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

Should you visit Cardiff or Cologne?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Cologne? 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 up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cologne

Cologne is a fun, accessible, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cardiff different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cologne 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 Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

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 Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne 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 Cologne know how to have a good time. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Cologne to see the old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Cologne?

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

Cologne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination for shoppers. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cardiff or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cardiff or Cologne Better for Families?

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

Cologne is a very kid-friendly city. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Cologne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Cologne Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Cardiff or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very walkable city. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily 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 Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Cologne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Cologne?

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cologne?

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife 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 Cardiff has to offer.

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cologne has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Cologne?

Cardiff 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.

Cologne 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 Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Cologne, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Cologne?

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

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 Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne 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 Cologne this time of year.

In the summer, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Cologne. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Cologne. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Cologne. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. Cardiff is a little warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Cologne. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Cologne in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Cardiff