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

Should you visit Galway or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Galway and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Lillehammer?

Both Lillehammer and Galway have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Galway is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Lillehammer is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. Lillehammer is more touristy than Galway and is known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lillehammer and Galway. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Galway or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Galway is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Galway is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Galway or Lillehammer?

Both Galway and Lillehammer have good 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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Lillehammer 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, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Galway is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Galway is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Galway or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Lillehammer?

Both Galway and Lillehammer are good 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 Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Galway or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

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

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

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 Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Galway or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Galway and Lillehammer are both good 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 Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Both Galway and Lillehammer offer good public transit options.

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

Lillehammer has some public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Galway or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Galway is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Galway?

How long in Galway or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Galway or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Lillehammer 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 Galway.

One day in Galway or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Galway. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Galway or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Galway. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

The friendly city of Galway offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the natural destination of Lillehammer. This city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Lillehammer?

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