A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Cardiff vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cardiff or Aberdeen?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Aberdeen? 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic 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.

Cardiff and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Aberdeen than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Cardiff different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Aberdeen. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Aberdeen has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Aberdeen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aberdeen and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Aberdeen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Cardiff and Aberdeen are nice places to visit for students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

It's common for students to visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aberdeen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cardiff and Aberdeen. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Aberdeen than Cardiff. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aberdeen than Cardiff 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 Aberdeen.

One day in Cardiff or Aberdeen?

The city of Cardiff offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Aberdeen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Aberdeen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aberdeen has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Aberdeen, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Aberdeen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cardiff Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Aberdeen?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Aberdeen, 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 Cardiff or Aberdeen?

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 Cardiff or Aberdeen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Aberdeen. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In July, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aberdeen. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Aberdeen. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cardiff is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Aberdeen. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Aberdeen in the Winter?

Both Aberdeen and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In the winter, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Aberdeen. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Aberdeen. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Cardiff