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

Should you visit Cardiff or Basel?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Basel? 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. 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 Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Basel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cardiff than Basel. Cardiff is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cardiff is better known for its big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Also, Cardiff is famous for The Cardiff Castle. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Cardiff different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Basel 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 Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Basel has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Cardiff or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel 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 Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Basel?

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

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel Better for Couples?

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

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

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 Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Basel Better for Students?

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

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Basel 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 Basel can get you around easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Cardiff or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Basel?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Basel?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Cardiff or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Cardiff or Basel?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel 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 Basel?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. 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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Basel?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Basel, 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 Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Basel. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Basel. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Basel. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Basel. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Basel. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Basel. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Basel. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Cardiff