Belfast vs Dublin: Which city is right for your next break?

Are you planning a trip to Ireland, and wondering if Belfast or Dublin is the best destination for you? In this article we go through absolutely everything you need to know in the battle of Belfast vs Dublin including, costs, accommodation, things to do, and much more.

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Belfast vs Dublin: Some background

Before we get into the Belfast vs Dublin debate here is a little bit of background on both cities.

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and is located on the North Eastern side of the island of Ireland. Belfast is part of the United Kingdom therefore you will need to pay for things in British Pounds and not Euros like you would in Dublin.

Belfast has a strong industrial past. It built things like ships (the most famous being the titanic), and also produced rope and tobacco. It was also prominent in the linen industry, gaining the nickname Linenopolis.

Dublin

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It is also the largest city in both the Republic and the island of Ireland.

The name Dublin comes from the Irish Dubh Linn which essentially translates to Black Pool. This referred to a black murky pool/lake that Vikings would dock at after sailing up the Liffey.

The city has produced a number of famous writers and entertainers, and is a key player in the European cultural scene. In fact in 2010 it was named the UNESCO city of literature.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for accommodation

Choosing your accommodation is an important part of any trip. Here we look at Belfast and Dublin to determine which one has the better accommodation options.

Belfast

Accommodation in Belfast can be pricey. Particularly if you are booking at a weekend. In August in the middle of school holiday season we paid £170 a night for 4 star accommodation.

Belfast is small and there are three key areas for accommodation we would recommend looking at when visiting. These are the Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, and the Queens Quarter. Here is a rundown on each one.

Cathedral Quarter

This is our top choice for accommodation in Belfast. It is central, and really close to a lot of bars and restaurants. It does get lively particularly at the weekend, but it’s also incredibly central. Accommodation is a bit pricey here but it is worth it due to the location.

Titanic Quarter

For something quieter we recommend the Titanic Quarter. It’s away from the craziness of the Cathedral Quarter, but it is still within walking distance. It’s also close to the Titanic Museum (hence the name). There are some good food and drink options here as well.

Queens Quarter

This area is very leafy and a little bit out of the centre. It is close to Queens University, the Ulster Museum, and the Botanical Gardens. This is perfect if you are wanting to stay somewhere a bit more low key.

Dublin

Accommodation in Dublin is notoriously expensive. Hotels are known to jack up prices especially at the weekend and when there are big events on. I know this is a normal thing, but the amount that hotels in Dublin cost is quite honestly ridiculous.

For example we paid €220 for a night in a hotel in the city centre of Dublin. It was 4 stars, and the room was tiny, to the point we had to climb over each other in bed to use the bathroom. Accommodation gets a bit cheaper the further out you go, but the savings aren’t huge.

Here are some of the best areas to stay in Dublin.

St Stephen’s Green

This is close to the main action in the city. You have museums nearby as well as the shopping district, and the grassy park that is St Stephen’s Green. It’s a very popular tourist area so do book in advance.

Merrion Square

It’s not quite in the city centre, but close enough to get some of the hustle and bustle. Merrion Square is a good area for families. It’s also has that classic Georgian Dublin vibe, with cobbled streets and beautiful green squares. Accommodation around here does tend to be a bit fancier and more expensive. So again book well in advance to get the best deals.

Temple Bar

For nightlife you should stay near Temple Bar. It’s close to bars and restaurants, and tourist attractions. It’s also easy to get around here as there are great transport links. Accommodation here is very pricey because it is so central.

Docklands

This is still central but less chaotic. It’s not as touristy as other areas, so food and drink options are a bit more authentic and local. It’s got a business vibe to it, which means it is quiet especially around the weekend.

Belfast or Dublin

Whilst Dublin has more choice when it comes to hotels the prices are just so ridiculous. Until they clamp down on hotels charging whatever they want for accommodation, it’s always going to be overpriced. For that reason Belfast is the winner.

Want more inspiration for an Irish weekend break? Here is a helpful guide.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for attractions

In the battle of Belfast vs Dublin you might be wondering which one is better for attractions. Here is a breakdown of some of the highlights in each city to help you decide.

Belfast

Belfast is a small city in comparison with Dublin but there is still a lot to do. Here are some of the highlights and best things to do in Belfast.

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is a mix of natural history, and ancient artefacts. It has everything from dinosaurs to Egyptian relics.

Belfast City Hall

One of the most iconic buildings in Belfast has to be the Belfast City Hall. You can do tours inside the building, which are available 3 times a day, every day of the week. And they are completely free which is a bonus.

