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

Should you visit Galway or Girona?

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 Girona 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 historical, vibrant, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Galway and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Girona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Girona. While Girona is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Girona attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is more touristy than Galway and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. 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 Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona 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, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Galway or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Girona offers plenty to see. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Girona?

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

Girona is an extremely popular place for shoppers. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Galway is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Galway or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Galway or Girona Better for Students?

Galway and Girona are both nice 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 Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Both Galway and Girona offer nice public transit options.

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

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Galway or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Galway?

How long in Galway or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Galway or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Galway than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

One day in Galway or Girona?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Galway or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

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 Girona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 medieval destination of Girona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galway is much colder than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Girona. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Galway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Girona. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Girona. Many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Galway is cooler than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Girona. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galway as well as Girona. Most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Galway is cooler than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galway in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Girona. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Galway