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

Should you visit Cardiff or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Hvar? 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cardiff and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Cardiff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Cardiff and Hvar.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Hvar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hvar 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Cardiff or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Hvar Better for Students?

Cardiff is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

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

Is Cardiff or Hvar a more walkable city?

Cardiff and Hvar 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Hvar?

You'll find shopping and museums around the green destination of Cardiff. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hvar?

The up-and-coming city of Cardiff offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Hvar?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Hvar. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cardiff is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Hvar. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cardiff is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Hvar. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cardiff is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Cardiff