Botanic Gardens

The Belfast Botanic Gardens are great for nature lovers. The Gardens started as a private park in 1828, and nearly 70 years later they were opened to the public.

They are a 30 minute walk from the centre, but worth the trip for something a little different.

Titanic Belfast

This is a must when visiting Belfast. The museum is located by the old Harland and Wolff shipyard which is where the Titanic was actually built. It’s an incredibly interactive museum, with fun for the whole family.

Queen’s University 

Queen’s University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It dates back to 1845, and is one of those buildings that kind of reminds you of being in Hogwarts.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Founded in 1846 Crumlin Road Gaol is an important historical site in Belfast. It housed murderers, as well as Unionist and Republican terrorists. Some suffragettes were also held here at various points.

You can do a tour to learn all about the history, which includes 17 executions, and the cells in which these took place.

St. George’s Market

St George’s Market is one of the oldest in Belfast, and was built between 1890 and 1896. It’s open Friday – Sunday, and there are a number of stalls to explore. The food here is amazing. And don’t get me started on some of the sweet treats that were for sale!

Explore the Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter is a beautiful part of Belfast. It’s full of cobbled streets, quirky graffiti and murals, plus tons of bars and restaurants. It does get lively particularly in the evening, and is a great place for an evening pub crawl.

Dublin

Dublin is a bigger city than Belfast, and there is so much to see and do. We couldn’t possibly cover everything so here are some of the highlights for things to do in Dublin.

The Guinness Storehouse

A visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a must. It’s a really interesting tour even if you aren’t a big drinker because you learn about the history of the drink, the marketing campaigns, and much more. Also you get to sample a pint of the good stuff at the end of the tour.

Trinity College

Trinity College is one of the top universities in Europe and kind of conjures up this mix of Hogwarts and Dead Poets Society vibe. It’s a beautiful place to visit if you like history and architecture.

The Book of Kells

And whilst we are discussing Trinity College, another really cool thing to do here is see the Book of Kells and Old College Library. It’s honestly a book lovers dream.

Temple Bar

Sometimes known as Dublin’s cultural quarter is Temple Bar. The area has cobbled streets, and a number of atmospheric pubs and restaurants. One of the most visited places is of course the ‘Temple Bar’ pub. If you can find a seat it’s great for live music and pints. It’s also one of the best photo spots in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

History buffs will definitely be interested in visiting Kilmainham Gaol. It’s about 3.5 km out of Dublin centre, and such an important part of Irish history. Many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed here by order of the UK government. This is a great place to brush up on Irish history.

Phoenix Park

The park is a stones throw away from Dublin centre, and is essentially a 7km green space that has a zoo, wild deer, and some beautiful gardens.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Apart from Guinness, Ireland is of course very much known for its Whiskey. The museum will teach you all about how whiskey is made, but most importantly gives you the chance to do some tasting.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle until 1922 was the centre of UK government rule in Ireland. Since then it has become a major tourist attraction and is used for state dinners as well as the inauguration of presidents in Ireland.

Ha’penny Bridge

Built in 1816 over the River Liffey, this scenic bridge is not only a symbol of the city, but also one of the first pedestrian bridges over the River Liffey.

Belfast or Dublin

Both Belfast and Dublin have a lot to see and do. If we really had to choose we would probably say there is more to do in Dublin. It’s a much bigger city which kind of makes sense.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is more picturesque

You might be wondering if Belfast or Dublin is the more picturesque place to visit. Here are our thoughts.

Belfast

Belfast is an average city when it comes to being picturesque. For us the prettiest part of the city was the Cathedral Quarter. There are lots of lovely cobbled streets to walk down and lots of murals and artwork that you can look at.

Dublin

Similarly Dublin is pretty standard when it comes to being picturesque. You do get some lovely spaces like St Stephen’s Green, but the prettiest part of the city is around temple Bar. There are tons of bars and cobbled streets to explore, and the atmosphere is great too.

Belfast or Dublin

Honestly both cities are great, but in terms of being picturesque they are pretty on par. They each have some nice scenic areas, so we would probably call this one a tie.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is easier to get to

In this section we go through how you can get to both Belfast and Dublin and which one is easier.

Belfast

Belfast is an easy city to get to. For starters there are two airports in Belfast, the Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport.

European and some US flights will arrive at Belfast International Airport. Once you land here, the easiest way to get into the city is to hop on the 300 or 300A bus. A return ticket is £12.50 and you can purchase this at the bus stop from the ticket machine.

There is also the Belfast City Airport. This is a much smaller airport, with limited flights mostly from European destinations. This airport is a lot closer to the city, and you have the option of getting a bus or train into the centre.

