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

Should you visit Galway or Reims?

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 Reims 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Galway or Reims?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Reims. While Reims is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Reims is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Galway and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. 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 Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Galway
Reims

Both Galway and Reims have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Reims offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


Is the Food Better in Galway or Reims? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galway
Reims

Reims 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 Reims have been singled out for their culinary prowess. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Galway
Reims

Galway is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Galway is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Reims?

Galway
Reims

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

Reims is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Galway
Reims

Galway is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Galway or Reims Better for Couples?

Galway
Reims

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

Reims is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway
Reims

Galway is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.


Is Galway or Reims Better for Students?

Galway
Reims

Galway is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Galway
Reims

Both Galway and Reims offer notable public transit options.

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

Reims has some public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Galway or Reims a more walkable city?

Galway
Reims

Galway and Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Galway?

How long in Galway or Reims?

In either Galway or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Galway because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Reims 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.


  • How many days in Galway or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Galway 2-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Galway or Reims?

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.

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

A weekend in Galway or Reims?

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.

Reims 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 Reims?

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 Reims. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly 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 shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Reims. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Galway?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Galway is €131, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Galway and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galway 70
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galway 140
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Galway and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Galway or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Galway


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Galway Hotel Prices and Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galway 33
    Reims 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Is it cheaper to fly into Galway or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Galway change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Galway 33
    Reims 40
Typical Food Prices in Galway

Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    8.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Galway 12
    Reims 19

Tours and Activities in Galway

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:

  • Cong The Quiet Man Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.17
  • Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • City Centre App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Galway's City Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Welcome to Galway Walking Tour: $16
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • The Legendary Walking Tour of Galway: $17
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Galway City: Guided 1.5-Hour Walking Tour: $21
  • Dark History Guided City Walking Tour: $21
  • Evening Guided Walking Tour: $21

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galway 15
    Reims 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


When comparing the travel costs between Galway and Reims, 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 Reims Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Galway or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Reims. Most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Reims because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Reims. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Reims during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galway 16°C (60°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Galway or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Reims. The autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

Galway is around the same temperature as Reims in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Reims. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galway 11°C (52°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Galway or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reims. In the winter, Galway is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Galway usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Reims. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galway 6°C (42°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Galway or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Galway is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Reims. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galway 9°C (48°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Galway

Galway Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)