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

Should you visit Galway or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Galway and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montpellier than Galway. Montpellier is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montpellier is better known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Montpellier is more touristy than Galway and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Galway and Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Galway or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Galway or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is notable for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Montpellier?

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

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Galway and Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly city. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Galway or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great 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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Montpellier are very good 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 Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Galway or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular city for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

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

Montpellier is notable 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Galway or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Galway and Montpellier both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Galway?

How long in Galway or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galway and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Galway. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Montpellier?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural 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.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

The vibrant 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 Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. 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 in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Montpellier?

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

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Montpellier. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Galway is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Montpellier. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Galway is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Galway