A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Galway for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Galway?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Galway, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Galway

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

Saint Andrews and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galway. Although Saint Andrews and Galway are popular destinations, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Saint Andrews attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Andrews is more touristy than Galway and is known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. 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 Saint Andrews different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Galway?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Galway.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Galway. 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 Saint Andrews or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Andrews 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, Saint Andrews makes for a great culinary experience. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saint Andrews. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Galway?

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

Saint Andrews is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Galway are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Galway is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

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 Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Galway Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Saint Andrews is a very popular university town for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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

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

Both Saint Andrews and Galway offer nice public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Galway?

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

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

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

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

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Galway. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Galway?

Saint Andrews 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Galway?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively destination of Galway. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Galway?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Galway. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Galway, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Galway?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 14°C (58°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Galway. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Andrews is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Andrews in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Galway. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 7°C (45°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Saint Andrews