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

Should you visit Cardiff or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Interlaken? 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 green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Cardiff and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cardiff. Although Cardiff and Interlaken are popular destinations, Cardiff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle.

How is Cardiff different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and Cardiff. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cardiff or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Cardiff is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Cardiff is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cardiff or Interlaken?

Cardiff is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Cardiff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cardiff or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Interlaken?

Cardiff is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cardiff. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cardiff or Interlaken Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

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

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Interlaken Better for Students?

Cardiff is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Cardiff or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Cardiff and Interlaken both are nice 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Interlaken?

In either Cardiff or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Interlaken?

With museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming city of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, one day is sufficent for most.

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town 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 Interlaken?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Five days in Cardiff or Interlaken?

Cardiff, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Interlaken?

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cardiff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cardiff 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Cardiff.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Interlaken?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

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

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken 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 Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Cardiff is cooler than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken 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 Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Interlaken. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Interlaken. 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 Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Cardiff