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

Should you visit Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Dubrovnik? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Cardiff and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff is known for its big city activities. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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 Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is a great destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubrovnik has a few snorkeling spots. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Dubrovnik can be explored in its historical center. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dubrovnik and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

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

Dubrovnik is a very kid-friendly coastal town. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Cardiff is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

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

Is Cardiff or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik on foot is easy. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dubrovnik has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green 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.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubrovnik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dubrovnik. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Dubrovnik?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik 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 beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. Cardiff is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Cardiff usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik 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. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Cardiff