travel tips dublin

13 useful things to know before you visit Dublin

Apr 15, 2024 • 10 min read

These local tips on packing, transport and etiquette can help you plan the perfect visit to Dublin © maydays / Getty Images

As a born and bred Dubliner, I’ve spent most of my life trying to make sense of my hometown.

In one way it’s a cinch to figure out: you’ll get your bearings pretty quickly and realize that you can explore most of it on foot. But it’s not just its size that makes it such a great walking city. It’s the nature of life here that makes it the ideal flaneur destination, where you amble and devote yourself to the art of observing life around you.

Spend a few days in Dublin and you’ll soon appreciate that there is much going on in this busy little town, and that to really understand the place you’ll have to move here and spend the rest of your days figuring out its wonderful idiosyncrasies and multilayered sense of humour.

In the meantime, though, here are a few local tips that will smooth your introduction to a city that has the power to grab your imagination and not let it go.

1. Plan on having at least three days in Dublin

Dublin might be a small capital city, but it’ll demand as much time from you as you’re willing to give. You’ll need at least three days to even make a dent in the place: one day to explore even just a couple of the main sights, such as Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse . You’ll need another day to visit some of the city’s other brilliant attractions, like the Little Museum of Dublin , the Chester Beatty and just one branch of the National Museum of Ireland . And a third day to sample some whiskey and visit either of the city’s iconic cathedrals .

A couple of days more will give you a chance to stretch your legs and explore more of the city – such as the historic General Post Office and 14 Henrietta St on the northside. But you’ll have to build in some leisure time – after all there are 800 pubs in the city , a fine selection of music venues and a handful of great theatres. And what about going further afield, on a day trip to Howth , for instance, or beyond?

Planning on some beers while you're in Dublin? Here's our guide to the locals' favorite traditional pubs

2. Dublin is a casual kind of place so pack accordingly

You can wear pretty much whatever you want in Dublin, and smart casual is the most you’ll need for fancy dinners, the theater or the concert hall. Even most work places like to keep it casual as there’s a general perception in the city that dressing up is only for that special occasion, which work rarely is.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want an extra layer for when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening when the disappearing sun can make that day’s warmth feel like a distant memory.

Ultimately, the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket (preferably with a hood, unless you’re carrying an umbrella) and waterproof shoes should never be beyond reach, for the almost inevitable rain.

Plan your packing with our seasonal guide to Dublin through the year

3. Take advantage of discount cards

There is a range of discount cards that will save you money on attractions and transport. The GoCity All-Inclusive Pass (1–5 days, €79–164) gives you free entry to a bunch of top attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Heritage Museum, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street, and the Big Bus Hop On, Hop Off tour. For 25% off six of those attractions, there’s the DoDublin Days Out Card (€55).

As well as the Leap Card (see below), there are good discounts to be had with the DoDublin Freedom Ticket (€48), a 72-hour travel pass that covers all public transport as well as a hop on, hop off tour.

4. Get a Leap card for use on public transport

If you’re planning on using public transport in Dublin, be sure to get a Leap Card first, as it’s cheaper and more convenient than paying for fares directly. This green plastic card is available from most newsagents and can be used on all forms of transport in the city, including buses, DART, the Luas light rail system and commuter trains throughout the county. The Leap Visitor Card (1/3/7 days, €8/€16/€32) provides unlimited travel on public transport. It can be purchased in the city and at Dublin Airport, or ordered online and delivered to your home in advance of your trip.

To use the card, just tap your card on the machine as you get on: for Luas, rail and DART services you will also need to tap off when you get off (but not for buses).

You top up the card with any amount you want (there’s a minimum of €5) at newsagents, any Luas, DART and commuter rail machines, or by downloading the Leap Top-Up App onto any NFC-enabled iPhone or Android phone: hold the card to the back of the phone and you can top up, collect pre-paid tickets and check your balance.

If you’re using a regular Leap card, rather than the Visitor Card, the TFI 90 Minute Fare applies to journeys made by Dublin Bus, Luas and most Dart trains. Any journey less than 90 minutes (including transfer times) costs €2.

