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

Should you visit Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Liverpool than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Liverpool is very popular for its theatre productions, music, and shopping, while Galway attracts visitors for its food and big city activities. Liverpool is more touristy than Galway and is known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also well known for The Liverpool Cathedral. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Liverpool different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Liverpool and Galway.

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

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.

Is Liverpool or Galway Better for Theater?

Liverpool is notable for theatre. However, Galway is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Galway is not a theatre destination.

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

Galway is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Liverpool and Galway.

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Many people head to Galway for the nightlife scene. 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 Liverpool or Galway Better for Music?

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

Liverpool is a world class music destination. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Galway?

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

Liverpool is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool or Galway Better for Families?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Galway is a family-friendly port 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 Liverpool or Galway Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Galway are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Galway is a good port city for couples to visit. 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 Liverpool or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Liverpool or Galway Better for Students?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Liverpool and Galway.

You'll find some public transit in Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

While Galway offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Liverpool or Galway a more walkable city?

Liverpool and Galway both are great when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Galway?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Liverpool. 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 Liverpool or Galway?

Liverpool is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical 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 Liverpool or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Liverpool or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse destination of Liverpool. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Galway?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Galway. The summer months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In July, Liverpool is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 15°C (60°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Liverpool usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Galway. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Galway. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Liverpool usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Liverpool is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liverpool in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In January, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Galway. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Liverpool is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 8°C (47°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Galway. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Liverpool