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

Should you visit Cardiff or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Auxerre? 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 up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Cardiff and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff. Although Cardiff and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Cardiff has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cardiff is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its food and small town charm. Cardiff is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also home to The Cardiff Castle. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Cardiff different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff
Auxerre

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Cardiff and Auxerre.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Auxerre. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Cardiff
Auxerre

Auxerre 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 Auxerre. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

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 Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Auxerre

Cardiff is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Auxerre?

Cardiff
Auxerre

Cardiff is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cardiff or Auxerre Better for Families?

Cardiff
Auxerre

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Auxerre.

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.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Cardiff or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Auxerre

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

Auxerre makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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 Auxerre Better for Students?

Cardiff
Auxerre

Cardiff is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Auxerre is not popular with students.


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

Cardiff
Auxerre

Auxerre 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 Auxerre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town.

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

Is Cardiff or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Auxerre

Cardiff and Auxerre both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable city. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cardiff or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cardiff 1-3 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Cardiff or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. 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 Auxerre has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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.

A week in Cardiff or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Cardiff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is £97. 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 Cardiff and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Auxerre £44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Auxerre £88
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Auxerre? 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 Cardiff


Hotels in Auxerre


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: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Auxerre £39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Cardiff 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
    Cardiff £44
    Auxerre £29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Auxerre £15

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Auxerre £5.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Auxerre?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cardiff or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Auxerre. 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 Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Auxerre. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Cardiff is a little warmer than Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Auxerre. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Cardiff

Cardiff Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)