A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Galway for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Galway?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Galway. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a tranquil, serene, and remote archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Galway. Although Outer Hebrides and Galway are both popular with visitors, Galway has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Galway is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also home to The Galway Market.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

Galway is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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, Outer Hebrides makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Galway has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is notable for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Outer Hebrides attract visitors from all over. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Around Outer Hebrides visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

Galway is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Galway are good family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for couples. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Galway is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Galway is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Galway. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Galway, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 city of Galway. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Galway. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Galway during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 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 Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Outer Hebrides in the winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Galway. Outer Hebrides gets 33 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 Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Galway. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Galway. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Galway. Outer Hebrides gets 63 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 Outer Hebrides