A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Galway for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

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

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague and Galway: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in The Hague or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. The Hague is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Galway is known for its museums. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also home to The Peace Palace. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is The Hague different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Galway?

The Hague
Galway

Galway is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in The Hague or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hague
Galway

The Hague 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, The Hague makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague or Galway Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Galway

Both The Hague and Galway have superb vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

The people in Galway know how to have a good time. 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 The Hague or Galway Better for Music?

The Hague
Galway

The Hague is notable for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Galway is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Galway?

The Hague
Galway

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

The Hague is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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 The Hague or Galway Better for Families?

The Hague
Galway

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Galway.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Galway Better for Couples?

The Hague
Galway

Both The Hague and Galway are good destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

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 The Hague or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Galway

Galway is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is The Hague or Galway Better for Students?

The Hague
Galway

The Hague 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.

The Hague is a very popular city for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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

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

The Hague
Galway

The Hague 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 The Hague. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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


Is The Hague or Galway a more walkable city?

The Hague
Galway

Galway is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hague and Galway. In our opinion, The Hague has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in The Hague than Galway. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than The Hague 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.


  • How many days in The Hague or Galway? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Galway 2-3

One day in The Hague or Galway?

The Hague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Galway. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in The Hague or Galway?

The Hague 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Galway. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in The Hague or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hague. 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 vibrant city of Galway. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in The Hague or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the international big city of The Hague. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Galway or The Hague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, while the average daily cost in Galway is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for The Hague and Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Galway 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Galway 140
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Galway

Looking for a hotel in The Hague or Galway? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in The Hague


Hotels in Galway


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: The Hague Hotel Prices and Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Galway 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Galway?

Prices for flights to both Galway and The Hague change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    The Hague 55
    Galway 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Typical Food Prices in Galway

Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    8.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Galway 12

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Tours and Activities in Galway

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:

  • Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
  • 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
  • Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
  • Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • City of the Tribes Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Galway 15

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


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


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Galway?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Galway. Many travelers come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

The Hague is around the same temperature as Galway in the summer. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in The Hague this time of the year. In the summer, The Hague often gets more sunshine than Galway. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Galway. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Galway 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, The Hague is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the autumn temperatures in The Hague in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Galway averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The Hague usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. The Hague gets 105 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, The Hague usually receives less rain than Galway. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Galway 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and The Hague during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hague for 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.

The Hague can be very cold during winter. In January, The Hague is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 2°C (36°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Galway. The Hague gets 47 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. The Hague usually gets less rain in January than Galway. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Galway 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Galway. The spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The Hague is cooler than Galway in the spring. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The Hague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, The Hague usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Galway 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Galway and The Hague

The Hague Galway
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)