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

Should you visit Cardiff or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Biarritz? 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cardiff than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cardiff is better known for its museums, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. 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.

How is Cardiff different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside 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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples 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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Biarritz Better for Students?

Cardiff is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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

Is Cardiff or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Biarritz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Biarritz?

The city of Cardiff offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town 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 Biarritz?

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Biarritz?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Biarritz?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Biarritz?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cardiff usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

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

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Cardiff