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

Should you visit Cardiff or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Giverny? 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Cardiff and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cardiff than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cardiff is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. 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.

How is Cardiff different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff
Giverny

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

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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 Giverny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cardiff
Giverny

Giverny 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 Giverny. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

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 Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Giverny

Cardiff is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Giverny?

Cardiff
Giverny

Cardiff is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cardiff. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cardiff or Giverny Better for Families?

Cardiff
Giverny

Cardiff is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Cardiff or Giverny Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Giverny

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

Couples visit Giverny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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 Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cardiff
Giverny

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Cardiff or Giverny Better for Students?

Cardiff
Giverny

Cardiff is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Cardiff
Giverny

Giverny 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 Giverny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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

Is Cardiff or Giverny a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Giverny

Cardiff and Giverny both are notable when exploring on foot.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable place. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Giverny?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cardiff or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cardiff 1-3 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Cardiff or Giverny?

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.

In Giverny, you'll find food and museums. This 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 Giverny?

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.

In Giverny, you'll find museums and food. 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 Giverny has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Giverny?

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.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Giverny. 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 France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Cardiff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, while the average daily cost in Giverny is £107. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cardiff and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Giverny £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Giverny £102
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Giverny? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cardiff


Hotels in Giverny


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Giverny £41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Cardiff change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cardiff £44
    Giverny £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Giverny £22

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Giverny £5.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Giverny?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 540 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny 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. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Giverny. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Giverny. 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 Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Giverny. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Giverny in the Winter?

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

Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny 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 Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Cardiff is cooler than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Cardiff

Cardiff Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)