A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Attractions, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Cardiff or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Amsterdam? 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 industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Cardiff. Amsterdam is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam?

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

Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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 Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cardiff and Amsterdam offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cardiff. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

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

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

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 Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Amsterdam has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Cardiff or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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 Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Amsterdam?

Both Cardiff and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Cardiff. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Amsterdam has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the industrial city of Cardiff. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Amsterdam?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Amsterdam. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Amsterdam. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Cardiff is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Cardiff