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

Should you visit Melbourne or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Dublin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dublin than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Dublin, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is better known for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Melbourne is more popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities. Dublin is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular 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. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Dublin.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 the Food Better in Melbourne or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a very popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Dublin?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Melbourne and Dublin.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Melbourne or Dublin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Dublin.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Melbourne or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

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

The public transit in Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Melbourne or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Dublin?

In either Melbourne or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Dublin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dublin than Melbourne. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Dublin?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Dublin?

Melbourne 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.

You'll find live music and food around the laid-back destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Dublin?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back city of Dublin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Dublin, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Dublin is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Dublin?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dublin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Dublinin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Dublinin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Dublin. Many visitors come to Melbourne 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, Melbourne is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Dublinin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Dublinin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Dublinin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Dublinin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Melbourne is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Dublinin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Melbourne