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

Should you visit Cardiff or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Bordeaux? 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Bordeaux?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Cardiff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Cardiff and Bordeaux.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Cardiff or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Bordeaux.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Cardiff or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux can get you around easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Cardiff or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Bordeaux?

In either Cardiff or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Bordeaux?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Bordeaux. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bordeaux. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Cardiff