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

Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. 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.

Bruges and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Galway?

Both Galway and Bruges have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bruges is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Bruges is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Bruges different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges 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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bruges is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Galway for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Bruges or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Galway?

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

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

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 Bruges or Galway Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Galway are notable family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

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 Bruges or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Galway are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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

Is Bruges or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

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

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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

Is Bruges or Galway a more walkable city?

Bruges 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 Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and 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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Galway?

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

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 Bruges or Galway?

Bruges 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.

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 Bruges or Galway?

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

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 Bruges or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Galway?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bruges for 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, Bruges is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Bruges. In the summer, Bruges often gets more sunshine than Galway. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Galway. The autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of 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, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bruges usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Bruges gets 105 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, Bruges usually receives less rain than Galway. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Galway in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. Bruges is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Galway. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Galway in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bruges is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Galway. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Bruges