth a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or London?

How long in London or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in London or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in London than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

Families should spend more time in London than Howth. 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 Howth. 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 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 London.

One day in London or Howth?

Each neighborhood in London 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Howth?

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

Howth 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.

Five days in London or Howth?

London is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in London 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in London or Howth?

Each neighborhood in London 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Howth. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Howth, we can see that London 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 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 Howth.

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

When is the best time to visit London or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Howth. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit London or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit London or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and London during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine.

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

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

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

Should I visit London or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Howth. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and London