A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Cardiff vs. Cambridge for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cardiff or Cambridge?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Cambridge? 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. 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 Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Cambridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff than Cambridge. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cardiff is very popular for its big city activities, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. 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.

How is Cardiff different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

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 Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Cambridge 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 Cambridge has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Cambridge?

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

Cambridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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 Cambridge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Cambridge.

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.

Cambridge offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Cardiff or Cambridge Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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 Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

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

Cambridge 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 Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

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

Is Cardiff or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Cambridge on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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 Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Cambridge?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cambridge, you'll find nightlife and food. This university town 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 Cambridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Cambridge, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the industrial city of Cardiff. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cambridge is a great place to explore. 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 Cambridge?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. 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 Cambridge, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Cambridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cambridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cambridge 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 Cambridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Cambridge?

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