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

Should you visit Cardiff or Bern?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Bern? 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.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic 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 Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cardiff is very popular for its big city activities, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Cardiff different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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 Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern 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 Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

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 Bern Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Bern 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 Bern has a few options to choose from. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Cardiff or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern 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 Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Bern?

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

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern Better for Families?

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

Bern is a very kid-friendly city. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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 Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bern is a great city to visit for backpackers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Bern Better for Students?

Cardiff is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern 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 Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Cardiff or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very walkable city. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Bern?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Bern?

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 Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern, 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 Bern has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Bern?

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.

Bern 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 Bern?

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 Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Bern?

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

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 Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Bern. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Bern. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cardiff is cooler than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Bern. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In the winter, Cardiff is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bern during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Bern. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Bern. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Cardiff