A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Galway for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Amsterdam or Galway?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Galway, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Galway and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Amsterdam different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Galway and Amsterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Galway?

Amsterdam is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galway is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is a world class music destination. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Galway?

Amsterdam is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Families?

Galway is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Galway. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Amsterdam is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Many backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Galway is popular with students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or Galway Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Amsterdam or Galway a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Galway. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

Families should spend more time in Galway than Amsterdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Galway, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Galway. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amsterdam that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Galway if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Galway?

Amsterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Galway. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Galway?

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Galway. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Galway. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Galway?

Amsterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Galway, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Galway much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Galway would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galway and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Galway.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Galway?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Galway, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Galway?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Galway in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Galway. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Galway. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In January, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Galway. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Galway. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Galway. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Amsterdam