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

Should you visit Kos or Dublin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Dublin 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.

Kos

Kos is a beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. The famous beauty of Kos is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kos travel costs.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Dublin travel costs.

Kos and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin. Although Kos and Dublin are popular destinations, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kos attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

How is Kos different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. 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.

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

Kos is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Dublin has diverse options. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Kos is not a live music destination.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Resorts?

Kos is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Hiking?

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

Kos has hiking trails worth exploring. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Dublin?

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Dublin More Beautiful?

Kos is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Dublin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Kos is one of the main draws. With it's beautiful coves and ancient ruins, this small island packs a lot of activity into a small space.

Dublin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Dublin are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

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.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Dublin are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Dublin is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dublin. 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.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos 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 Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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

Is Kos or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Kos?

How long in Kos or Dublin?

In either Kos or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kos than Dublin. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Kos or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly 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 Kos or Dublin?

Kos 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 Kos or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Kos or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-hard destination of Kos. 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Dublin, 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.