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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Galway?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a accessible, modern, and connected city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt and Galway: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Galway?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Galway. Frankfurt is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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 Frankfurt or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt 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, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Galway

Both Frankfurt and Galway have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Galway

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

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Galway does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Galway?

Frankfurt
Galway

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

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt or Galway Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Galway Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Galway

Both Frankfurt and Galway are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

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 Frankfurt or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt and Galway are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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

Is Frankfurt or Galway Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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

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

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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


Is Frankfurt or Galway a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Galway

Frankfurt and Galway are superb when it comes to walkability.

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Galway?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Frankfurt or Galway? Ideal Length of Stay
    Frankfurt 1-3 
    Galway 2-3

One day in Frankfurt or Galway?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Galway. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Galway?

Frankfurt 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Galway. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Frankfurt or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Galway. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the connected big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Galway or Frankfurt?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Frankfurt is €122, while the average daily cost in Galway is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Frankfurt and Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Galway 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Galway 140
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Galway

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt or Galway? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Frankfurt


Hotels in Galway


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Galway 33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to Mainz: $18
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to city central: $20
  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Private One Way Frankfurt Airport Transfer To and From Frankfurt: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by business car: $54
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Private 1-Way Transfer From Frankfurt Airport: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Galway?

Prices for flights to both Galway and Frankfurt change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Frankfurt 41
    Galway 33
Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Typical Food Prices in Galway

Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    8.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Frankfurt 36
    Galway 12

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.81
  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.49
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

Tours and Activities in Galway

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:

  • Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
  • 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
  • Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
  • Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • City of the Tribes Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Galway 15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


When comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Galway, we can see that Galway 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 Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Galway?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Frankfurt is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets more sunshine than Galway. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Galway 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Frankfurt is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Galway. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Galway 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Frankfurt is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Galway. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Galway 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Galway. The spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the spring, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Galway 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Galway and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Galway
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)