20 things you must do in Dublin

Dublin is famous for a few things, and partying is definitely one of them. It comes as no surprise that we're starting our list with Temple Bar. If you're looking for nightlife, this district has no shortage of music, drinks, and tourists. You won't find any locals here, but you will have a good time. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...but for beer! Pay a visit to the storehouse for a history lesson on Guinness, then finish with a pint at the seventh-floor bar, which offers panoramic views of the city's skyline. The tour may give you a lesson on how to make Guinness, but there's nothing like sipping that beverage with a view. 

Libraries: they may be the most boring place on earth. They won't let you talk, drink, or do anything fun. But that's not the case with Trinity Library, a monument that houses thousands of books and millions of secrets. This place is downright magical, with mountains of shelves and pillars of light pouring through its halls. You'll want to get a pic for Instagram, which is something I never thought I'd say about a library. 

This park is located in the middle of town, so it's no surprise to see the place packed with runners and sunbathers year-round. A relaxing, meditative alternative to the party scene, the park also connects to several attractions, including The Little Museum of Dublin.  

Tucked inside a house outside of St. Stephen's Green, this museum offers a little bit of everything for history buffs. From the history of Dublin to the history of Ireland, you will leave knowing more about this country than most history teachers.

This church has been the prize of Dublin for more than eight centuries. It has hundreds of locals who worship here every week and thousands of tourists who flock here every day to marvel at the ornate architecture. You can also view the church from nearby gardens, but if you get the chance, you should really step inside. 

A peaceful spot away from the city, Pheonix Park is a destination visit for many reasons. It's the largest park in Europe, spanning over 30 miles in each direction. And it houses the president of Ireland, who lives in a castle near the forest. 

Spoiler alert: this place will leave you tipsy. The drinks are served in small glasses, so you should be able to try several flavors before hitting the deck. But after a 40-minute tour, you may be eager to try a few more shots than normal, so be careful when ordering drinks. No one wants to carry you out of a famous distillery. 

This Victorian market looks like something out of a fairytale...or a Wes Anderson movie. A giant clock towers above the shops, where you can order cupcakes, coffees, or snacks. On the third floor, you can marvel at the glass rooftop while grocery shopping. It's the perfect place to grab a bite before heading to St. Stephen's Green. 

This is where you will find the city's independent shops, selling everything from handbags to gold watches. Start at Powerscourt Center for a look at jewelry, fashion and hardware, before heading across the street to check out some antiques. 

Just a few minutes from the center, this secluded courtyard is overlooked by a row of Victorian homes. Come here for a view that could have inspired the likes of Yeats and Joyce, who grew up wandering the city's gardens. 

The Abbey Theater is one of Ireland's most renowned playhouses for a reason. Not only does it have tours, it also has shows from some of the country's most acclaimed playwrights. From Martin McDonagh to Marina Carr, you never know who will show up.  

How many cities can boast they have a castle in the center? Well, Dublin is one of those places. With a castle you can access from the street, you won't need to throw on hiking boots or running shoes to reach this relic. You can just stop by for a tour, now complete with a cafe and library. 

The tallest monument in town, this 120-meter spire is nothing to sniff at. Surrounded by shops and statues, it's one of those attractions you can't miss when visiting Dublin, mainly because it rises above the skyline. So take a gander and snap a pic. It will make for a great Twitter post. 

With ancient tombs, mummies, and weapons on display, it's no surprise that loads of tourists come here every day. That's why we recommend you go in the morning to avoid the crowds. While the rest of Dublin shakes off a hangover, you will have centuries of history to yourself. 

Love books? You won't want to miss this place. The museum offers a range of shows on the edge of St. Stephen's Green, where you'll get to dive into the history of Irish literature, from James Joyce to Flann O'Brien. This place is heaven for readers and informative for all--especially those who only know "James Joyce" as the name of an Irish bar.

Who wants to spend a couple of hours in prison? Not me. But this prison has been restored into a museum where you can hear the stories of Irish rebels who fought for their lives while wandering the cells they eventually called home. It's the only time we can actually recommend you go to jail. 

Although somewhat overshadowed by O'Connell Street, Grafton Street is a prime destination in its own right. Come here for a stroll past shops, vendors and restaurants, open bars and street performers who one day might make it big.

Want to get into the Irish spirit? Check out this interactive show--really, a giant party--that will have your feet moving like an Irish dancer's in no time. In this laidback tavern, you can dance the jig with a group of strangers or listen to music from the bar, where beer is served by the pint and fun is served by the pitcher. 

The scenery is dreamy. It's a peaceful oasis in the morning that turns into a lively, welcoming party in the evening. The Liffey River is one of the city's most iconic spots, lined with colorful homes and packed bars. It's best viewed from Ha'penny Bridge, a walkway that lets visitors pass from one side to the next.