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

Should you visit Bristol or Galway?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Galway can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

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

Galway

Galway is a cultural, historical, and vibrant 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.

Bristol and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Galway?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Galway. Bristol is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Bristol different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bristol 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 Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Galway can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

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.

Is Bristol or Galway Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Bristol and Galway.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Galway?

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

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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 Bristol or Galway Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Galway are notable to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bristol or Galway Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Galway are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Galway Better for Students?

For students, both Bristol and Galway are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Bristol and Galway both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Galway a more walkable city?

Bristol and Galway are great when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Galway?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Bristol 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 Bristol or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Galway?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. 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 Bristol or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Bristol. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Bristol and Galway, we can see that Galway is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway than you might in Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Galway?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Bristol during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the summer, Bristol is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Galway. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bristol usually receives less rain than Galway. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite rainy in Galway. Bristol usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Bristol is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Galway. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Bristol