If you are coming from Dublin you can either hop on a us or a train which should get you to Belfast in somewhere between 2 – 3 hours.

Dublin

Dublin is also really easy to get to. From UK airports there are several flights a day on the likes of Ryanair. Most large cities in Europe have direct flights to Dublin, and Ryanair is headquarted in Dublin which means lots of cheap flights, and travel routes.

You also get a lot of international flights from the US, Middle East, and Asia that fly directly to Dublin as well.

You have a few options for getting into the centre from the airport. You can get a taxi, which will cost you around €30 on average. You also have the option of getting the Aircoach. It departs every 15 minutes and takes you straight to the centre of Dublin for half the price of a taxi.

Belfast or Dublin

Dublin is the easier city to get to. It has a much bigger airport with a number of international flights arriving daily. Belfast’s airports are a lot smaller and whilst you do get some international flights from the US for example, it is nowhere near as busy or convenient as Dublin.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is easier to get around

Ease of getting around in a city is a big thing especially when it comes to choosing your next vacation spot. Here is a breakdown of Belfast and Dublin in terms of getting around.

Belfast

Translink operate the buses in Belfast and you can find more information on ticket types and costs on their website. There are different types of tickets that can be purchased via a travel card, or you can just tap with a card and pay as you go.

In all honesty Belfast is a really walkable city particularly in regards to the main tourist attractions. For instance it’s a 25 minute walk from the centre to the Titanic Quarter. Or if you are heading in the other direction it’s about 30 minutes walk from the Cathedral Quarter to the Botanic Gardens.

Dublin

Public transport in Dublin is easy to use although you may not necessarily need to use it. A lot of the main tourist attractions are close to each other, but there are some a little out of the way.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is ideal for getting out of the centre, and it is also one of the most beautiful public transport systems as it travels along the Irish Sea Coast for a lot of its journey.

For getting around in the city you also have the Luas, which is the tram service.

If you think you will be using a lot of public transport you can purchase a Leap Card, for about €10 for 1 day, and this will cover you for Luas services, and buses.

Belfast or Dublin

We would say Dublin has the slightly better public transport service. It’s a bigger city so you have more options to get around easily.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for food

If you love your food you might be wondering is Belfast or Dublin the better destination.

Belfast

We were actually pleasantly surprised at how great the food was in Belfast. From quality seafood restaurants to cheap and cheerful small plates Belfast really does have it all. The food scene is a mix of traditional Irish dishes, quality coffee shops, and international cuisine.

You will find food here to suit all tastes, but our biggest recommendation is to book a table especially if there is somewhere you really want to go to avoid missing out.

Dublin

If you had of asked me a few years ago – Is Dublin worth visiting for foodies – I would have said no way. Dublin has never really struck me as a proper foodie city, but more your fast food/ pub grub kind of city. These days though Dublin is fast making a name for itself on the foodie scene. It’s probably not as impressive as Rome or Barcelona in terms of food, but you can find some really good places if you look.

There are tons of really great traditional Irish food places you can try one of our favourites being The Boxty House in Temple Bar. Apart from this you have so many great places serving modern Irish and international food. And you have to try some Dublin Bay Prawns at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city.

Belfast or Dublin

Dublin is our winner when it comes to food. Maybe it is because of it’s location along the bay, or because traditional Irish food is having it’s moment right now, but there are just a few more interesting and unique food spots in Dublin.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for nightlife

If you are looking to party the night away you might be wondering if Belfast or Dublin is the better option.

Belfast

If you are planning to visit Belfast for the nightlife, then you are in luck. The city really comes alive at night, particularly around the Cathedral Quarter. The bars fill up, and get really lively particularly on a Friday and Saturday night. It’s a fantastic atmosphere and one that you really have to experience for yourself.

There is also something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in Belfast. You can go to and Irish pub and sip whiskey, or a cocktail bar, or a jazz club, all in the same night.

Dublin

Is Dublin worth visiting for the nightlife you ask? The answer is yes absolutely. Dublin is such a great city for a night out. The Irish really do know how to have a great time, which is probably why the concept of the ‘Irish Pub’ is famous the world over.

A visit to an ‘Irish Pub’ or just a pub in Dublin is a must. A lot of people flock to Temple Bar which is really touristy but also has an incredible vibrant atmosphere particularly in the evening, but there are so many more amazing areas to visit so make sure you expand your horizons.

Dublin also has some really great cocktail bars and speakeasies, so if you aren’t into pubs there are a number of really cool bars you can explore.