Here's more useful transportation information for Dublin

5. Uber is not the best taxi option in Dublin

There are plenty of taxis in Dublin, but they can be tough to find late at night, especially at weekends when thousands of Dubliners are looking to head home to the suburbs after a night out in the city. Uber does exist in Dublin, but it’s oddly expensive; by far the most popular taxi hailing app is Freenow , which most of the city’s taxis are connected to. There are taxi ranks in the city center, but hailing them through the app is the preferred (and most convenient) option for most.

6. Get to grips with Dublin’s dining habits

Dubliners rarely eat breakfast out, so you might struggle to find a decent spot for breakfast that opens before 9am or 9:30am. The good news is that a decent cup of coffee is a non-negotiable, so there are plenty of places open by 8am to cater for caffeinated employees.

Discounted lunch specials are common, especially in the busy city center. Book tables at popular restaurants at least a few days in advance if you want to avoid disappointment or dodge the 5:30pm seating nobody else wants. For the really fancy spots including those with Michelin stars, you’ll have to plan well in advance. Some (like Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud ) will accommodate reservations no more than a month in advance, but a place like Chapter One opens its reservations list three months in advance, and then only for blocks of two months. Most tables are nabbed up pretty quickly, but if you miss out you can join the online waitlist.

7. Many of the city’s museums are free to visit

Most of the city’s larger cultural institutions are free to visit, including the three branches of the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery , the Chester Beatty and the Dublin City Gallery-the Hugh Lane – although there is a charge for some of the exhibitions. There are free tickets for the tours of Áras an Uachtharáin , the official residence of the Irish president in Phoenix Park and there is no charge to visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham.

Smaller, privately owned museums charge a fee, but it’s rarely more than €10, and you won’t need to book your ticket in advance.

Traveling to Dublin on a budget? Here are some other free experiences to consider

8. Bottled water is a needless extravagance

In most restaurants in Dublin you’ll be offered the choice of water – still or sparkling. Unless you have a particular fondness for a specific brand of bottled water, you should always opt for tap as the city’s supply is perfectly safe, free and generally excellent. Some restaurants operate their own in-house filtration system, so for a minimal cost (usually €1–2) you have your choice of still or sparkling tap water. Same goes for filling your water bottle: tap water is fine and you don’t need to buy pricey and environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles to replenish your supply.

9. In the pub, it’s all about the rounds system

Dubliners, like the rest of the Irish, put great store in conviviality and a generous spirit. And both of these qualities are embodied in the rounds system, whereby if someone buys you a drink, you are obliged to buy them one in return. Getting sucked into the rounds system is a great way of getting to know Dubliners: strike up a conversation and, at the appropriate moment (ie when they’re just about to finish their drink), ask what they’re "having" – and before you know it you’re multiple drinks and conversations deep into a blossoming friendship.

Needless to say, you don’t have to take part in buying rounds, but if you want to understand the social glue that binds people together in Dublin, there aren't many better ways than having a few drinks with them.

10. Dublin's nightlife is expensive

Dubliners love a good night out, but the city is a pretty expensive place to party in. The capital is notorious for the price of the pint of beer, which is higher than anywhere else in Ireland. As a result, many Dubliners will do pre-drinks at home before heading out, usually between 9 and 10pm.

Happy hour promotions are illegal in Ireland; expect to pay anything from €7–10 for a pint in the city center, but keep an eye out on pubs that sneakily raise the price of a pint later in the night, presumably when punters are too drunk to notice. It’s illegal to charge a price other than what is indicated; if it happens, your best reaction is to complain and leave.

Licensing laws are stricter in Dublin than almost any other European capital. Pubs can serve alcohol until 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, to 12:30am Friday and Saturday, and to 11pm on Sunday. Many premises apply for special exemption orders, which allows them to serve until 2:30am – usually from Thursday to Saturday nights. Nightclubs usually go until 3am, but in a lot of venues there’s barely a distinction between a huge pub that turns up the music really loudly and a dedicated club for dancing.

