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

Should you visit Basel or Galway?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Galway?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Basel. While Basel is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Basel attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Basel is more touristy than Galway and is known for its many museums and its nice old town. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also well known for The Galway Market.

How is Basel different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel 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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Basel and Galway both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Galway is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Basel or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Galway?

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

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Galway Better for Families?

Basel 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.

Basel is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Galway Better for Couples?

Basel and Galway are both nice to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Galway is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Basel or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Galway Better for Students?

Basel 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 Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

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

Basel 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 Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Basel or Galway a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Basel?

How long in Basel or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Galway. In our opinion, Basel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Basel than Galway. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Galway, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Galway?

Basel 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Galway is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galway. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Basel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Galway. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Galway, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Galway?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Galway. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping 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.

Basel is a little warmer than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Galway. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Galway. Many visitors come to Basel 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.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Basel is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Basel usually receives less rain than Galway. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city.

In April, Basel is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Galway. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Basel