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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Galway?

Both Galway and Ghent have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway is known for its big city activities. Ghent is more touristy than Galway and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Ghent different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent 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, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Ghent 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 Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Galway?

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

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent or Galway Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Galway are good family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Ghent or Galway Better for Students?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

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

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Galway a more walkable city?

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

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Galway, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Ghent or Galway?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Galway?

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

Galway is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galway. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Ghent. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Galway. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Galway?

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

Both Galway and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Galway. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Galway. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Ghent 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 Ghent or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Galway. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. In January, Ghent is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Galway. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Ghent