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

Should you visit Lisbon or Galway?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Galway? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Galway?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Galway. Lisbon is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Lisbon different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Galway Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Galway Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Galway?

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

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon or Galway Better for Families?

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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

Is Lisbon or Galway Better for Students?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Galway a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Galway. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Galway?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Lisbon or Galway?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Lisbon or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Lisbon or Galway?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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 The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Galway?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Galway. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lisbon is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Galway. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 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, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Galway. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

Lisbon is much warmer than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Galway. Lisbon gets 144 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Galway. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Galway. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lisbon is much warmer than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Galway. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Lisbon