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

Should you visit Windsor or Galway?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Galway? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly 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.

Windsor and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galway. Although Windsor and Galway are popular destinations, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Galway and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor 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 Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Windsor and Galway both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Galway is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Windsor or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor 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 Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Windsor to see the historical old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Galway?

Galway is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Galway Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Galway.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Windsor is a very popular place to visit for couples. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a popular place for students. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Galway.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Galway offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Windsor or Galway a more walkable city?

Windsor and Galway both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Galway?

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

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

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

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

Windsor 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, 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 Windsor or Galway?

Windsor 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 Windsor or Galway?

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

Windsor 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.

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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Windsor and Galway, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Galway?

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

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

In July, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Galway. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Galway in the Autumn?

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

Windsor is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Galway. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Windsor because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The weather in Windsor can be very cold. In the winter, Windsor is cooler than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Windsor gets 52 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, Windsor usually receives less rain than Galway. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Windsor