Dublin city guide hotspots
March 17 2024
September 10 2024

Dublin City Guide: 23 Must-See Hotspots and Fun Things to Do

Dublin, you're so cute! The mix of narrow streets, Georgian houses, industrial buildings, and a pub on every corner creates a truly charming streetscape. I recently returned to Dublin for the first time in a long time and was incredibly surprised by the city's fantastic food scene. You can fly from Amsterdam to the Irish capital in just over 90 minutes, and if you time it right, you could be sitting in a cozy pub by lunchtime, just like me.

discover Dublin's hotspots

The great thing about Dublin is that you can easily explore everything on foot. The city center is compact, so you can see a lot of the city at once! The area around Exchequer Street is my favorite. Don't miss the side streets there, like Drury Street, for the best hotspots. Which sights, food spots, and shopping tips shouldn't you miss during your city break? In this new Dublin City Guide, I share my personal tips!

 |PS: Reservations at restaurants and attractions are essential, especially during this time. You can easily make online reservations for most of the tips in this guide.

Dublin city guide hotspots

George's Street Arcade near Exchequer Street

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.

favorite hotel in Dublin

The Dean Hotel

The Dean is more than just a hotel. Of course, you can also sleep here, but as they say themselves: "We don't do conventional. We do fun." And I can tell you, it's a hotel close to my heart with a wonderful atmosphere. The rooms are modern, and you'll find beautifully curated items in them, like a record player and a minibar full of original items. If you enjoy working out, the hotel's Power Gym is a must-visit. Of course, you can also just go there for the spa and the (small) pool. So be sure to bring your swimwear if you're staying here. Breakfast is served at Sophie's Rooftop bar, and it's so delicious that you definitely need to make time for it, even if only to wake up peacefully with a fantastic view of the city! On weekends, the cocktail bar is open late, so when you return after dinner, be sure to... The Dean definitely take another look.
33 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

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Dublin city guide hotspots

The Dean Hotel

food & drinks in Dublin

Peruke & Periwig

If there's one thing I've truly enjoyed in Dublin, it's the cocktail bars. Peruke & Periwig is a fantastic Victorian-style cocktail bar. Think velvet sofas, plush cushions, classic paintings, and ornate wallpaper. Drinking cocktails here is like stepping into a different world. Their cocktail menu is inspired by music. So, tell them: are you in the mood for soul, alternative, or blues? Add some small bites, and you've got the perfect spot for a late-night drink.
31 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 – peruke.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

Peruke & Periwig

Loose Canon Cheese and Wine

Looking for a great wine bar? You've found it! Loose Canon Cheese and Wine excels at two things: natural wine and the tastiest toasted sandwiches in town. Not just any toasted sandwich, but toasted sandwiches made with Dublin's finest local cheeses. Prefer a regular cheese board or a charcuterie platter with your drink? We've got you covered! Get advice from the team and discover the stories of the local artisans!
29 Drury St, Dublin – loosecanon.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

Loose Canon Cheese and Wine

More hotspots in Dublin

Fade Street Social Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

This restaurant, run by chef Dylan McGrath, is a prime example of a Michelin-starred chef taking a different approach. It's located in one of the city's most charming neighborhoods, and this winter they have a cozy Rooftop Winter Garden where they cook over an open fire. The menu features pure and robust dishes made with the finest local ingredients. We shared the Chateaubriand, one of their signature dishes and definitely recommended for sharing.
6 Fade Street, Dublin 2 – fadestreetsocial.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Fade Street Social Restaurant

Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace

This fantastic panoramic restaurant is located on the top floor of The Dean Hotel, where I stayed during this city break. It's a beautiful, modern rooftop restaurant with ample glass, offering 360-degree views of Dublin. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a wide selection of cocktails. The menu is delightfully diverse, featuring both Irish and international dishes.
33 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 – sophies.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

Sophie's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace

More hotspots in Dublin

Cafe en Seine

Dawson Street is home to several trendy restaurants, including Cafe en Seine. It's a large establishment, but its diverse layout creates a cozy atmosphere. Cafe en Seine boasts a stylish restaurant, an iconic cocktail bar, and a Parisian-inspired indoor street garden. We had lunch in the street garden before heading to the Jameson Distillery, and if you want to fuel up for all the cocktails there, I highly recommend the burger!
40 Dawson Street, Dublin – cafeenseine.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

