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

Should you visit Ios or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Ios 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.

Ios

Ios is a touristy, backpacker-friendly, and historical island. The beauty of Ios is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ios travel costs.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun 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. See Dublin travel costs.

Ios and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Dublin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dublin than Ios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dublin is better known for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ios is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ios is well known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. 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 Ios different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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

Both Ios and Dublin offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Dublin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are fantastic in both Ios and Dublin.

Ios is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for its live music scene. However, Ios is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Ios is not a live music destination.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Resorts?

Ios is a great destination for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for the beach. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Ios are among the best in the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is notable for its old town. However, Ios 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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Dublin?

Dublin is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Ios or Dublin More Beautiful?

Ios is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Dublin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Ios is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. While most people think of partying when they first think of Ios, the island's unique beauty is also a major draw for tourists.

Dublin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Ios or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Dublin is a good city to visit for 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.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Ios can get you around easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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

Is Ios or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Ios?

How long in Ios or Dublin?

In either Ios or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Ios because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Ios. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Dublin 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 Ios.

One day in Ios or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Ios. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Dublin?

Ios 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.

Many people visit Dublin for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the laid-back city of Dublin, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With live music and food around the destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Ios or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the backpacker-friendly destination of Ios. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.