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

Should you visit Cardiff or Baltimore?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Baltimore? 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant 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 Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Baltimore?

You'll generally find more things to do in Baltimore than Cardiff. Baltimore is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Baltimore is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Baltimore?

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

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore Better for Families?

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

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore Better for Couples?

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

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Baltimore Better for Students?

Cardiff is very good for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you around easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Cardiff or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Baltimore?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Baltimore?

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.

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Baltimore?

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.

In Baltimore, you'll find food 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 Baltimore has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Baltimore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the up-and-coming 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.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Baltimore, 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. Even though Cardiff is in Europe and Baltimore is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Baltimore?

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

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore 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 Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore 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 Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Baltimore in the Winter?

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

Baltimore can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Baltimore. 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 Baltimore because of the activities around the city.

Cardiff is cooler than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Cardiff