A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Cardiff vs. Birmingham for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cardiff or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Birmingham? 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Birmingham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its big city activities and impressive beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Cardiff different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's 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 Cardiff or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

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 Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham know how to have a good time. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

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 Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Birmingham?

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

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

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 Birmingham Better for Families?

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

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Birmingham frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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 Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

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

Birmingham 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 Birmingham, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Cardiff or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very walkable city. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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 Birmingham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Birmingham?

In either Cardiff or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the green city of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, one day is sufficent for most.

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Birmingham?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Birmingham?

Cardiff, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Birmingham?

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

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 Birmingham in the Summer?

Both Birmingham and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Birmingham. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Birmingham. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 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 Birmingham. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Birmingham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Birmingham. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Birmingham. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Birmingham. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Cardiff