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

Should you visit Dundee or Galway?

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

Should I visit Dundee 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Galway

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

Dundee and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Galway?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Dundee. While Dundee is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also home to The Galway Market.

How is Dundee different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Dundee and Galway have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dundee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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 Dundee or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Galway can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

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 Dundee or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Galway?

Galway is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Galway Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Galway.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Galway Better for Couples?

Galway is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Galway Better for Students?

Dundee and Galway are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dundee is a good city to visit for students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

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

Both Dundee and Galway offer good public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

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

Is Dundee or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Galway?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dundee. 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 Dundee or Galway?

Dundee 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 Dundee or Galway?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Dundee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Galway?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dundee 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.

Dundee is around the same temperature as Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

In July, Dundee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dundee or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Dundee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Galway. The winter months attract visitors to Dundee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The weather in Dundee can be very cold. In January, Dundee is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dundee usually receives less rain than Galway. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dundee or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Galway. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

Dundee is cooler than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Dundee