A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delft vs. Kinsale for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Delft or Kinsale?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Delft and Kinsale can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Delft

Delft is a historic, quaint, and charming town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Delft travel costs.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Kinsale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kinsale travel costs.

Delft and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Delft or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Delft and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is more touristy than Delft and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Delft is famous for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Delft different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Delft or Kinsale?

Delft
Kinsale

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Delft or Kinsale.

Delft is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.


Is the Food Better in Delft or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Delft
Kinsale

Kinsale is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Delft
Kinsale

The reasonable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Delft and Kinsale.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Delft. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Kinsale is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Delft
Kinsale

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Delft is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Delft is not a beach destination.


Is Delft or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Delft
Kinsale

Both Delft and Kinsale have great historic old towns worth visiting.

Delft is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Delft
Kinsale

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Delft is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Delft is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Delft or Kinsale?

Delft
Kinsale

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Delft and Kinsale.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Delft. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Kinsale offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.


Is Delft or Kinsale More Beautiful?

Delft
Kinsale

Kinsale is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kinsale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beautiful seaside town has colorful buildings and a charming atmosphere.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Families?

Delft
Kinsale

Both Delft and Kinsale are nice to visit with kids.

Delft is a family-friendly town. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kinsale. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Delft
Kinsale

Both Delft and Kinsale are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Delft is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.


Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Delft
Kinsale

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Students?

Delft
Kinsale

Delft is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

Is Delft or Kinsale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Delft
Kinsale

Delft is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Delft can get you to some places easily. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.


Is Delft or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Delft
Kinsale

Delft is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Delft is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Delft Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Delft?

How long in Delft or Kinsale?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale than Delft 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 Kinsale.


  • How many days in Delft or Kinsale? Ideal Length of Stay
    Delft 1 
    Kinsale 1-2

One day in Delft or Kinsale?

In Delft, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Delft or Kinsale?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Delft. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. 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.


Five days in Delft or Kinsale?

Delft is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

A week in Delft or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Delft. 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.

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.


Which place is cheaper, Kinsale or Delft?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delft is €146, while the average daily cost in Kinsale is €162. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Delft and Kinsale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delft 76
    Kinsale 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delft 152
    Kinsale 148
Compare Hotels in Delft and Kinsale

Looking for a hotel in Delft or Kinsale? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Delft


Hotels in Kinsale


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Delft Hotel Prices and Kinsale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delft 7.14
    Kinsale 17

Is it cheaper to fly into Delft or Kinsale?

Prices for flights to both Kinsale and Delft change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Delft 64
    Kinsale 79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delft 11
    Kinsale 5.00

Tours and Activities in Delft

For Delft, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Delft - Private Historic Walking Tour: $456
  • Delft - Step/scootertour in and around the city: $29
  • Delft Private Walking Tour: $294
  • Canal Cruise with Guided Commentary: $16
  • Canal House Museum 'Paul Tetar van Elven' Ticket: $14
  • City Center Walking Tour: $22
  • City Tour with Dutch Food and Drink: $93
  • Entrance Ticket for the Old and New Churches: $11
  • Guided Walking Tour: $199
  • Half-Day Vermeer Tour with Church and Museum Visit: $223
  • Hugo de Groot Walking Tour: $14
  • Open Boat Canal Cruise with Skipper: $112

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kinsale.

  • Cork Harbour RIB Tour: $54
  • Harbour to Market Cobh to Cork Electric Bike Tour: $118
  • Guided eBike Sightseeing Tour: $76
  • Self Drive Boat Tours of Cork Harbour. Be your own captain!: $95
  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $30
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delft 16
    Kinsale 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Delft

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Delft:

  • Craft Beer Tasting in Medieval Brewery with Snacks: $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $161


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


Which is Bigger, Delft or Kinsale?

Delft has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Delft and Kinsale, 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 Delft or Kinsale?

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 Delft or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Delft and Kinsale. The summer months attract visitors to Delft 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 Kinsale this time of year.

In the summer, Delft is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Delft in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Delft, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delft usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Delft gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Delft usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Delft gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delft 17°C (62°F) 
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Delft or Kinsale in the Autumn?

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

In October, Delft is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 11°C (51°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Delft often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Delft gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Delft gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delft 11°C (51°F) 
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Delft or Kinsale in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Delft. Delft is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Delft averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Delft usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Delft gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. In January, Delft usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Delft gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delft 2°C (36°F) 
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Delft or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Delft during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Delft is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Delft in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Delft gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kinsale. Delft gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delft 8°C (46°F) 
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Delft

Delft Kinsale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)


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