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

Should you visit Cologne or Galway?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Galway?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Galway. Cologne is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is more touristy than Galway and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Cologne or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cologne and Galway.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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.

Is Cologne or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cologne to see the historical old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Galway?

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

Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne or Galway Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Galway does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Galway does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Galway Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Galway does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Galway does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Galway Better for Families?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Galway Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Galway make for a notable place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Galway Better for Students?

Cologne 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 Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Cologne or Galway a more walkable city?

Cologne and Galway both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Galway?

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Cologne or Galway?

Cologne 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 Cologne or Galway?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun big city of Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Galway?

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

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

In the summer, Cologne is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Cologne usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Galway. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Galway in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets more sunshine than Galway. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, 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 Cologne can be very cold. Cologne is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Cologne gets 43 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, Cologne usually receives less rain than Galway. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Galway in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Galway. Cologne gets 55 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 Cologne