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

Should you visit Galway or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a coastal, historic, and charming coastal town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Galway and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Dubrovnik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik than Galway, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubrovnik is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. Also, Dubrovnik is famous for The Old Town Walls. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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 Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Galway has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

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

In Dubrovnik, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Galway is not a resort destination.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a moderate coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubrovnik. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Dubrovnik offers plenty to see. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Dubrovnik?

Both Galway and Dubrovnik are notable shopping destinations.

Galway is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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

Is Galway or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Both Galway and Dubrovnik offer notable public transit options.

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

Dubrovnik has some public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Galway or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Dubrovnik on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Galway?

How long in Galway or Dubrovnik?

In either Galway or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Galway because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Dubrovnik?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Galway or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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 Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Galway and Dubrovnik, we can see that Galway is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Dubrovnik?

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

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Dubrovnik. Many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galway is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

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

Galway is much colder than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Galway is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik 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 January than Dubrovnik. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Dubrovnik. The spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In April, Galway is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Galway