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

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Galway?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Potsdam. While Potsdam is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Potsdam is more touristy than Galway and is known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also well known for The Galway Market.

How is Potsdam different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

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 Potsdam or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Potsdam 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, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

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 Potsdam or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Galway?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Galway and Potsdam.

Potsdam offers some nice shopping areas. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Potsdam or Galway Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Galway.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

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 Potsdam or Galway Better for Couples?

Both Potsdam and Galway are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Galway is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Potsdam or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is well known for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Potsdam or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is very good for students. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

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

Is Potsdam or Galway a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Galway both are superb when exploring on foot.

Potsdam is a very walkable city. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Galway?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Potsdam or Galway?

Potsdam 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.

In Galway, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galway has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. 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 is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Potsdam or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Galway, we can see that Galway is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway than you might in Potsdam.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Potsdam Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Galway?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam 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 Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Galway in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Galway. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Potsdam is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Galway. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Galway. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Galway in the Winter?

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

Potsdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Potsdam gets 47 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, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Galway. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In April, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Galway. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Potsdam