A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Galway for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galway. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway are popular destinations, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

Galway is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Galway is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Stratford-upon-Avon that are not to be missed. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Galway is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galway area. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the historical old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

Galway is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Galway is a good town 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Galway is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

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

In Galway, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, 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.

Many people visit Galway for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galway, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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.

The destination of Galway offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon 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, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Galway. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 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. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Galway. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Galway. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 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. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Galway. The spring months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Galway. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Stratford-upon-Avon