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

Should you visit Galway or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii 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. 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.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. It's also known for museums.

Galway and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Galway than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Galway is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 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 Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii 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 Pompeii that are not to be missed. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galway is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Galway is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Galway or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Galway is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Pompeii?

Galway is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Galway or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Pompeii are notable 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.

Pompeii makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Galway or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Galway or Pompeii Better for Students?

Galway and Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Both Galway and Pompeii offer notable public transit options.

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

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Galway or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Galway?

How long in Galway or Pompeii?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Galway or Pompeii?

In Galway, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galway has to offer.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Galway is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the one-of-a-kind destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Galway or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Galway during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Galway is much colder than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pompeii. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Galway as well as Pompeii. The winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In the winter, Galway is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pompeii. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

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

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Galway