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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively 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.

Heidelberg and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Galway?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galway than Heidelberg. While Heidelberg is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Heidelberg different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galway is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Heidelberg or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heidelberg 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, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg or Galway Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Heidelberg and Galway.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Heidelberg or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Heidelberg offers plenty to see. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Galway?

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Galway both offer plenty of notable spots.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Galway is a great destination for shopping. 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 Heidelberg or Galway Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Galway are notable family-friendly destinations.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Heidelberg or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

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 Heidelberg or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Galway are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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

Is Heidelberg or Galway Better for Students?

For students, both Heidelberg and Galway are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Galway is a good town to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Heidelberg or Galway a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Galway are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Heidelberg or Galway?

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

With museums and nightlife around the friendly 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.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Galway?

Heidelberg 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.

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.

Five days in Heidelberg or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. 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, 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.

A week in Heidelberg or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Heidelberg. This town 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Heidelberg and Galway, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Galway?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Galway?

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 Heidelberg or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Heidelberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for 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.

In the summer, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Galway. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Galway. The autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg 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 October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Galway. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Galway. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Heidelberg in the winter. Heidelberg is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Galway. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Galway. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Heidelberg