A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Galway vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 lively, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galway. Although Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Galway and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Galway know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Galway is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Galway is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Galway. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Galway is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel offer nice public transit options.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable city. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Galway Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Galway?

How long in Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Galway than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Galway, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Galway, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Galway. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 880 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Galway is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Galway is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Galway is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Galway is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galway in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Galway