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

Should you visit Cardiff or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Dublin? 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Cardiff. Dublin is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

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 Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a world class party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Dublin?

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

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

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

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Dublin Better for Students?

Cardiff and Dublin are notable places to visit for students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Is Cardiff or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dublin 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 Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Cardiff or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Dublin?

In either Cardiff or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Dublin?

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

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Dublin. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Dublin. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Dublin. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Cardiff