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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a cultural, historical, and vibrant port city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galway than Newcastle upon Tyne. While Newcastle upon Tyne is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is better known for its big city activities, while Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Galway.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Galway is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Galway. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Galway are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

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

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

In Galway, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people visit Galway for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galway, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The destination of Galway offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Galway, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets more sunshine than Galway. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Galway during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 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. It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Galway. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Galway. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Galway. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Galway. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Galway during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Galway. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 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 Newcastle upon Tyne