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

Should you visit Galway or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Toulouse?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Galway. Toulouse is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Galway different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Galway and Toulouse.

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.

Toulouse has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Galway or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Toulouse?

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

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse Better for Families?

Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse Better for Couples?

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

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a 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 Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Galway or Toulouse Better for Students?

Galway and Toulouse 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 Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Both Galway and Toulouse offer notable public transit options.

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

Toulouse has some public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Galway or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Galway and Toulouse both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Toulouse is a very walkable city. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Galway?

How long in Galway or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Galway or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

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

One day in Galway or Toulouse?

The city of Galway offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Galway or Toulouse?

Galway is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galway, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Toulouse?

Galway is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Toulouse. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Toulouse. The summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Toulouse in the Winter?

Both Toulouse and Galway during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Toulouse. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Toulouse. Many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Galway is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Galway