Dublin and Belfast are two of Ireland’s most vibrant cities, each offering its own unique charm.
Both are filled with rich history, amazing food, lively pubs, and a thriving arts scene. But deciding between them can feel tricky because the experiences they offer are quite different.
In Dublin, you’ll find a bustling capital city, famous for its literary history, iconic landmarks like Trinity College, and energetic neighborhoods like Temple Bar. It’s a place where you can dive into both the past and present, all while enjoying world-class food and drink.
Belfast, on the other hand, has a smaller, more intimate feel. Its history is deeply tied to the industrial revolution, shipbuilding (home to the Titanic), and political struggles.
You’ll find incredible murals, vibrant street art, and a fascinating cultural scene, all with a slightly more laid-back atmosphere.
This guide will help you compare the two cities so you can decide which best fits your travel style.
So, which city calls to you—Dublin with its lively streets and literary charm, or Belfast with its rich history and artistic soul? Let’s dive in!
Dublin or Belfast: Which City Is Right For You?
History
In both Dublin and Belfast, history is in the air.
In fact, you cannot learn the history of Ireland without visiting Dublin. With deep roots in Viking and Georgian history, Dublin is a cultural and historical hub.
Its history also includes key events like the 1916 Easter Rising and the fight for Irish independence from imperial England. There were 5 different rebellions — 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867, 1916, the War of Independence (1919-20), and the Civli War (1922-23).
You can learn about the heart wrenching battle for independence by visiting several key attractions — Kilmainhan Gaol, the GPO, Dublin Castle, and the EPIC Museum.
To can catch up on 5,000 years of Irish history, you can go to the National Museum of Ireland. It’s an amazing museum and perfectly free. You’ll find a cache of Irish gold, Viking artifacts, and the creepy bog bodies.
Belfast likewise has a rich history. Belfast is deeply linked to “The Troubles,” a turbulent 30 year period marked by conflict between two sides.
The Unionists (mostly Protestant) wanted Northern Ireland to stay part of the UK, while the Nationalists (largely Catholic) sought a united Ireland free from British rule. The resulting violence was both tragic and complex.
On a black taxi tour of the street art murals, you get a glimpse of both perspectives and a reminder of how much progress the city has made since that difficult time.
>>> Click here to book a history walking tour
Art & Culture
Both cities have cultural options, but Dublin has many more.
In terms of art, Dublin is home to the National Gallery of Ireland. It houses a vast collection of both European and Irish art.
There are also a slew of unique small museums — the Little Museum of Dublin, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Chester Betty Library, the James Joyce Centre, and the Oscar Wilde House.
Book worms will be in heaven in Dublin. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature.
Some of the greatest writers to ever pick up a pen lived and were inspired by Dublin — James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney.
You can follow the literary trail inn Dublin. You’ll discover everything from statues and museums to the very pubs where the city’s legendary writers once gathered.
Belfast is famous for C.S. Lewis. But its literary scene is more recent and less prominent internationally.
The city is home to the Titanic Museum. If you’ve seen the movie and read the books, this is your chance to relive the whole she-bang of the unsinkable ship.
To avoid disappointment, I suggest pre-booking an entrance ticket in high season.
The Ulster Museum is a large museum featuring art, history, and natural science exhibits, including items from the Troubles and prehistoric finds.
And Crumlin Road Gaol is a former prison, which offers tours that explore its history, including its role during the Troubles.
Size & Pace
Dublin is significantly larger than Belfast. Dublin has a population of about 1.4 million, while Belfast is about 640,000.
Dublin is sprawling and Belfast is compact.
For myself, I found both cities perfectly walkable. Dublin isn’t nearly as large as Paris or London for example.
But if you want an authentic small city experience, with fewer crowds to boot, pick Belfast.
Food & Drink
Dublin is renowned for its lively and historic pubs, particularly in Temple Bar and the city center.
There are pubs literally everywhere you look. Here are some authentic ones to pop into for a pint, lunch, or dinner:
- Auld Dubliner (trad music & Irish lamb stew)
- Brazen Head (oldest pub in Dublin with live music & Irish food)
- Gravediggers (scratched up wood paneling, first rate pints & snugs)
- The Oval Bar (Victorian decor & legendary Guinness stew)
- The Stag’s Head (beautiful Victorian pub with trad music)
- O’Donoghue’s (popular spot for musical Dublin)
- Mulligan’s (JFK haunt, lots of nooks and crannies)
- The Cobblestones (great trad music every night from 7:00 pm)
- Palace Bar (fave of Dubliners with a whiskey bar upstairs)
On top of that, in Dublin, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Whiskey Distillery.
In Belfast, the pubs scene is more understated.
But there are still plenty of lovely historic pubs like the Crown Liquor Saloon, White’s Tavern, and the Duke of York.
The Cathedral Quarter is the lively heart of Belfast’s nightlife, with its charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and street art.
This area buzzes with venues offering a mix of live music, from energetic rock gigs to smooth jazz performances.
In terms of cuisine, Dublin has the superior restaurants. Dublin is a cosmopolitan city when it comes to good eats.
You’ll find a mix of modern cuisine and traditional Irish fare with a thriving international food scene. Be sure to make reservations in high season!
I can recommend Variety Jones, Fig, Kari Indian Restaurant, Note, and Camden Kitchen.
>>> Click here to book a Dublin food tour
Belfast, in contrast, is most focused on local Northern Irish food. There’s a growing culinary innovation. But the city is still more traditional.
I like the Muddler’s Club. And you should try classic dishes like Ulster fry, champ, and potato bread.
Time Available
Dublin requires more time due to its size and complexity, while Belfast can be enjoyed in a shorter visit.