11. Learn to take a "slagging" among friends

Dubliners are, for the most part, an informal and easy-going lot who don't stand on excessive ceremony and generally prefer not to make too much fuss. That doesn't mean that they don't abide by certain rules, or that there isn't a preferred way of doing things in the city, though. But the transgressions of the unknowing are both forgiven and often enjoyed – the accidental faux pas is a great source of entertainment in a city that has made "slagging", or teasing, a veritable art form.

Indeed, slagging is a far more reliable indicator of the strength of friendship than virtually any kind of compliment: a fast, self-deprecating wit and an ability to take a joke in good spirits will win you plenty of friends. Mind you, even slagging has its hidden codes, and is only acceptable among friends: it wouldn't do at all to follow an introduction to someone by making fun of them!

12. LGBTIQ+ travelers are welcome in Dublin

Dublin has a pretty vibrant LGBTIQ+ scene, with some well-established bars and club nights as well as activities including hiking and sea swimming. The best-known gay bar in town is the George on South Great George’s St, followed by Pantibar , which is owned by renowned activist and drag queen Rory O’Neill, aka Panti Bliss. June’s Pride Festival is the second-biggest celebration in the city after St Patrick’s Day, a raucous festival of color and fun that runs over five days. August sees GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival , Ireland’s only dedicated film festival, while the International Gay Theatre Festival usually takes place in May.

13. Dublin is generally a safe city with good health care

Health and safety should not be an issue during a visit to Dublin. Pharmacies selling basic medication are easy to come by, and crime is not a major concern. Taking normal precautions (eg keeping an eye on belongings in crowds) should be sufficient. O'Connell St and the streets immediately around it can get a little shady after dark, so keep your wits about you.

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Nina Near and Far

How to have adventures near and far.

Dublin Travel Tips: 21 Essential Things to Know Before You Go

Getting around Dublin is it’s own adventure.  A typical evening trying to cross the street goes something like this: The cars are going the wrong way, crossing the street when the street sign says “walk” is your number one safety risk, and there’s bubble bath overflowing from a nearby fountain. Everything will be explained, and you can take advantage of these Dublin travel tips to have an amazing experience in Ireland’s capital.

Once you get the hang of things, this city is enchanting and full of places to discover. I enjoyed 3 days in Dublin on my visit. In this post, I’ll pass on some hard earned wisdom (and by that, I mean misjudged “walking distance”) for getting around. You can focus on taking in the sights!

These Dublin travel tips will take you deep in to the city centre and far out to surrounding areas, and save you time and money! 

Dublin Travel Tips

1. get a great deal on public transportation.

These transportation Dublin travel tips will save you money. One of Dublin’s best-kept transportation secrets is the Leap Visitor Card . The card comes in 1, 3, and 7 day increments. No more trying to load exactly the right amount of cash on to your card to get around Dublin during your visit, or trying to calculate how many zones you’ll cross each day.  I think there’s still money on my Oyster Card from London!

Where to buy a Leap Visitor Card: the easiest way is to pick up a Leap Visitor Card in the airport on arrival. You will be all set to ride the bus, DART, rail, and Luas around Dublin. Check out the Dublin Bus website before you travel and map out a few key roots from wherever you’re staying to hubs like O’Connell Street and Trinity College. 

You’ll be amazed at how far you can get on the DART! Go on a cliff walk in Howth or walk the harbour in  Dún Laoghaire by taking the DART 20 minutes out of Dublin.

• 1 day (24 hours) – €10.00
• 3 days (72 hours) – €19.50
• 7 days (168 hours) – €40.00

2. Order a Taxi in Dublin (but not on Uber)

There’s an app for that , but it’s not Uber in Dublin. If you want to skip public transport, you will have to call a taxi. The taxi services in Dublin do have their own apps, that allow you to instantly request a taxi, or to book one for a upcoming date and time.

I order a taxi a day in advance using the NRC Taxi App and, happily, the driver pulled up 5 minutes before the specified time!

