48 Hours in Dublin with @serenalalani: A Whirlwind Food, Drink, and Sights Guide
Only have 48 hours in Dublin? Serena shows how to pack it in—pastries, pubs, bookshops, and iconic landmarks—without feeling rushed. This is your Dublin crash course.
Got two days in Dublin? Make the most of it with strong coffee, cozy bookshops, classic pubs, and a handful of must-see spots. This guide pulls together her best bites, sips, and stops, plus practical tips to help you experience Dublin’s warm, buzzy vibe—in just 48 hours.
Where to stay: Central and easy
Serena’s EF Ultimate Break group stayed at centrally-located Motel One for its location and comfort—perfect for walking everywhere without wasting time on transit. When you’ve only got two days, staying in the heart of the city is an absolute must.
Motel One Dublin
111-114 Middle Abbey St, North City, Dublin, D01 H220, Ireland
Coffee + pastries: Fuel first
Dublin’s coffee scene doesn’t mess around. Serena’s fave was Elliot’s, where inventive pastries were as memorable as the coffee. Joy of Cha delivered a bagel that hit the spot, while trendy Bambino ended up just “mid.” Pro tip: try new spots, but keep expectations flexible.
Elliott’s
43 Arran St E, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 W226, Ireland
Bookshops + quiet corners: Literary Dublin
From the cozy, book-filled Winding Stair to the aesthetic dream that is Books Upstairs, Dublin’s indie bookshops live up to the hype. Don’t skip The Library Project for a more community-driven vibe—and maybe even a rare find.
The Winding Stair Restaurant and Bookshop
40 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y5, Ireland
Books Upstairs
17 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
The Library Project
4, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 YK53, Ireland
Pubs, pints + Irish coffee: A classic combo
No Dublin trip is complete without a pint (or three). Serena’s highlights:
For Irish coffee
Neary’s Bar & Lounge
1 Chatham St, Dublin, D02 EW93, Ireland
For a rooftop pint
Guinness Storehouse
St. James's Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
For lively locals and pub history
Brazen Head
20 Bridge St. Lower, Usher's Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64, Ireland
To balance out the stout, Dublin’s wine bars impressed with approachable service and thoughtful lists. Perfect for mixing things up between pub nights.
Landmarks + green escapes
Dublin has no shortage of must-see landmarks and parks, each perfect for a photo opp, a relaxing afternoon, or a trip back in time.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Gothic beauty, peaceful gardens. (St Patrick's Close, Dublin, D08 H6X3, Ireland)
Phoenix Park: Deer, monuments, and a city-sized dose of calm.
Trinity College: A must for history, architecture, and Dublin’s academic heart. College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Quick tips
- Start your morning with a great coffee
- Book restaurants in advance
- Wear comfy shoes—Dublin is best walked
- Mix pubs with wine bars
- Carve out time for Phoenix Park
Final thoughts
Dublin in 48 hours? Totally doable. Between flaky pastries, historic pubs, indie bookshops, and iconic landmarks, Serena proved you can soak up the city’s soul without feeling rushed. It’s just a taste, but one that’ll have you planning your next trip back.
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