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

Should you visit Geneva or Galway?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Galway. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Geneva is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Galway is known for its nightlife. Geneva is more touristy than Galway and is known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Geneva different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Galway and Geneva. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Geneva or Galway?

Geneva 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 Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Galway know how to have a good time. 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 Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Galway?

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

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Galway Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Galway are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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.

Is Geneva or Galway Better for Couples?

Geneva and Galway both good destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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 Geneva or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Galway Better for Students?

Geneva is notable for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Galway a more walkable city?

Geneva and Galway both are very good when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Galway. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Geneva than Galway. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

One day in Geneva or Galway?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A weekend in Geneva or Galway?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

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.

Five days in Geneva or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

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.

A week in Geneva or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classy big city of Geneva. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Galway?

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

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 Geneva or Galway in the Summer?

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

Geneva is a little warmer than Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Galway. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Galway in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Geneva is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Galway. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Geneva 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 Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. In January, Geneva is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Galway. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Galway in the Spring?

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

Geneva is a little warmer than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Galway. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Galway. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Geneva