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

Should you visit Windsor or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Windsor and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Dublin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dublin than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dublin is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Windsor and Dublin.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Windsor and Dublin both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Dublin just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Dublin?

Dublin is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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

Is Windsor or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a popular place for students. However, Windsor is not popular with 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

Is Windsor 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 Windsor and Dublin.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

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

Is Windsor or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Dublin?

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

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

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Windsor or Dublin?

Windsor 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 Windsor or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. 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 Windsor or Dublin?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Dublin. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Windsor is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Dublin. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Dublin. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

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

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Windsor