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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

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

Brussels and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Galway is known for its nightlife. Brussels is more touristy than Galway and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels 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, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Galway is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Galway?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Galway Better for Families?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Galway are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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

Is Brussels or Galway Better for Students?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place 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.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Galway a more walkable city?

Brussels and Galway both are very good when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Galway. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or Galway?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Galway offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Galway?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Galway is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galway, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Brussels. 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.

Galway is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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 Brussels and Galway, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Galway?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Galway. Most visitors come to Brussels 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.

Brussels is a little warmer than Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Galway. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Galway. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the autumn, Brussels is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Galway. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Brussels 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 Brussels or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Galway. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Galway. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Brussels