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

Should you visit Galway or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Galway and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galway. Although Galway and Biarritz are popular destinations, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also well known for The Galway Market.

How is Galway different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Galway is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz 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, Biarritz makes for a great culinary experience. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Galway and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Galway or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is notable for its resorts. However, Galway is not a resort destination.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Galway is not a resort destination.

Is Galway or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is notable for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Biarritz attract visitors from all over. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Biarritz are excellent destinations for backpackers.

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

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Galway or Biarritz Better for Students?

Galway is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Both Galway and Biarritz offer nice public transit options.

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

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Galway or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Galway and Biarritz both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Galway?

How long in Galway or Biarritz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Biarritz?

The city of Galway offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Galway or Biarritz?

Galway is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galway, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz 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 Biarritz?

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Biarritz?

Galway is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Biarritz?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Galway or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Galway during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galway is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Galway is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Galway usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Galway as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Galway is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. Galway usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the spring, Galway is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galway in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Galway usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Galway