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

Should you visit Cardiff or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Frankfurt? 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.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Frankfurt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Frankfurt is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cardiff is known for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Cardiff different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Frankfurt offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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 Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Frankfurt?

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

Frankfurt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt Better for Families?

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

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt Better for Couples?

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

Frankfurt makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

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 Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Frankfurt is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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

Is Cardiff or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Frankfurt?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Frankfurt?

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.

Because Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial 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.

Because Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Frankfurt. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Frankfurt?

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

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Frankfurt. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Frankfurt. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Cardiff is much warmer than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

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

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Cardiff