In Dublin, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Temple Bar €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Nightlife lovers
Pubs and live music on every corner. Central but noisy, and drinks cost more here.
02
St Stephen's Green €€€ Higher prices
Best for: First-timers and couples
Georgian squares, Grafton Street and Trinity College a few minutes away.
03
Ballsbridge €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Quiet and comfort
Leafy embassy district, a short walk or bus ride from the centre.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels near Temple BarComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in DublinComing soon
The 3 best value hotels in the centreComing soon
Airport to city
01
Airport express bus ≈ 30–45 min
About 30–45 min to the centre
Frequent coaches to O'Connell Street and beyond.
02
Dublin Bus 16 or 41 ≈ 45–60 min
About 45–60 min
Cheapest option, with local stops.
03
Taxi or private transfer ≈ 25–35 min
About 25–35 min
Simple and quick outside rush hour.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Dublin safe for tourists?
Yes, Dublin is generally safe. Petty theft happens around Temple Bar and O'Connell Street, especially at night, and some parts of the north inner city are best avoided late. Stick to busy streets, and expect a lively, noisy atmosphere at weekends.
02When is the best time to visit Dublin?
May to September brings the longest days and the mildest weather (around 18–20 °C). It can rain at any time, so pack a waterproof jacket. St Patrick's Day, on 17 March, is a huge party, but hotels get very expensive.
03What language is spoken in Dublin?
English, with Irish (Gaelic) as an official language: you'll see bilingual signs everywhere. The Irish accent is fast but easy to follow.
04How many days do you need in Dublin?
Three days is ideal for the city, its pubs and a day trip. With more time, add the Cliffs of Moher, Wicklow and Glendalough, Howth or the Giant's Causeway.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Dublin?
Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Guinness Storehouse
Temple Bar
St Patrick's Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Kilmainham Gaol
Dublin Castle
St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street
Ha'penny Bridge
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
Dublin's great museums are free: the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery and the Chester Beatty Library. Walking St Stephen's Green, Grafton Street with its buskers, Temple Bar, the Ha'penny Bridge, Trinity College campus and Phoenix Park costs nothing (the Book of Kells is paid). The Dublin Castle courtyard is free too, and the cliff walk at Howth is a short, cheap train ride away.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Dublin?
The National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology), the National Gallery and the Chester Beatty Library are free and excellent. Add EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, the Little Museum of Dublin and Kilmainham Gaol (book ahead).
08What are the locals like in Dublin?
Dubliners are friendly, chatty and funny, and the pub is the centre of social life. In a group, rounds are the custom: everyone takes a turn buying drinks for all. No tipping at the bar; in restaurants, about 10% is usual.
09What is the typical food in Dublin?
Try Irish stew, a full Irish breakfast, Dublin coddle (sausage and potato stew), soda bread, boxty (potato pancakes), seafood chowder and oysters. To drink, a pint of Guinness, Irish whiskey or an Irish coffee.
10Where should you stay in Dublin?
Temple Bar is right in the centre and lively, but noisy and pricey. St Stephen's Green is elegant and central, also at higher prices. Ballsbridge is quieter, with embassies and good connections, at mid-range prices.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