3. Take the Hop on and Off Bus Strategically

While most of the things that you want to see in Dublin are with in one area, some are a little further away. The majority of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of Trinity College, with some exceptions. Glasnevin cemetery, the zoo, the Guiness Storehouse, and Kilmainham Gaol are out of the way, and too far to walk . Public transit is definitely an option, but it’s even easier to get between these sites with a Hop on and Off Bus pass. The Hop and Off Bus pass can be purchase on it’s own, or as part of the Dublin Pass .

Navigating the  Streets of Dublin

4. watch out for the lack street signs .

The street signs, or lack thereof, was one of the first things that I noticed in Dublin. Streets names are often painted on the sides of buildings, so they fade overtime or get covered by plants or construction. If you’re used to looking for street signs out by the road, like I am, you might find you’re just not quick enough to spot the streets that are labelled.

A valuable strategy for finding your way around Dublin is landmarking and pubs . This is what many locals suggest themselves on forums like Reddit, and it did help me find my way around!

5. Crossing the Street in Dublin

You’re an adult, you know how to cross a street. Stand at the corner, wait for the walking man to light up, and cross, right? Nope. This Dublin travel tip is a little bit unique, but it’s honestly important for safety. If you wait for the walking man and cross at the proper light in Dublin, it is somehow, inexplicably, more dangerous than jay-walking. It doesn’t make sense, but that’s the way it is.

When you jay-walk along with the Irish, you arrive safely at the other side. When you wait for the walking man to cross the street like a good Canadian, you find yourself sprinting for the curb as a truck lurches towards you. Trust the locals. They have a sixth sense specifically for crossing the street. You will feel most comfortable if you go with the flow of pedestrians.

6. Where to find Adapters

Successfully forgot all of your international outlet adapters at home, or brought the wrong one? The tourism centre on O’Connell Street has you covered.

7. Where to score free Wifi

If you’re really in need of wifi, buses and Starbucks are a couple of the easiest ways to get online. Dublin City buses are all equipped with free wifi, so even standing near a few buses can get you online for long enough to figure out your next move. For longer stretches, make your way to a Starbucks location. Within the touristy areas, there’s one just down the street from the main entrance of Trinity College.

Dublin Attractions

8. buy the heritage pass.

History lovers will love this Dublin travel tip. Get access to all Office of Public Works attractions in Ireland with the Heritage Pass . It’s one of the most affordable entry passes there is. Student and family pricing is available, and it gives you access to historical sites all over the country. Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenic Park, and the Botanical Gardens are just a few of the sites included in the pass. You can purchase the Heritage Pass in Dublin, at various pass locations.

9. Wake up Early to have Dublin to yourself

Dublin, like many cities, is quietest first thing in the morning. Early means something different anywhere, and in Dublin it’s around 8AM. Things that have no line up or crowds then will have lines down the block and around the corner by noon. This includes the Book of Kells , Temple Bar area, and Stephen’s Green.

10. Get the Dublin Pass for a Day

The Dublin Pass includes entry to many of Dublin’s iconic attractions, and free use of the Hop on and Off bus to get around. The pass goes on sale frequently, so buy online in advance if you think you’ll make good use of your pass. The Dublin Pass  includes the Guiness Storehouse, the Jeannie Johnston Tallship (highly recommend), the Glasnevin Cemetery, and multiple castles and museums. I love including a city pass + hop on and off bus tour in any city I visit, because it lets you get around easily and see a lot!

11. Plan Ahead (but don’t over plan)

There are some attractions in Dublin that you will have to plan ahead to enjoy. This includes some of the walking tours , like Kilmainham Gaol which typically to be booked at least 3 days in advance. You can see a lot of the highlights with as little as 2 days in Dublin if you plan ahead.

There’s a lot to discover in Dublin, too. When planning my trip I decided to leave a couple an afternoon. This was perfect, because it gave me time to return to areas that I wanted to spend more time in, and to add in activities that I only learned about while already in Dublin.

Food and Dining

12. no napkins or straws.

