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

Should you visit Galway or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its nightlife. Bordeaux is more touristy than Galway and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Galway and Bordeaux have nice 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.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Galway or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bordeaux to see the historical old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Galway and Bordeaux are nice 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.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Galway or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Galway or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is notable for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Galway or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Galway and Bordeaux both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Galway?

How long in Galway or Bordeaux?

In either Galway or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Galway because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

One day in Galway or Bordeaux?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Galway or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant destination of Bordeaux. 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 from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Galway and Bordeaux, 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 Galway Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galway or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galway is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Galway is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 11°C (52°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Bordeaux. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Galway is cooler than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the spring, Galway is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galway in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Galway