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

Should you visit Galway or Milan?

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 Milan 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 cultural, historical, and vibrant 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.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Galway. Milan is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Milan is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan 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 Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan 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 Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Galway or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Galway or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Milan?

Milan is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Both Galway and Milan are notable 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.

Milan is a family-friendly city. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Galway or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Milan are great 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is Galway or Milan Better for Students?

Milan 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.

Milan is a very popular city for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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

Is Galway or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Galway?

How long in Galway or Milan?

In either Galway or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Milan?

In Galway, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milan 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 Milan?

Galway is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galway. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. 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 Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Galway. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Milan. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Milan. The summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Milan. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Galway is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Milan. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Galway during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milan can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Galway is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Milan. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Milan. Many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Galway is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Milan. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Galway