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

Should you visit Cardiff or Bari?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Bari? 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.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Cardiff and Bari are roughly the same size, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Cardiff is known for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Bari and is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Cardiff different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari 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, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari 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 Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local 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 Cardiff or Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari 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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Bari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bari 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.

Bari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Cardiff or Bari Better for Families?

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

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

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

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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 Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Bari 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 Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

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

Is Cardiff or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari 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.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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 Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Bari?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, 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 food. 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 Bari?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bari, 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Bari?

You'll find shopping and museums around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari 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 Bari?

The green city of Cardiff offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Bari?

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

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 Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Bari. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Bari. 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In October, Cardiff is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 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 Bari. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Bari. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. Cardiff is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Bari. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Bari. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Cardiff