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

Should you visit Cardiff or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Barcelona? 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 green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

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

Barcelona is a world class party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Barcelona?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Barcelona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Barcelona.

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.

Barcelona offers lots of family activities. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Cardiff or Barcelona Better for Couples?

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

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

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 Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Barcelona Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

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 Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona can get you around easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Cardiff or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Cardiff is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Barcelona?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the green 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 Barcelona 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cardiff or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona 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 Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona. Because Barcelona 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cardiff is much colder than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Barcelona. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Cardiff