Amy O’Connor

We get it. You arrived in Dublin and went straight for the classic boozers and the pints of Guinness. Well, when in Rome, after all. But after all those pints, there’s a good chance you’re craving something a little sweeter. Luckily, Dublin’s bar scene is as abundant as its pub scene, and you’ll find everything from cosy cocktail dens to craft beer and natural wine, and a few quirky spots along the way to keep things exciting (yes, even one filled with arcade games). Head to our best pubs list for the city’s classic boozers, but head here for the swanky stuff. Dublin’s got it. Here are our favourite bars, right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍻 The best pubs in Dublin🍲 The best restaurants in Dublin🪩 The best nightlife spots in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin This guide was written by Nicola Grady, 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.

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.

When you’re drinking this much Guinness, you’ve got to eat. That’s an order. And luckily, Dublin is as known for its dining scene as it is for its best pubs, with a little something for every kind of craving.  From bargain eats to upscale tasting menus, we’ve got the whole range on our list. You’ll find small plates and orange wines, pizza slices bigger than your head, izakaya-style dining spots and glorious burgers (and that’s only naming a few). Here are the best restaurants in Dublin.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin🏡 The best Airbnbs in Dublin 🏛️ The best museums in Dublin This guide was updated by Amy O'Connor, 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.

On every single thing you want from a weekend away, Dublin delivers. Great food at top-notch restaurants. Tons of free things to do. Cosy pubs that make you want to sink a pint of Guinness, or four.  But another thing Dublin does really, really well? That’s shopping. It might not be as famous for it, but here you’ll find everything from fish markets and vintage shopping to high-end department stores, so you’re sure to find something to remember your trip by. Here are our favourite spots for shopping in Dublin.  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 recently updated by Amy O’Connor, 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.

What’s the vibe? A bistro and wine bar specialising in modern European cooking that wouldn’t be out of place in Copenhagen, Amsterdam or Paris. Located on Fenian Street, Note is a sophisticated, design-led space that lends itself well to dates, catch-ups with pals or special occasions. The ever-changing seasonal menu means you can eat there again and again and always try something new – and the wine selection is among the best in the city.  What are the prices like? Starters range from €15-22 while mains come in at €26-33. Wine by the glass starts from €10. But at €32pp, the three-course lunch at Note is among the best value meals in the city. What should I order? Note’s menu changes regularly, meaning you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get, but that’s half the appeal. For an idea, sample menu items include a crab crumpet with sea urchin espuma and Bavette steak with piattoni and anchovy. There’s plenty of veggie dishes too. If you’re only stopping in, order a Connemara oyster (€4) with a glass of wine.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Note is handily located just a short stroll away from Trinity College, home to The Long Room and Book of Kells. Merrion Square, a Georgian garden square, is the perfect place to walk off your lunch while the Gingerman stands ready to welcome you in for a pint of plain.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Dublin