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

Should you visit Galway or Rome?

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 Rome 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 cultural, historical, and vibrant 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.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Galway. Rome is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is more touristy than Galway and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Colosseum

How is Galway different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome that are not to be missed. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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 Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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.

Is Galway or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Rome?

Rome is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

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

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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

Is Galway or Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

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

Rome is an unbeatable place 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.

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Galway or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Galway?

How long in Galway or Rome?

Both Galway and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Galway. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Galway. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Galway or Rome?

Galway is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Galway or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Galway. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

The lively city of Galway offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Rome. The summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In July, Galway is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Rome. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Rome. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Rome. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Rome. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Galway is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Rome. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rome. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Galway