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

Should you visit Galway or Bergen?

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 Bergen 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 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Bergen is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Galway and is known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Galway different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen 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 Bergen?

Both Galway and Bergen have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Is the Food Better in Galway or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Bergen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Galway or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Galway is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Galway or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bergen to see the historical old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Bergen?

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

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Galway or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Galway or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Galway or Bergen Better for Students?

Galway and Bergen are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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 Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Galway or Bergen a more walkable city?

Galway and Bergen both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Galway?

How long in Galway or Bergen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Bergen 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 Galway or Bergen?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Galway or Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 Galway or Bergen?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Galway and Bergen, we can see that Galway is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway than you might in Bergen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Galway Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galway or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galway is generally around the same temperature as Bergen. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Galway usually receives less rain than Bergen. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Galway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Galway is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Bergen. Most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In the winter, Galway is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Galway usually receives less rain than Bergen. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galway as well as Bergen. The spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In April, Galway is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Galway usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Galway