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

Should you visit Cardiff or Galway?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Galway? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Galway?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is very popular for its food and nightlife, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Galway and is known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. 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 Cardiff different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Cardiff and Galway.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Galway. 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 Cardiff or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galway is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Galway know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Galway?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Galway and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cardiff or Galway Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Galway.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Galway offers lots of family activities. 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 Cardiff or Galway Better for Couples?

Galway is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Galway Better for Students?

Cardiff and Galway are nice places to visit for students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

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

Galway is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Galway, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Galway?

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

Families should spend more time in Galway than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Galway?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Galway?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus 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 Cardiff and Galway, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Galway?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Galway. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Galway. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Cardiff gets 57 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, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Galway. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

In April, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Galway. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Cardiff