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

Should you visit Galway or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Nantes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galway than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is better known for its big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nantes is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Galway different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes 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 Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Galway and Nantes.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Galway or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Nantes?

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

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Galway or Nantes Better for Students?

Galway and Nantes are both notable 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 Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Galway or Nantes a more walkable city?

Galway and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Galway?

How long in Galway or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galway and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Galway. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Galway or Nantes?

Galway 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantes?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Galway. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Nantes. This city 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Galway during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Nantes. The autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Galway is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Nantes. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Galway as well as Nantes. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Galway is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Nantes. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Galway is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Galway