Dublin may not be the cheapest city to visit in Europe. But thanks to its compact size, the Irish capital is easy to explore by foot and bike, making it a haven for backpackers and budget travellers. Many attractions in Dublin allow free entry, and often, offer free guided tours too.
Visiting Dublin on a budget? In this travel guide, we’ll share a couple of exciting things to do in Dublin that won’t break the bank.
1. Find an affordable place to stay
Your accommodation in Dublin is your most significant expense. The good news is there are still a couple of ways to trim the hefty cost while still having a comfortable stay — as long as you’re not picky.
Aside from finding a budget hotel outside of the city centre, you may also consider cheap hotel alternatives. These include backpacker hostels, Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts, and university accommodation options or dorm rooms.
One example is this DCU accommodation, offering a unique and affordable stay at Dublin City University. Forget your idea of cramped rooms with bunk beds — from economical twin rooms to newly refurbished suites, you can find comfortable and stylish rooms that fit your needs and budget.
2. Stay in an affordable neighborhood
The last thing a backpacker wants is to “travel like a tourist” — they travel to experience different cultures and not purely for pleasure and relaxation. If this fits your travel goals, we’d suggest finding a base in an affordable neighbourhood outside of the busy city centre.
Dublin’s must-visit tourist attractions won’t be a stone’s throw away, but they’re still close enough with the help of a short bus ride. It might even be an advantage if you crave a more affordable and peaceful stay. You’ll also enjoy authentic cultural experiences for cheap since the pubs and attractions here are catered to locals.
3. Discover Drumcondra
Speaking of neighbourhoods to discover, Drumcondra is one of the best neighbourhoods off the beaten path. They’re perfect for families and young people who love pubs, green spaces, and affordable travel.
Close to canals, parks, and the National Botanic Gardens, Drumcondra is a haven for travellers who want to get in touch with nature. And though it’s far from the chaos and congestion of the city centre, the district is still a great place for drinking and dining, with lots of excellent eateries and traditional pubs.
4. Get around the city with the Hop On Hop Off Bus
Walking and cycling around Dublin are great but if you’re planning to make the most out of a short day trip, taking the Hop On Hop Bus is the key.
Simply sit back and enjoy the sights from the open-top bus while learning about the history of Dublin. Feel free to plan out your itinerary — your 24-72-hour ticket allows you to explore Dublin at your own pace, hopping on and off wherever at any of the 25 stops. You can explore the small streets of Dublin on a guided walking tour (live or audio commentary), included in your ticket.
5. Discover a wealth of free attractions
Dublin has a wealth of free attractions to enjoy, especially if you love art, history, culture, and nature. For instance, the Irish capital is home to the National Museum of Ireland (which is divided into four), the National Gallery of Ireland, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Want to go back in time and delve deeper into revolutionary history? Visit St. Stephen’s Green, a large victorian Park with memorial statues, the Kilmainham Gaol prison at Croke Park, and the GPO post office.
If you feel like getting in touch with nature to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, you can also find lots of parks and gardens brimming with natural beauty and wildlife.
6. Download the Dublin Walking Tour podcast
There are plenty of free walking tours to sign up for if you want to go sightseeing while discovering Dublin’s history from a local’s perspective. But if you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can simply download a free audio guide and start a self-guided tour.
7. Try Burdock’s fish and chips
Forget fast food chain burgers and fries — there’s no perfect snack better than a bundle of fish ‘n chips whether you’re sitting in or grabbing a takeaway. There’s a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and small eateries serving this English classic, but there’s one shop that has had a cult following since 1913: Leo Burdock, Dublin’s Oldest Chipper.
Everyone enjoys Burdock’s fish ‘n chips, from hungry Dubliners waiting for their crispy bits during the food shortages of the 1930s to chip-loving celebrity patrons.
8. Find cheap places to drink and party
Locals have warned about this but let us say it once again: if you want to experience Dublin’s nightlife without burning your pockets, avoid Temple Bar. We’d suggest visiting the district for sightseeing but spend your hard-earned bucks elsewhere.
Dublin is overflowing with pubs and bars offering affordable refreshers for your night out, from budget beers to happy hour cocktails. These places also don’t run low on amazing music and entertainment. Bow Lane, The George Bar, Copper Face Jacks, Whelan’s Pub, and The Bleeding Horse are just some names to look for. Make sure to visit their pages to know when’s the best time for scoring big discounts.