Cafe en Seine

Fallon & Byrne Wine Cellar OR restaurant

There's really nothing about Fallon & Byrne I don't like! From the food hall to the wine cellar and the restaurant. Go down the stairs and you'll find the candlelit wine cellar, perfect for drinks or sharing some delicious dishes. They serve wines from small wineries around the world. For a more elaborate meal, the restaurant above the shop is the place to be. The menu features classic dishes made with local, seasonal Irish ingredients.
11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 – fallonandbyrne.com/restaurants/exchequer-street-wine-cellar

Dublin city guide hotspots

Fallon & Byrne Restaurant

Bear Market Coffee

They know what good coffee is here! And the best part is that they have multiple locations throughout the city, so you can find this coffee bar in almost every neighborhood. Another great thing: the coffee at this third-wave coffee bar is made with sustainable beans. You can sit inside or outside, and they have a variety of (vegan) pastries for those sweet tooths.
3 South Great George´s Street & Pembroke Street Lower & 19 Main St. Blackrock, County Dublin & Unit 2, George's Dock, Mayor Street Lower, North Dock, Dublin – bearmarket.ie  

More hotspots in Dublin

Vintage Cocktail Club

Dublin boasts several speakeasy cocktail bars, but one of the best, in my opinion, is the Vintage Cocktail Club. Tucked away behind a nearly hidden door in Temple Bar, you'll find a cocktail bar that takes you back to the 1920s. A fantastic interior where time seems to have stood still, complete with a crackling fire! It's quite difficult to choose from the cocktail list, but it's here that I had the best Whiskey Sour in the city. They also have bar bites that are perfect for sharing before a more elaborate meal.
15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 – vintagecocktailclub.com/

Dublin city guide hotspots

Vintage Cocktail Club

The Pigs Ear

Looking for a modern Irish gastropub? Then The Pigs Ear is a place to remember. Here you'll find authentic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist, in a casual and bright interior with classic details. A fun fact: this restaurant is the proud holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand: the ultimate proof of excellent food at an affordable price.
4 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 – thepigsear.com

Gallagher's Boxty House

Boxty is an Irish pancake with all sorts of toppings that used to be a typical "poor man's food" during the recession. At hotspot Boxty House, they've put this potato dish on a pedestal and given it all sorts of variations and modern twists. Order an Irish-brewed beer with it, and you've got a truly Irish evening.
20-21, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 – boxtyhouse.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

Gallagher's Boxty House

The Market Bar Restaurant

You'll find several interesting restaurants around Fade Street, and The Market Bar is definitely one of them. Here you can enjoy an evening of tapas, perfect for sharing. On weekends, they offer brunch, where you can choose from classic brunch dishes like eggs Benedict and delicious brunch cocktails. Later in the evening, head upstairs to The Black Market cocktail bar!
14A Fade Street, Dublin 2 – marketbar.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

The Market Bar

Etto

Etto means small, and that's exactly the name this cozy restaurant lives up to. Unfortunately, they weren't open the days I was in Dublin, but otherwise we would definitely have eaten there. The lunch and dinner menu is mouthwatering and changes slightly every day. And did I mention they're listed in the Michelin Guide? Booking ahead is essential.
18 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, Ireland – etto.ie

Dublin city guide hotspots

Jameson Distillery

Things to See & Do in Dublin

Jameson Distillery

A visit to Dublin isn't complete without a whiskey distillery. We went to the Jameson Distillery, and I highly recommend it if you love good cocktails. Then be sure to book the Whiskey Cocktail Making Class, just like we did. Since then, I've been completely obsessed with whiskey sours, and you'll learn how to make them perfectly there! You can also take a tour with a tasting or even sample a glass of whiskey straight from the barrel.
Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7 – jamesonwhiskey.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Cocktail workshop at Jameson Distillery

Fab Food trail

Personally, I always love taking a food tour in a different city. In Dublin, Fab Food Trail is the place to be. During this food tour, you'll take a two-and-a-half to three-hour stroll past food scene hotspots known for using locally sourced ingredients. Spread across six different eateries, you'll sample authentic Irish flavors and learn more about the food culture.
fabfoodtrails.ie/dublin-tasting-trail

