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

Should you visit Galway or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ljubljana is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway is known for its nightlife. Ljubljana is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also home to The Ljubljana Castle. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Galway and Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Galway and Ljubljana can be an enjoyable experience.

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Ljubljana has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Galway or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Galway or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Ljubljana?

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

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Ljubljana Better for Families?

Galway is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Galway offers lots of family activities. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Galway or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Ljubljana are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Galway or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Ljubljana are high quality destinations for backpackers.

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

Many backpackers visit Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Galway or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Galway and Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Both Galway and Ljubljana offer good public transit options.

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

Ljubljana has some public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Galway or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Galway and Ljubljana both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Ljubljana is a very walkable city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Galway?

How long in Galway or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galway and Ljubljana. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Ljubljana?

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 destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively 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.

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively 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 Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

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 historic destination of Ljubljana. This capital 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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Ljubljana?

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

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

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

Galway is cooler than Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Galway usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In the autumn, Galway is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galway in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. In January, Galway is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 6°C (42°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

Galway is cooler than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Galway usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Galway