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

Should you visit Galway or Versailles?

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 Versailles 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a grand, ornate, and opulent palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums.

Galway and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Versailles?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galway than Versailles. While Versailles is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also home to The Galway Market.

How is Galway different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles 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 Versailles that are not to be missed. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Versailles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galway is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Galway or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Galway has something for everybody. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Versailles?

Galway is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Galway or Versailles Better for Families?

Galway is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Galway offers lots of family activities. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Galway or Versailles Better for Couples?

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

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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 Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Galway is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Galway or Versailles Better for Students?

Galway is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is notable 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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

Is Galway or Versailles a more walkable city?

Galway and Versailles 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.

Versailles is a very walkable city. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Galway?

How long in Galway or Versailles?

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the lively city of Galway, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Galway or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Galway, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Versailles 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 Versailles?

Galway, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Galway is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Galway is cooler than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Versailles. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In the autumn, Galway is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galway in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Versailles. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Galway during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In January, Galway is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 6°C (42°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Galway or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Versailles. Many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

Galway is cooler than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Galway