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

Should you visit Oxford or Howth?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Howth, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Oxford and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Oxford and Howth are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Howth?

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

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Both Oxford and Howth offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Oxford or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Howth. 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Howth?

Oxford is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Howth Better for Families?

Oxford and Howth are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Oxford or Howth Better for Couples?

Oxford is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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

Is Oxford or Howth Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Howth.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Oxford or Howth a more walkable city?

Oxford and Howth are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Howth is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Howth?

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Howth?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Oxford or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

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 Oxford or Howth?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Oxford or Howth?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic 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 comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Howth, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Oxford 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 Oxford or Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

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

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Howth. Oxford 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 Oxford or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Howth. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Howth. Oxford 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 Oxford or Howth in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Howth. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Oxford 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 Oxford or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Oxford is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Howth. Oxford 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 Oxford