Dublin city guide hotspots

food tour with Fab Food Trail

Guinness Storehouse

When you think of Ireland, you think of Guinness. Right? Although touristy, it's something you simply must see and taste. Simply because Guinness and Ireland are inextricably linked. Spread across seven floors, the story of Guinness's history is told. The highlight is the stunning panoramic view of the city from the Gravity Bar. During your visit, you can have your photo taken and printed on a freshly tapped Guinness that you can enjoy at the bar. There, you can also sample other Guinness specials, such as a surprisingly delicious Prosecco and Guinness cocktail.
St. James's Gate, Dublin 8 – guinness-storehouse.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse

Georgian urban design

What will immediately strike you when you arrive in Dublin are the beautiful front doors in every color of the rainbow. The area around Fitzwilliam Square boasts some of the finest examples! This architectural style is also reflected in the beautiful Merrion Square Park, where you'll find, among other things, the famous statue of Oscar Wilde.

Dublin city guide hotspots

Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square Park

Dublin Castle

For over 700 years, this was the headquarters of the English administration in Ireland. Today, the Irish government uses this castle, which is unfortunately covered in scaffolding, for state visits and other official occasions. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit so you can tick it off your list of highlights.
Dame Street, Dublin 2

Dublin city guide hotspots

Dublin Castle

Trinity College

Remember the impressive library in the Harry Potter films? Part of it was filmed in the historic library of Trinity College. After visiting the exhibition about The Book of Kells, perhaps Ireland's greatest cultural treasure, you'll end your visit in the world-famous Long Room. Easily one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, in my opinion.
College Green, Dublin 2 – tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells

Dublin city guide hotspots

Long Room at The Book of Kells

St. Stephen's Green

Thanks to our hotel's location, we walked past St. Stephen's Green several times a day. It's a truly historic park in the heart of Dublin. There's a playground for children and several benches where you can completely relax. Tip: check the website for upcoming events before your city break. Upscale hotels like The Shelbourne are located around the park. If you're looking for a chic drink near the park, hotel bar 27 at The Shelbourne is a classic spot for a good glass of wine and oysters.
No. 27, The Shelbourne Bar, 27 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 –  theshelbourne.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Irish seafood platter at 27 at The Shelbourne

Dublin city guide hotspots

St. Stephen's Green

Shopping in Dublin

Exchequer Street and surrounding area

Fancy some shopping? Then walk along Grafton Street towards Exchequer Street, making sure to explore the side streets. Here you'll find the trendiest shops, from concept stores to fashion boutiques. Lovers of vintage design will be in their element here, as you'll find many charming vintage shops specializing in designer items. Exchequer Street, William Street, Drury Street and surrounding areas

Dublin city guide hotspots

Exchequer Street and surrounding area

Industry & Co

At Industry & Co, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, as well as some fantastic shopping. Everything in this concept store is beautiful and you'll want to take it home with you. You'll find sustainable brands that make the world a little better in all sorts of ways. From home accessories to kitchen tools and from beauty products to stationery. A wonderful place to find inspiration!
41 A/B Drury St, Dublin 2 – industryandco.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Industry & Co

Scout

Scout's collection ranges from women's clothing to home accessories and from children's fashion to natural beauty products. At this concept store, you'll find beautiful items that are timeless, functional, and sustainable. This is especially appealing because the collection features many items from Irish brands.
5 Essex Street West, Dublin – scoutdublin.com

Oliver Bonas

The colorful facade of the Oliver Bonas concept store is visible from afar, inviting you to pop in. Here you can shop for clothing, accessories for yourself and your home, and other must-haves that will instantly cheer you up. A little different, and also fun: despite being a chain, you won't find this store in the Netherlands!
22 Exchequer St, Dublin – oliverbonas.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Oliver Bonas

Costumes

This high-end women's fashion boutique is located in the heart of Dublin's creative hub. Here you'll find the hottest online brands and beautiful accessories.
10/11 Castle Market, Dublin 2 – costumedublin.ie

Fallon & Byrne Food Hall

This foodpreneur is dedicated to discovering and sharing only the very best flavors. They do this, among other places, in their flagship store, located in a beautiful old building that also houses the restaurants I've mentioned before. Here you'll find everything delicious, and as a foodie, you'll likely be disappointed that you can't take everything home. Staying in an apartment in Dublin or planning a summer picnic in the park? Then this is the place to go for delicious treats.
11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin – fallonandbyrne.com

Dublin city guide hotspots

Fallon & Byrne Food Hall

Dublin city guide hotspots

The Dean Hotel

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Dublin city guide hotspots

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