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

Should you visit Galway or Venice?

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 Venice 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Galway and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Venice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Venice than Galway. Venice is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Galway and Venice can be an enjoyable experience.

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Venice has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Galway or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Galway is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Galway for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Galway or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Venice offers plenty to see. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Venice?

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

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Venice are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Many backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Galway or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very popular city for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

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

Venice 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 Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Galway or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Galway?

How long in Galway or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Venice?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

Venice 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.

Five days in Galway or Venice?

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 Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Venice?

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

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Venice. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Venice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Galway is cooler than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Venice during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Venice. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Galway during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. In the winter, Galway is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Venice. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice 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 Venice. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Venice. The activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty.

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

Galway usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Venice. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Galway