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

Should you visit Dublin or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Calais, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Dublin travel costs.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Calais travel costs.

Dublin and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Calais is known for its beaches. Dublin is more touristy than Calais and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Dublin different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Dublin is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Dublin is an experience not to be missed. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its music scene. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Calais?

Dublin is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Families?

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

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Couples?

Dublin is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Students?

Dublin is a popular place for students. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

Is Dublin or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Calais.

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

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Dublin or Calais a more walkable city?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dublin and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than in Calais. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin than Calais 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 Dublin or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dublin or Calais?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais 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.

Five days in Dublin or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Dublin or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Dublin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Calais. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Calais?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Dublin and Calais, 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 Dublin or Calais?

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 Dublin or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dublin is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives more rain than Calais. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Dublin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Dublin is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Calais. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Calais. The winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. Dublin is a little warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Dublin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives more rain than Calais. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Calais. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dublin is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dublin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Dublin