Shilpa Ganatra

Both a leisure capital and a European business hub, Dublin is bubbling with hotels for all manner of guests, united only by the warm hospitality that the Irish stereotype gets right. The catch? Dublin has the highest occupancy rate among comparable European cities, so even modest rooms come at eye-wateringly expensive prices, and the better ones are often fully booked weeks in advance. In this regard, it’s a city that rewards the well-organised. As most notable hotels are located within a small radius (and walking distance from the city’s top attractions, bars and restaurants), location isn’t the key factor when picking a place. Instead, it’s the fine touches, impressive offerings or prominence in the city’s lore; here are the hotels that should be your first ports of call. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Dublin Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.   

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what could possibly be better than a sandwich, we’ve got the answer: it’s a tiny little mini sandwich. In fact, tiny mini cupcakes are better than normal cupcakes, and the same goes for all cakes, especially when they’re paired with prosecco (and also tea).  And yes, if you hadn’t guessed it by now, we’re talking about afternoon tea. And if you’re in the mood for all things tiny, you’re in luck – Dublin is actually one of the best cities for cream tea you’ll ever find, with plenty of lovely hotels and vintage tearooms to explore. From high-end to more low-key spots, here are the best spots for afternoon tea in Dublin.  RECOMMENDED:🍝 The best restaurants in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin🎥 The best cinemas in Dublin📍 The best things to do in Dublin This guide was written by Shilpa Ganatra, a writer based in Dublin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: cinema ain’t dead, people! In fact, we’d go as afar as to say it’s better than ever. And during a cosy, wintery trip to Dublin, what could possibly be better than settling down in one of its iconic cinemas for the night? That’s right, absolutely nothing.  Dublin’s cinemas are truly something to behold, from a huge Cineworld complex in the centre of town to indie releases at the intimate Irish Film Institute. If you’re here with a group, there’s even a cinema you can hire privately for 26 of your pals (yes, they supply the popcorn). Whatever you fancy, don’t miss the best cinemas in Dublin.  RECOMMENDED:🥘 The best restaurants in Dublin📍 The best things to do in Dublin🏛️ The best free things to do in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin This guide was written by Shilpa Ganatra, a writer based in Dublin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

You’ll never run out of things to do in Dublin. Every street here tells a story, lined with bustling pubs, bars, live music and more. But when you fancy a break from all that enjoying yourself, how about enjoying yourself a little more? Dublin’s streets are full of opportunities for splashing the cash, and creativity tends to be king. Shopping here doubles up as a sightseeing adventure, where you can stroll through everything from indie boutiques to high-end names, while getting a glimpse of the city neighbourhoods and markets. Here are the best shopping spots in Dublin right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Dublin🍲 The best restaurants in Dublin🍻 The best nightlife spots in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin This guide was written by Shilpa Ganatra, a writer based in Dublin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The best attractions in Dublin celebrate everything that makes Ireland incredible. That doesn’t always mean fun things, this nation has experienced its fair share of tumult after all, but few people on the planet are as tough as the Irish. This is a place that faces things head-on, armed with a way with words that are the envy of every other nation. Dublin epitomises all that, with no shortage of fantastic restaurants and bars to back it up.Dublin is a dream place, from its storytellers to its parks and everywhere between. Check out the best of the best that the city has to offer, and immerse yourself in all things Ireland in the process.  

Green is the national colour of Ireland, and while we aren’t going to argue that the best parks in Dublin are the reason for that, we aren’t going to deny it either. The whole island of Ireland is awash with verdant woodland, gorgeous gardens and lush fields, and the capital is no different. Dublin is a great place to cultivate a world-beating hangover, but the capital's parks offer plenty of opportunities to walk it off. Each of Dublin’s parks seems to offer something different, from the quiet oasis of Iveagh Gardens to the vast suburban expanse of Marlay Park. Sure, the weather isn’t always chipper, but that isn’t a great surprise. Simply plan accordingly and the best parks in Dublin will do the rest of the work. One of the best things to do in Dublin? You better believe it.