Dublin is a wonderfully environment-oriented compared to Canada and the United States. On my visit, I quickly noticed less of things like napkins and straws (yay!) You will also notice relatively little trash and litter. That said, if you eat a crumbly muffin with a gooey centre, you will want to clean your hands. Pack some hand wipes ( check out these eco-friendly ones ) or napkins and keep them in your bag. If you really prefer drinking out of straws, there are plenty of reusable straw options available for order before you travel.

13. Vegetables & Cheap Meals

Dublin is famous for it’s beer and all things potato based. Believe it or not, you might just find yourself craving vegetables while you’re here.

The best (and cheapest) place to get your leafy greens and vitamin D on the go is Chopped . Pay €4.50 for a smoothie packed full of fruit, vegetables, or both, or try a salad or wrap for around €6.50. There is a Chopped location just down the street from Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland, on Westmoreland street and you will find many other locations around the city.

Enjoying an evening out and looking to splurge and have a great meal? Check out one of these places .

14. Bring Reusable Bags

On the same note as there not being many napkins or straws around, many stores don’t give out plastic bags. Bring your own reusable bags. I’ve been bringing reusable shopping bags on trips with me for years, and they always come in handy. 

( Browse fold-up reusable bags here . )

15. Tipping in Ireland

This is not just for Dublin, but most of Ireland. Tipping exists and is welcome, but staff are not dependent on your tips for their wages. It’s appropriate to leave a tip for good service, typically around 10%.

On day tours and walking tours, it’s appropriate to tip the tour guide. Dublin’s free walking tours, in particular, are purely-tip based. Please at least $10 per person!

Day Trips from Dublin

17. plan day tours in advance.

If you’re planning on an organized tour, this is something that you will want to book in advance. I like to book day tours through sites like Viator and Expedia  because there are typically lots of honest reviews available on the site and detailed information about the tours. If you choose to rent a car and drive yourself, here are some helpful tips !  There’s so much to see in Dublin, but you’re definitely going to want to get out of the city to see Ireland’s incredible landscapes, too. I wrote a guide to my favourite day trips  here.  

The day tours leaving from Dublin typically all start from the same place, just down the street from the main entrance of Trinity College. 

18. Take the DART out of Dublin

Dublin is more expansive than most people realize, and it has smaller communities branching off from it that are absolutely beautiful. Most day tours involve a few hours of driving, but you can escape the city with a brief train ride too.

Take the DART from central Dublin, to outlying areas like Howth, Dún Laoghaire, and Greystones. These areas are completely different than central Dublin, and have incredible views of the ocean. Hiking in the cliff walk in Howth was one of my favourite parts of my Ireland trip!

19. Ride the bus to Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and worth exploring on your own time. I took M1 bus from Dublin to Belfast and it was way easier than I expected. The drive is only 2 hours, and a return ticket is 20 euros. If there are any other cities you want to explore on your time, I’m sure the bus can get you there too!

Preparing for the elements

20. ireland’s weather.

Throughout the day you will experience sunshine, rain, and skies of grey. On my visit there were only a couple of truly rainy days, but it rained for at least a few minutes every day. Carry a rain jacket or umbrellas with you, or step in to a shop to wait it out.

It’s not particularly hot in Ireland (usually, there are exceptions to this) and it can actually be surprising chilly even on warm days, if the sun is hidden.

21. What to wear in Dublin

Mostly, regular outfits like jeans and t-shirts are just fine in Dublin. Don’t take up space in your suitcase with cute sundresses, because you likely will not wear them very much. 

• Footwear: wear flat shoes that you walk in. There are a lot of cobblestones in Dublin, and uneven brick roads everywhere. I love Keds , and wore them every day that I was in the city.
• Rain jacket: while you don’t necessarily have to bring it everyday, definitely have it packed for days where the forecast is calling for rain.
• Light sweater: a sunny day can turn cloudy very abruptly, so it’s nice to have a light sweater with you in case it gets chilly. My go-to place for sweaters and light cardigans is usually Gap .
• Pants/ jeans:  if I were going to Dublin again, I don’t think that I would even bother to pack shorts or capris. The weather is just too unpredictable if you’re out all day. Jeans are a safe go-to for a range of temperatures, and you can layer t-shirts and sweaters.

