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

Should you visit Cardiff or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Avignon? 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Cardiff and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Avignon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Avignon than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Cardiff is known for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also home to Palais des Papes. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff
Avignon

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cardiff
Avignon

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Avignon

Cardiff is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Cardiff or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Cardiff
Avignon

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Avignon?

Cardiff
Avignon

Shopping is a popular activity in both Avignon 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.

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Cardiff or Avignon Better for Families?

Cardiff
Avignon

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Avignon.

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.

Avignon offers lots of family activities. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Cardiff or Avignon Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Avignon

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

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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 Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cardiff
Avignon

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Avignon Better for Students?

Cardiff
Avignon

Cardiff is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Cardiff
Avignon

Avignon 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 Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

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


Is Cardiff or Avignon a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Avignon

Avignon 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 Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff than Avignon 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 Avignon.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cardiff or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Avignon has to offer.


Five days in Cardiff or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon 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 Avignon is £599. 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 Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Avignon £554
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Avignon £1,108
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Avignon? 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 Avignon


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 Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Avignon £18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon 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
    Avignon £29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Avignon £13

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 Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glanum Archaeological Site Entrance Ticket: $9.77
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Ticket for the Gourmet Journey at Maison Brotte: $17
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • La Noctambule du Pape Night Tour: $37
  • Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: $44
  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Half-Day Tour from St Rémy-de-Provence by Electric Bike with Carrière de Lumiere: $49
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Lavender Beauty Small Group Half Day Tour from Avignon: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Avignon £14

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 Avignon

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

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Avignon?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Avignon. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Avignon. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Avignon. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. Cardiff is much colder than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Avignon. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Avignon. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Avignon. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Cardiff

Cardiff Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)