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

Should you visit York or Galway?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. York is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Galway is known for its big city activities. York is more touristy than Galway and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is York different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Galway are excellent when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Galway?

Both York and Galway are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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 York or Galway Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Galway is a family-friendly city. 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 York or Galway Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Galway are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Is York or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Galway offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or York?

How long in York or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Galway. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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

One day in York or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Galway. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Galway?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Galway is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Galway. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. 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.

The lively city of Galway offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Galway?

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

Both Galway and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

York usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Galway. York gets 112 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. York usually gets less rain in October than Galway. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Galway. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The weather in York can be very cold. In January, York is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. York gets 61 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, York usually receives less rain than Galway. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Galway. Additionally, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Galway. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and York