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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

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

Porto and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Porto different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants 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 Porto or Galway Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Porto and Galway.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Porto is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Galway?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Galway both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Galway offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Porto or Galway Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto 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.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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

Is Porto or Galway Better for Students?

Porto 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 Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

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

Porto 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 Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Porto or Galway a more walkable city?

Porto and Galway are superb when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Porto?

How long in Porto or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Galway?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Porto or Galway?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Galway is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galway. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Porto. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Galway. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Galway?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Porto is a little warmer than Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Galway. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Galway. Many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives less rain than Galway. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Galway. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Galway. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

Porto is much warmer than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Galway. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Porto