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

Should you visit Cardiff or Girona?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Girona? 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.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. 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. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Cardiff and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cardiff than Girona. Cardiff is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cardiff is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Also, Cardiff is famous for The Cardiff Castle. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Cardiff different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel 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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona 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 Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Cardiff or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Girona can be explored in its historical center. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Girona?

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

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Cardiff is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cardiff is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Cardiff or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Girona Better for Students?

Cardiff and Girona 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 Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Girona 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 Girona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Cardiff or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into 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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff than Girona 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 Girona.

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Girona?

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

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Girona?

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 Girona, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Girona?

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.

Girona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial 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 Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Girona?

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

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 Girona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Girona. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Girona. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Girona. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Girona. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Cardiff is cooler than Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Girona. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Cardiff