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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway

Galway is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its music and shopping, while Galway is known for its nightlife. Nottingham is more touristy than Galway and is known for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Nottingham different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Nottingham and Galway have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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 Nottingham or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nottingham and Galway offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in 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 Nottingham or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Galway Better for Music?

Nottingham is a city with good options for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Galway?

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

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Galway Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Galway are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Galway offers lots of family activities. 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 Nottingham or Galway Better for Couples?

Both Nottingham and Galway are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

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 Nottingham or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is well known for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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

Is Nottingham or Galway a more walkable city?

Nottingham and Galway both are great when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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 Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nottingham and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Galway than in Nottingham. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nottingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly 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 Nottingham or Galway?

Nottingham 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.

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 Nottingham or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. 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.

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 Nottingham or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the livable destination of Nottingham. This 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 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Galway?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Galway. The summer months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city activities, 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.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nottingham or Galway in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Galway. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Galway in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nottingham. In January, Nottingham is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Nottingham gets 61 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, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Galway. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nottingham or Galway in the Spring?

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

Nottingham is cooler than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Nottingham gets 47 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 Nottingham