A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Howth for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Howth?

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

Should I visit York or Howth? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

York and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Howth are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is York different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Howth?

York is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in York or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is York or Howth Better for Nightlife?

York is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is York or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Howth Better for its Old Town?

York is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Howth?

York is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

York offers some nice shopping areas. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Howth Better for Families?

York is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is York or Howth Better for Couples?

York is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is York or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is York or Howth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both York and Howth offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Howth has some public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is York or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or York?

How long in York or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Howth 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 York.

One day in York or Howth?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Howth is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Howth?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Howth. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The coastal fishing village of Howth offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Howth, we can see that Howth 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 York Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit York or Howth?

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 York or Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Howth. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Howth. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Howth. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Howth. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Howth during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Howth. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Howth. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Howth and York