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

Should you visit Cardiff or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Bonn? 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cardiff. Although Cardiff and Bonn are popular destinations, Cardiff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is very popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Cardiff different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bonn 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 Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

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 Bonn Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Bonn 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 Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Cardiff or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn 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 Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Bonn?

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

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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 Bonn Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

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

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

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 Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Bonn Better for Students?

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

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Cardiff or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore 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 Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Bonn?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Bonn?

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 Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn, 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 Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Bonn?

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

Bonn 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 Bonn?

The industrial 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 Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Bonn this time of year.

In July, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Bonn. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Bonn. 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 Bonn for the shopping scene.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 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 Bonn. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Bonn. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn 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 Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Cardiff