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

Should you visit Galway or Barcelona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Galway and Barcelona 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.

Galway

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

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more touristy than Galway and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Galway or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona 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, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Galway or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Galway or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Galway or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

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

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Barcelona?

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

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Galway or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Galway and Barcelona are good to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Galway or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Barcelona are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Galway or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Many backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Galway or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

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

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

Barcelona is notable 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Barcelona. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Galway or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Galway?

How long in Galway or Barcelona?

Both Galway and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Galway. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in Galway or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively 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.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Galway or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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.

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

A week in Galway or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Barcelona?

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

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 Galway or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Galway is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Galway during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Galway is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galway in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Barcelona. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Galway is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 6°C (42°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galway as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Galway is cooler than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Galway