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

Should you visit Cardiff or Antwerp?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Antwerp? 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.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port 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 Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Antwerp?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Cardiff. Antwerp is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Cardiff different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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 Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

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 Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Antwerp know how to have a good time. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

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 Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Antwerp?

Antwerp is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

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 Antwerp Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Antwerp.

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.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Cardiff or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Antwerp makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

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 Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Antwerp is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Antwerp 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 Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

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

Is Cardiff or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp 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.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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 Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cardiff and Antwerp. In our opinion, Antwerp has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Antwerp than Cardiff. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Antwerp?

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Antwerp, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cardiff or Antwerp?

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

In Antwerp, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Antwerp?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. 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.

Antwerp 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 Antwerp?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Antwerp, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antwerp would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antwerp 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 Antwerp.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Antwerp, 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 Antwerp?

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 Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Antwerp. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Antwerp. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Antwerp. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Antwerp. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Cardiff