15+ Dublin Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting

Last Updated on 26th February 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

Capital of the Emerald Isle, European hotspot for some of the best pubs in the region, and home of Guinness: Dublin has plenty of claims to fame and is a must-visit for many travellers wishing to explore Europe. However, as with any city, there are some things you should know before you go! Here are the top Dublin travel tips I would offer first-time visitors to the city.

#1 Plan your accommodation well in advance!

#2 dublin is much more expensive than you might think, #3 trinity college library is a must-see, #4 the best time to visit dublin is in the spring or autumn, #5 it will probably rain at least once during your visit, #6 explore both sides of the river liffey, #7 dublin has plenty of hidden gems worth discovering, #8 wear comfortable shoes, #9 bring a universal travel adapter, #10 the irish capital is easy to reach, #11 make the most of public transportation using a visitor card, #12 bring a tote along for your shopping, #13 dublin has a fantastic café scene, #14 free wifi in dublin is available across the city, #15 the guinness storehouse is an absolute must, #16 have an idea of what you want to see, #17 enjoy a free dublin walking tour, #18 there is more to ireland than just dublin, #19 don’t rent a car in dublin, #20 dublin is a great city for solo travellers, enjoyed reading about the top things to know before you go and the best of dublin travel tips pin this article now, read it again later:.

Start your stay the right way by being well-prepared and booking all of your accommodation well ahead of your stay. I’ve personally stayed in the Temple District on several occasions (one time in a hostel and another in a B&B) and have loved it each time!

Close to all of the major attractions and within easy walking distance of everything you could possibly want to see, check here for the best Temple Bar accommodation rates .

When I visited Dublin for the first time, it’s fair to say I was more than a little surprise at just  how  expensive the city is. From accommodation costs to going out for a meal, be sure to budget for a more expensive trip than you might have already planned for!

Easily one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, if there’s one Dublin attraction you can’t miss, it’s the Trinity College Library. Housed within the beautiful Trinity College University complex, the Library is all wooden shelves stacked from floor to ceiling in books and a plethora of marble busts.

Underneath the library, there’s a small display highlighting the Book of Kells, one of the most important ecclesiastical manuscripts to have survived from the Middle Ages. Be sure to arrive earlier in the day as opposed to later to avoid having to wait in queues for too long!

From the fall foliage of the autumn months to the beautiful cherry blossom in the spring, if you’re able to select what time of the year to visit the Irish capital city, then make it during the European shoulder season (i.e. in the spring or in the summer).

This way, everything will still be open and you’ll even have the benefit of reduced hotel prices and (likely) lower airfares. I particularly recommend planning your visit so as to coincide with the spring blooms, allowing you to enjoy the best of cherry blossoms in Dublin .

Truth be told, even if you’re visiting Dublin during the summer months, you can expect at least a shower or two during the course of your visit. As such, be sure to bring an umbrella and make sure to plan ahead.

Luckily, there are a plethora of indoor activities to keep you occupied when the weather is less than cooperative! Looking for more inspiration? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Dublin when it rains!

Much of historic Dublin is distributed over both sides of the River Liffey, meaning that you’ll probably end up crossing over at least a handful of times during your stay in the city. On at least one of the crossings, be sure to take the Ha’Penny bridge.

This early 19th-century pedestrian bridge is officially known as the ‘Liffey Bridge’ and was constructed so as to serve as a safe passage from one side of Dublin to the other. Prior to this, seven ferries operated on a daily basis to transfer passengers across the River Liffey.

If you’re in search of secret spots, then you’re in luck because Dublin has plenty! Between a rather unusual statue of Oscar Wilde and a church where there are mummies in the basement, the Irish Capital has no shortage of unique and quirky destinations. For more hidden places, check out my guide to the best-kept secrets of Dublin .

When it comes to your time in Dublin, one thing is clear: you’ll be walking around a lot! As such, be sure to bring comfortable and flat walking shoes. In some of the more historic parts of the city, you’ll soon discover that there are cobblestones and little lanes, so be sure to leave your high heels at home.

