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

Should you visit Athens or Galway?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Galway. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Galway?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Galway. Athens is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Athens or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Athens 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 Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Galway?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Galway both offer plenty of notable spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Galway is a great destination for shopping. 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 Athens or Galway Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Galway is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Athens or Galway Better for Couples?

Athens and Galway both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. 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 Athens or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens 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.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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

Is Athens or Galway Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

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

Athens is notable 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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

Is Athens or Galway a more walkable city?

Athens and Galway are very good when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Athens?

How long in Athens or Galway?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Galway?

Athens 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Galway?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Galway 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.

Five days in Athens or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Galway?

Athens 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Galway. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Galway, we can see that Galway is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Galway?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Galway?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Galway. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Galway. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Galway. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Galway. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is much warmer than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Galway. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Galway. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Athens