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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Copenhagen different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Copenhagen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Copenhagen or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Galway?

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

Copenhagen is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Galway Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Galway Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and Galway are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Galway Better for Students?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Copenhagen or Galway a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Galway, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Galway?

Copenhagen 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Galway, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Galway?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Galway. The summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen 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 July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Copenhagen is cooler than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Galway. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Galway. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Galway. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Copenhagen