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

Should you visit Odense 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 Odense 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.

Odense

Odense is a beautiful, historic, and European city. It's also known for nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Galway travel costs.

Odense and Galway: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Odense or Galway?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Odense. While Odense is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is more touristy than Odense and is known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market. Odense is well known for

How is Odense different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Odense
Galway

Galway is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Odense
Galway

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Odense and Galway.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Odense area. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Odense or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Galway

Evening events are very good in both Odense and Galway.

Odense has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Shopping Better in Odense or Galway?

Odense
Galway

Galway is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Galway to go shopping. 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Odense or Galway Better for Families?

Odense
Galway

Odense 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.

Odense is a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense or Galway Better for Couples?

Odense
Galway

Galway is a good destination for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Galway is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
Galway

Galway is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Galway is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.


Is Odense or Galway Better for Students?

Odense
Galway

Odense and Galway are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Odense is a good city to visit for students. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

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

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

Odense
Galway

Galway is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Galway a more walkable city?

Odense
Galway

Galway is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Galway or Odense?

How long in Odense or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Odense and Galway. In our opinion, Galway has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Galway than Odense. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Odense 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 Odense or Galway? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    Galway 2-3

One day in Odense or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Odense. 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 Odense or Galway?

Odense 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 Odense or Galway?

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

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 Odense or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the European destination of Odense. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively 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 from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Galway or Odense?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $218, while the average daily cost in Galway is $180. 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 Odense and Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $88
    Galway $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $176
    Galway $162
Compare Hotels in Odense and Galway

Looking for a hotel in Odense 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 Odense


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: Odense Hotel Prices and Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $48
    Galway $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Shannon Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $323
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $323
  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $822

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Galway?

Prices for flights to both Galway and Odense 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
    Odense $97
    Galway $67

Typical Food Prices in Galway

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


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    $9.53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

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

  • Galway Food Tours: $107
  • Galway Food Tour: $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $32
    Galway $14

Tours and Activities in Odense

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

  • Craft Beer Walking Tour: $62
  • Odense Private Guided Walking Tour: $382

Tours and Activities in Galway

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

  • Cong The Quiet Man Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.95
  • A taste of the Craic: A self-guided tour exploring Galway's local gastronomy: $8.99
  • The Legendary Walking Tour of Galway: $17
  • City of the Tribes Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Welcome to Galway Walking Tour: $18
  • The Legendary Tour: $18
  • City of the Tribes Walking Tour: $18
  • The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour: $18
  • Galway City: Guided 1.5-Hour Walking Tour: $24
  • HerGalway Walking Tour: $24
  • Galway City: Evening Guided Walking Tour of Galway City: $24
  • Evening Walking Tour of Galway City's West End: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $24
    Galway $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $582


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


Which is Bigger, Odense or Galway?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.