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

Should you visit Vienna or Galway?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

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

Vienna and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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, Vienna makes for a great culinary experience. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Galway Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Galway?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Galway Better for Families?

Vienna and Galway are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Galway Better for Couples?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Galway Better for Students?

Vienna 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.

Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

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

Vienna is an unbeatable place 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.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Galway a more walkable city?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Galway?

Vienna 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.

Galway 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.

Five days in Vienna or Galway?

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

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

A week in Vienna or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the musical destination of Vienna. This 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Galway?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Galway. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Galway. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Vienna is a little warmer than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Vienna gets 140 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, Vienna usually receives less rain than Galway. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vienna 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.

Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vienna is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Galway. Vienna gets 65 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. Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Galway. Most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city.

In April, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Vienna