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

Should you visit Interlaken or Galway?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Galway. Although Interlaken and Galway are both popular with visitors, Galway has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Galway is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. 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 Interlaken different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Galway Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for snow skiing. However, Galway is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Galway is not a skiing destination.

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

Galway is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken 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, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Galway Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Galway?

Galway is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Galway Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Galway is a family-friendly town. 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 Interlaken or Galway Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Interlaken or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Galway. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural 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 Interlaken or Galway?

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

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 Interlaken or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Interlaken or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the stunning destination of Interlaken. This town 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Galway?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Galway. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Galway. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Galway. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Galway. The spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Galway. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Interlaken