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

Should you visit Zurich or Galway?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Galway. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than Galway and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Zurich different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National 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 Zurich or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich 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, Zurich makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Galway are very good when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Galway Better for Music?

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

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Galway Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Galway?

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

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Galway Better for Families?

Zurich is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Galway Better for Couples?

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

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Galway Better for Students?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very popular city for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Galway a more walkable city?

Zurich and Galway both are very good when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Galway?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Galway?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 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 Zurich or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Zurich or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. 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 cultural 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Galway?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Galway. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

Zurich is a little warmer than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Galway. Zurich gets 120 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Galway. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In the winter, Zurich is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Zurich gets 55 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, Zurich usually receives less rain than Galway. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Galway. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Zurich