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

Should you visit Wellington or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Wellington and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Wellington. Dublin is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Wellington is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Dublin is well known 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.

How is Wellington different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a world class party destination. 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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Wellington or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Wellington or Dublin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

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

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Dublin Better for Hiking?

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

Wellington has hiking trails worth exploring. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Dublin?

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

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington or Dublin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Dublin.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington and Dublin are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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.

Is Wellington or Dublin Better for Students?

Both Wellington and Dublin are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Dublin is popular with students. 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 Wellington or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wellington 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 Wellington can get you around easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Dublin?

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

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Wellington. 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 Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wellington. 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.

With live music and food around the laid-back city of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Dublin?

Wellington 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the funky destination of Wellington. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Dublin?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

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

It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Dublinin July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in January than Dublinin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Dublin. Many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails 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, Wellington is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Dublinin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wellington or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Wellington 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, Wellington is generally much warmer than Dublinin January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Dublinin January. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Dublinin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Dublin in the Spring?

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

Wellington is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F)in April.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Dublinin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Wellington