Instead, wear some fashionable trainers, flat sandals, or cute boots so you can stay comfortable during your stay. I personally love these sandals and wear them on all of my adventures (I even have them in several colours) !

During the daytime, I usually wear keds like these ones as they look good with dresses and can easily be packed into a small space in a suitcase. These boots are particularly cute for spring and autumn.

The plug used in Dublin is the same as that used in the UK and so if you’re from much of the rest of the world, you’ll need to bring along an adapter so that you can charge all of your electronics on the go. Purchase a universal travel adapter like this one so that you can use it in multiple destinations!

Thanks to a closeby international airport, it couldn’t be easier to reach Dublin from a plethora of international destinations. Some of the cheapest flights into Europe go from New York to Dublin and the airport also serves a number of European destinations, including Paris, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Porto.

And while we’re on the subject of public transportation, it’s worth noting that there’s one card which is relatively unknown to visitors to the city. The Leap Visitor Card is a great investment if you’re planning on hopping on and off public transportation, not least because most buses require change and don’t accept notes.  Find more details about the visitor card here.

If you’re looking to buy groceries (or even just some vintage clothing) during your stay in the Irish capital, then you should know that Ireland was one of the first countries in the EU to impose a plastic bag levy on bags. Better for the environment and better for your bank balance, bring a reusable bag along with you when you head out to the shops!

What truly surprised me during our stay in Dublin is the sheer number of cafés and coffee shops dotted across the Irish capital. From bookstore hideaways to luxury establishments, there are a plethora of quaint places where you can read a good book, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a great coffee. Check here for my guide to the best coffee shops in Dublin .

Travelling internationally and don’t have an international data plan? Luckily for you, there’s plenty of places where you can enjoy complimentary WiFi, including at Dublin airport, and all Dublin city buses. Most bars, cafés, and eateries also provide free WiFi for their customers.

Last but not least, the most visited tourist attraction in the Republic of Ireland is oh-so-touristic but in a good way! A must-see during your stay in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse experience will give you the chance to learn all about the history of Ireland’s most famous tipple, that of Guinness.

You’ll even get a complimentary pint within the price of your ticket! In order to make the most of a trip inside ‘the largest pint glass in the world,’ visitors should set aside at least three or four hours to visit.  Purchase a Guinness Storehouse ticket here in advance.

Considering that Dublin is the capital of Ireland, it’s clear to see that visitors to the city will never be able to see everything in a single visit alone (or probably even two or three!) . Plan in advance, with each member of the group (unless you’re travelling alone) deciding on a few attractions that they believe is a must-see.

As such, be sure to prioritise the attractions you actually want to see, allowing enough time to relax and let the city reveal itself to you. Stuck for itinerary ideas? Check out this Dublin weekend itinerary .

One of the best ways to enjoy most European cities is on your own two feet, preferably via a walking tour. And while there are plenty of paid walking tours available in the Irish capital, I personally recommend taking this free and self-guided walking tour of Dublin to allow you to explore the city at your own pace.

Dublin is the capital of Ireland, a European country which is often fondly referred to as ‘The Emerald Isle’ on account of how beautiful and green is. The city also happens to be a great base from which to explore the rest of the verdant country.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out these top day trips from Dublin. And if you’re looking to go a little more off the beaten path, then be sure to check out our guide to the best hidden gems in Ireland.

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, then be sure to not rent a car (unless it’s to take day trips from the city- and even then only book the car for the day you take the day trip) . Public transport in Dublin is generally safe (be mindful of pickpockets) , convenient, efficient, and very affordable.

Lots of Dublin (and in particular the touristic parts) can easily be explored on foot, and to get to further away parts of the city you can get a bus. Renting a car will only incur costs, be expensive to park, and is generally not a good idea for getting around the city.

Dublin is easily one of my top picks for  solo travel in Europe , and not just because English is the main language spoken, making it easy to get around. Dublin is also easy to visit on foot since most of the city’s main attractions are grouped close together. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our solo travel guide to Dublin.

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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