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

Should you visit Belfast or Galway?

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

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

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Galway?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Belfast is more touristy than Galway and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also home to The Galway Market.

How is Belfast different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galway is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Galway is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Galway?

Both Belfast and Galway are good shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

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 Belfast or Galway Better for Families?

Belfast and Galway are both good destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Galway Better for Couples?

Galway is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Galway Better for Students?

Belfast and Galway are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

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

Galway is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Galway?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Belfast 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 Galway.

One day in Belfast or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Belfast or Galway?

Belfast 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.

In Galway, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galway has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Galway?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Galway?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Galway in the Summer?

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

Belfast is around the same temperature as Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Galway. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Belfast gets 92 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. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Galway. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Belfast is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Belfast gets 50 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Galway. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Galway in the Spring?

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

Belfast is cooler than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Galway. Belfast gets 50 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 Belfast