Where to Stay in Dublin for the First Time: A Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Dublin

Dublin hands first-time visitors three instant perks: compact streets, chatty locals, and live music that leaks from every pub door.

I’ve bounced through the city a few times, sleeping everywhere from Temple Bar hostels to a quiet attic in Phibsborough.

Picking the right base made the difference between restful nights and 3 a.m. sing-alongs. 

This guide will help you choose where to stay in Dublin for your first trip.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Dublin

Best for Hostel Newbies

Abigail's Hostel8.6

from €15.05 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Latroupe Jacobs Inn8.7

from €11.86 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Ashfield Guesthouse8.5

from €14.91 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Dublin

Temple Bar / Dame Street

The postcard core: cobbles, buskers, galleries, and bars that forget closing time.

• I love grabbing €4 pizza slices here after gigs—cheap fuel before the hostel crawl.
• Best for: Solo party travelers who don’t mind earplugs.

Smithfield / Stoneybatter

Street art, farmers’ markets, and local pubs at non-tourist prices.

• Try the flat-white in Proper Order—strong enough to power a day’s walk.
• Best for: Budget backpackers and coffee hunters.

Camden Street / Portobello

Food trucks by day, indie gigs by night, and canal sunsets for free.

• The Saturday flea market here is my go-to for cheap books and quirky pins.
• Best for: Travelers who like nightlife with manageable noise levels.

Docklands / Grand Canal

Glass offices meet waterfront paths—quiet after 6 p.m. but handy for runs and remote work.

• Grab a cinnamon bun at Bread 41, then stroll the river for head-clearing views.
• Best for: Digital nomads needing stable Wi-Fi and calm evenings.

Phibsborough (Budget Pick)

Victorian redbrick streets, cool cafés, and dorms that save €10–€15 a night.

• Buses zip to the center in ten minutes, or walk twenty and pocket the fare.
• Best for: First-timers on tight budgets who don’t mind a short commute.

Top 10 Tips for Your First Time in Dublin

• Buy a Leap Visitor Card at the airport—unlimited buses, trams, and commuter trains.
• Join a free walking tour on day one for history and pub recommendations.
• Visit the National Gallery and Archaeology Museum—both cost €0 and hide from the rain.
• Eat the lunch carvery at local pubs; hearty roast plates beat restaurant prices.
• Carry a reusable bottle—tap water is excellent and fountains are common.
• Use cross-body bags in Temple Bar crowds; pickpockets love distracted tourists.
• Book big attractions online to skip queues (Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol).
• Night buses (Nitelink) run till 3 a.m.—cheaper than taxis after gigs.
• Ask bus drivers for directions; they’re walking guidebooks with steering wheels.
• Pack layers—sun and drizzle often share the same hour.

Hostels in Dublin Are the Best Option — Here’s Why

Hostels deliver instant friends, free city walks, and kitchens for budget pasta. Look for big common rooms, organized events, and bunk curtains for privacy.

These social hubs turn solo trips into group adventures without wrecking your wallet.

6 Hidden Gemz in Dublin (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Recommendations

Pick Temple Bar for nonstop action, Smithfield for savings, Camden Street for balanced fun, Docklands for focus, or Phibsborough for the cheapest bunks.

Dublin’s size lets you sample them all in one trip, but choosing the right base first saves cash and energy.

Pack earplugs, rain layers, and an open attitude—your first Dublin stay will likely end with new friends and a few extra Irish phrases in your pocket.

Backpacking Dublin? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.