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

Should you visit Southampton or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming 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.

Southampton and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Southampton. Dublin is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Southampton is more popular for its impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Southampton 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. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Dublin can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dublin area. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for its live music scene. However, Southampton is not a live music destination.

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

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great city for its old town. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Dublin?

Dublin is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Dublin is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dublin is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Dublin make for a very good place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Dublin is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Dublin?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Southampton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun city of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Dublin?

Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Dublin. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Dublin?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming city of Dublin. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Dublin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Dublin, we can see that Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Dublin?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Dublin. Many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Southampton is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. Southampton 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 Southampton or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Southampton is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Dublin. Southampton 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 Southampton or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Southampton can be very cold during winter. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. Southampton 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 Southampton or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Southampton because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Dublin. Southampton 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 Southampton