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

Should you visit Galway or Florence?

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 Florence 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 friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Galway or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Florence?

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

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Both Galway and Florence 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.

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Galway or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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

Is Galway or Florence Better for Students?

Florence 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.

Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

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

Both Galway and Florence offer nice public transit options.

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

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Galway or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Galway?

How long in Galway or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Florence?

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 Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

Florence 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 Florence?

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 Florence. 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 Florence?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galway is much colder than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Florence. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In October, Galway is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Florence. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Galway during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Galway is cooler than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Florence. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Florence. Many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Galway is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galway in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Florence. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Galway