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

Should you visit Innsbruck or Galway?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Galway 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.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a adventurous, high energy, and outdoorsy city. 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 skiing, nightlife, and food.

Galway

Galway is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Innsbruck than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Innsbruck is very popular for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Innsbruck is more touristy than Galway and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also well known for The Golden Roof in the old town. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Galway Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is notable for snow skiing. However, Galway is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Galway is not a skiing destination.

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

Galway is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Innsbruck 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, Innsbruck makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

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 Innsbruck or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Innsbruck and Galway.

Innsbruck has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

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 Innsbruck or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Innsbruck offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is Innsbruck or Galway Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Galway?

Galway is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Galway Better for Families?

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Innsbruck and Galway are great destinations for backpackers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Innsbruck or Galway Better for Students?

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

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

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

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

Is Innsbruck or Galway a more walkable city?

Innsbruck and Galway both are great when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Innsbruck and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Innsbruck than in Galway. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

One day in Innsbruck or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Galway. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Galway?

Innsbruck 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Galway. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Innsbruck. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Galway. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Innsbruck or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the mountainous destination of Innsbruck. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Galway?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.