Belfast or Dublin

Honestly the atmosphere when it comes to nights out in both Belfast and Dublin are incredible. We would say Dublin is slightly better but only because there is more choice when it comes to cocktail and wine bars compared with Belfast.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for safety

Safety is a big thing when it comes to travelling and so you might be wondering is Belfast or Dublin safer.

Belfast

Historically Belfast has been a very tumultuous city, and this reputation has sometimes been hard to shake. In modern Belfast though, the city is generally peaceful. I mean I wouldn’t start talking about politics, and depending on your views it’s probably worth avoiding certain neighbourhoods. But as a whole the city is safe.

Belfast is actually one of the safest cities in the UK. As a tourist you shouldn’t really have many issues, especially if you take standard precautions. Petty theft and pickpocketing is common, like any city in Europe so do keep an eye on your belongings.

The city centre is generally safe, but we do recommend taking taxis late at night just in case.

Dublin

Overall Dublin is safe, especially for tourists, but you do need to keep your wits about you. There are more and more stories coming out about gangs attacking tourists or others in the city centre, but this is rare.

There are certain parts of Dublin you should avoid especially at night for example, around Connolly Station can be dicey. But overall the city centre and tourist areas are ok, especially if you stick to well populated and lit areas.

Crimes like petty theft and pickpocketing are common. I had my phone stolen out of my handbag while enjoying a drink at Temple Bar, so I know firsthand how easy it can be to fall victim to this. Just keep an eye on your belongings, and take precautions.

Belfast or Dublin

Belfast is the safer city. That isn’t to say Dublin is massively unsafe. It is a bigger city, and can be a bit rougher around the edges at times.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for couples

If you are planning on travelling as a couple you might be wondering if Belfast or Dublin is the better choice.

Belfast

Belfast is a fantastic place to visit as a couple. The food and drink scene are really good making it the perfect place for date nights. There are different types of restaurants and bars and you will certainly be spoilt for choice.

The Cathedral Quarter is a great place to walk around as a couple as you explore the cobbled streets and beautiful alleyways. You also have the Botanic Gardens which is perfect for picnics and afternoon strolls.

Dublin

Similar to Belfast, Dublin has a lot of great places for couples to explore. You can walk around the romantic setting of Trinity College, enjoy the parks, or stroll around Temple Bar.

Belfast or Dublin

Belfast and Dublin are both good choices for couples, and it’s hard to pick one over the other. Therefore it is a tie in our opinion.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for families

If you are planning to travel with your family this section is for you. Here we decide if Belfast or Dublin is the better choice for family travel.

Belfast

Belfast is a fantastic place to visit for families. The Titanic Belfast is one of the best places to visit, with its interactive exhibits. You also have the Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens which will also keep the kids entertained.

Dublin

Dublin is also great for kids. You have a lot of museums and parks to explore which means there is always something to do.

Belfast or Dublin

Both cities are pretty kid friendly and provide a plethora of activities for families.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for solo travel

If you are planning to travel alone you might be wondering if Belfast or Dublin is the better option.

Belfast

Belfast is definitely worth visiting for solo travellers. For starters it’s a relatively safe city, so you shouldn’t have any issues walking around alone. Of course, make sure you take your usual precautions, but populated tourist areas are generally fine.

There is also so much to do in Belfast. From exploring the Titanic Belfast to strolling around the Botanic Gardens you will find something to keep you entertained.

Dublin

Dublin is a big city with so much to do particularly if you are travelling alone. There are also tons of tours you can join if you are wanting to do a pub crawl or if you are looking to interact with other travellers. It’s easy to get around Dublin too which is great if you are visiting by yourself.

Belfast or Dublin

Belfast is much safer than Dublin, so for this reason we think that it’s the better city for solo travel.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is cheaper

Costs are a big deal when travelling, and so you might be wondering if Belfast or Dublin is cheaper.

Belfast

Belfast can be expensive, like most European capitals. We ended up spending something around £150 each per day in the city. Now this did include a lot of drinks, as well as attractions, transport, and food. Although it is worth noting this did not include accommodation.

To give you an idea on costs you should expect to pay £4.50 for a pint of Guinness in the city centre. If cocktails are more your thing these are priced at around £11 each which is pretty standard in UK cities.

A sit down dinner for two with drinks will set you back around £60, whereas brunch is a bit cheaper at around £35 for two.

Accommodation can be pricey. In August, which is peak season we paid about £170 per night for 4 star accommodation. You can obviously pay a lot more or a lot less depending on the standard of accommodation and location.

