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

Should you visit Valencia or Dublin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Dublin, 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Valencia and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Dublin?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Valencia than Dublin. While Dublin is larger than Valencia, Valencia has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Valencia is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dublin is more popular for its music. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

How is Valencia different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Valencia and Dublin.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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.

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

Valencia is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Valencia and Dublin.

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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.

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Valencia is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Valencia is not a live music destination.

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Valencia has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (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.

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Dublin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dublin and Valencia.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Valencia or Dublin Better for Families?

Valencia and Dublin are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. 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 Valencia or Dublin Better for Couples?

Valencia and Dublin are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Dublin is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia and Dublin are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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

Is Valencia or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Dublin.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

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

Is Valencia or Dublin a more walkable city?

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

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

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Dublin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Dublin 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 Valencia.

One day in Valencia or Dublin?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Dublin?

Valencia 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.

Dublin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valencia and Dublin, we can see that Dublin is more expensive. And not only is Valencia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valencia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valencia 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 Valencia.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Valencia. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Valencia is much warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Dublin. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Valencia is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Dublin. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Valencia is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Dublin. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Dublin. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Dublin for the activities around the city during these months.

Valencia is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Valencia