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

Should you visit Palermo or Dublin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Dublin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Palermo and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Palermo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Palermo is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture.

How is Palermo different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Palermo or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Palermo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Palermo is not a live music destination.

Is Palermo or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Dublin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Dublin?

Both Palermo and Dublin are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Palermo or Dublin Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Dublin are high quality to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Dublin is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Palermo or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Dublin Better for Students?

Palermo and Dublin are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Plenty of students 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 Palermo or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dublin is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Dublin has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Dublin?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Palermo or Dublin?

Palermo 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.

In Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun destination of Palermo. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Dublin. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Dublin. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Dublin. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Palermo is much warmer than Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Dublin. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Palermo is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Palermo