Dublin

Dublin is a pretty expensive city. Just keep in mind, Dublin uses the Euro as opposed to Belfast which uses the Pound, so when comparing costs keep that in mind.

Accommodation in Dublin can be incredibly pricey. Expect to pay €230 per night for a 4 star hotel in the city centre. You can get it a bit cheaper if you stay further out, but it’s often not by all that much.

Food and drink can also be costly in Dublin depending on where you go. Our advice here is to avoid the tourist traps like Temple Bar and try and go where the locals do. For example in Temple Bar we paid something like €8 for a Guinness.

Belfast or Dublin

Belfast is slightly cheaper especially when it comes to food and drinks. Accommodation costs are high in both cities but again Belfast is slightly cheaper.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better for day trips

In fairness Belfast and Dublin are pretty close to each other. In fact there is just under 2 hours travel time between them. But apart from this you might be wondering which destination is better when it comes to day trips. Here is a rundown.

Belfast

Belfast is the perfect gateway if you are looking to explore more of Northern Ireland. You have places like the Dark Hedges which are only an hours drive from the city. On top of that if you go a bit further you have The beautiful Gobbins coastal walk, and the Causeway Coast.

The Causeway Coast is one of the top sights in Northern Ireland with highlights such as Dunluce Castle, The Giant’s Causeway, and The Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge.

Dublin

Dublin is also a great base for seeing more of the Republic of Ireland. There are several amazing day trips you can do to places like the Ring of Kerry, The Cliffs of Moher, or even Glendalough.

Belfast or Dublin

Honestly they are both great places to base yourself if you are wanting to get out and explore some of the natural beauty on the island of Ireland. Belfast is our favourite though just because the attractions are a lot closer so you don’t have as long of a day trip. Also the Causeway Coast is just sublime.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better in summer

If you are planning to visit Belfast or Dublin in the summer months you might be wondering which one is better.

Belfast

Belfast summers are a great time to visit the city. The days are brighter for longer, and there is less chance or rain. Al-fresco dining is all the rage, and people spill out from the pubs onto the streets, sipping cocktails and pints.

The downside of visiting Belfast in the summer, especially August is that this coincides with school holidays. So expect crowds and slightly higher accommodation costs.

Dublin

Summer is peak travel time in Dublin. The weather is the best it can be with some sunshine and way less rain than winter. Temperatures are pretty mild though and range between 9 – 20 degrees Celsius.

It does get busy with tourists, and this is the optimal time to do a day trip out and explore other parts of the country.

Belfast or Dublin

Honestly Belfast and Dublin are pretty on par when it comes to visiting in summer. It’s the best time to visit either city, especially if you want to take advantage of bright days.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is better in winter

If winter is more your thing, you might be wondering if Belfast or Dublin is the better choice.

Belfast

Winter in Belfast can be a little bleak to say the least. The weather can be rainy and miserable, which in fairness is a good excuse to go to the pub.

The Christmas Markets are also in full swing by December, which is another good excuse to visit the city in winter.

We certainly wouldn’t discount visiting Belfast in winter, but if you can visit in the summer months it will probably be a more enjoyable experience.

Dublin

Similarly Dublin can be pretty miserable in the winter months. Rain is common which again is a great excuse to tuck yourself into a pub and enjoy some comfort food and a drink. If you don’t mind the cold or if you plan to visit a lot of museums then winter in Dublin might be for you.

Belfast or Dublin

Belfast and Dublin are very on par when it comes to visiting in winter. The weather is very similar and if you don’t mind sitting in a warm pub and eating some hot stodgy food then you should definitely visit in winter.

Are you planning on visiting Ireland in March? Here is a helpful guide.

Belfast vs Dublin: which one is for me

So you have made it to the end of this article and hopefully by now you have your own winner in the battle of Belfast vs Dublin. But here is a final recap if not.

Belfast

Belfast is a great place to visit. It’s a lively city, with some fantastic food and drink. It’s also got some great museums, and parks to keep you entertained. It’s a good base for a weekend break or even for a longer trip to the island of Ireland.

Dublin

There is so much to see and do in Dublin. From the Guinness factory, to the book of Kells there is something for everyone here. It’s a really vibrant city, the people are welcoming, and you get a fantastic taste of what the country of Ireland has to offer.

Belfast or Dublin

Both Belfast and Dublin are great places to visit. Our preference though is Dublin. It’s a slightly bigger city with more to see and do, and you will definitely find something for all types of traveller. But if you get the chance to see both then we highly recommend it. You can easily base yourself in one and visit the other as part of a day trip.

Happy travels!