I would budget 2-3 days for Dublin and 1 day for Belfast. If you only want to spend one day in a city, pick Belfast.
Solos | Couples | Families
How are you traveling? Alone, as a couple, or with your family?
I think both cities are great for solo travelers — easy to get around, friendly residents, safe.
But Belfast is more manageable due to its smaller size and slower pace, making it easy to explore on foot at your own pace.
Dublin can be more chaotic. If it’s your first time traveling solo or you’re not a city person, opt for Belfast.
In terms of couples travel, Dublin does not have the traditional visual and romantic charm of Paris or Venice. But it has its own kind of appeal for couples who enjoy history, culture, and cozy experiences.
And the flowers plastered on every building add a bit of gaiety to the city.
Belfast is quieter and more intimate, perfect for couples looking for a more relaxed vibe or romantic dinner.
Both Dublin and Belfast have plenty for kids and families.
In Dublin, kids can go to Dublin Zoo, Dublinia (interactive Viking exhibit), and play in St. Stephen’s Green or Phoenix Park.
In Belfast, there’s also a zoo. And the Titanic Museum and Crumlin Gaol will fascinate all ages.
Day Trips
Both Dublin and Belfast are great bases for day trips.
From Dublin, you can easily reach nearby places like Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Howth.
You can also book guided tours to the Cliffs of Moher, to Belfast itself, or to the Game of Thrones studio.
From Belfast, you can day trip to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, and other sites on the gorgeous Antrim Coast.
Transportation & Connectivity
Dublin is a well-connected city with an international airport, buses, trams, and trains.
You can fly directly to the US or other cities in Europe. I wouldn’t drive there though, and traffic can be heavy.
Belfast is smaller and easier to navigate. There’s a reliable bus system but less public transport variety.
The George Best Belfast City Airport caters to domestic flights within Ireland and the UK.
The Port of Belfast, though, is one of the busiest ports in the UK and a major gateway for travelers. It’s a convenient way to reach the city, located just a few kilometers from the city center, with easy transport connections.
Ferries from Belfast sail to destinations like Liverpool and Cairnryan (Scotland), offering an alternative to flying for visitors coming from Britain. The port also handles cruise ships, bringing tourists directly into Belfast.
If you are renting a car in Ireland or Northern Ireland, you should read my tips for driving.
Affordability
Dublin is much more expensive than Belfast. Since businesses like Apple, Google, and Amazon have moved in, prices have increased.
The city’s appeal as a cultural and business hub, along with high demand from tourists, also plays a role in pushing up prices
However, Dublin also has some sweet free attractions including:
- National Museum of Ireland
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Chester Beatty Library
- Trinity College (although the Book of Kells has a fee)
- St. Stephens’ Green
- Phoenix Park
In general, Belfast is more affordable in terms of accommodation, food, and transport. And it has some free attractions too:
- Ulster Museum
- Botanic Gardens
- City Hall
- Peace Wall & Murals
- St. George’s Market
Accommodation
Dublin has a broader range of hotels, from luxury and boutique hotels to budget-friendly options. The city caters to a mix of business travelers, tourists, and long-term visitors due to its larger size and prominence in tech and finance.
While smaller, Belfast’s hotel scene has grown significantly, offering more affordable options compared to Dublin. You’ll find historic hotels, modern chains, and boutique options.
Dublin’s most famous hotel is The Shelbourne.
It’s a historic Victorian building in Merrion where both Irish rebels and fancy celebrities gathered. Inside is the famous Horsehoe Bar, which got a mention in James Joyce’s Ulysses.
A classic five-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin, The Merrion is known for its Georgian architecture, beautiful gardens, and Michelin-starred restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud.
Located just off Grafton Street, The Westbury offers contemporary luxury with chic interiors and a prime location. It’s known for its sophisticated afternoon tea in The Gallery and the glamorous Wilde restaurant.
A beauty on St. Stephen’s Green, The Fitzwilliam combines modern design with comfort. It’s known for its stylish rooms, personalized service, and the Michelin-starred Glovers Alley restaurant.
A more moderate, but still very nice option, is the Hyatt Centric. It’s a new hotel well located and has a range of rooms and suites. It’s close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Temple Bar.
In Belfast, Titanic fanatics can live out their fantasies in the Titanic Hotel Belfast, which opened in 2017 in the old Harland & Wolff offices.
The Bullitt Hotel, named for Steve McQueen’s famous film, offers comfortable rooms, artist’s lectures, and a rooftop bar.
If luxury is what you want, the creme de la creme is The Merchant Hotel. It’s a 5 star luxury hotel with lavish Victorian interiors.
Dubin vs Belfast: Final Verdict
Deciding between Dublin and Belfast really depends on what kind of trip you’re craving.
If you’re in the mood for rich literary history and lively city energy, Dublin might be your perfect match. Its bustling streets, museums, and literary landmarks are a treat for book lovers and city explorers alike.
On the other hand, if you’re fascinated by industrial heritage and political history, Belfast offers a more reflective experience. The city’s murals tell powerful stories of the Troubles that will resonate with history buffs.
Plus, the city itself is pretty cool, especially the Cathedral Quarter. I was surprised how much I liked Belfast.
Ultimately, both cities promise unique and unforgettable experiences — it’s just about what mood you’re in!
Dublin for energy and exploration, or Belfast for charm and political history. You can’t go wrong! And ideally you can see both.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to choosing between Dublin and Belfast. You may find these other Ireland and Northern Ireland travel guides useful:
- Dublin bucket list
- 2 days in Dublin itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
- guide to the Ring of Kerry
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- 3 days in Northern Ireland itinerary
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