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

Should you visit Munich or Galway?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Galway, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway

Galway is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Galway?

You'll generally find more things to do in Munich than Galway. Munich is bigger than Galway, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Munich is more touristy than Galway and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Munich different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Munich is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Munich 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, Munich makes for a great culinary experience. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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 Munich is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Galway Better for Music?

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

Munich is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Galway?

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

Munich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich or Galway Better for Families?

Munich 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.

Munich is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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 Munich or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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.

Munich is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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

Is Munich or Galway Better for Students?

Munich is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Munich is a very popular city for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

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

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

Munich 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 Munich can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Munich or Galway a more walkable city?

Munich and Galway both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Munich?

How long in Munich or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Galway?

Munich is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Munich or Galway?

Munich 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.

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 Munich or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Munich or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Galway?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Galway in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Galway. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Munich is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Munich in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Galway. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Munich as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Munich is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (52°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets more sunshine than Galway. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Munich usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Munich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Munich can get quite cold in the winter. Munich is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Munich averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Munich gets 30 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, Munich usually receives less rain than Galway. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Munich during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Munich is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Munich in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets more sunshine than Galway. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Munich