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

Should you visit Cardiff or Koblenz?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Koblenz? 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.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a vibrant, dynamic, and accessible city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Cardiff and Koblenz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Koblenz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cardiff than Koblenz. Cardiff is bigger than Koblenz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cardiff is better known for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Koblenz is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Koblenz is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. 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 Koblenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff
Koblenz

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

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 Koblenz. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.


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

Cardiff
Koblenz

Koblenz 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 Koblenz. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

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 Koblenz Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Koblenz

Cardiff is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Is Cardiff or Koblenz Better for its Old Town?

Cardiff
Koblenz

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

Many people head to Koblenz to see the old town. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Koblenz?

Cardiff
Koblenz

Shopping is a popular activity in both Koblenz 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.

Koblenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Is Cardiff or Koblenz Better for Families?

Cardiff
Koblenz

Cardiff is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. 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.

For families, Koblenz is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

Is Cardiff or Koblenz Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Koblenz

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

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

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 Koblenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cardiff
Koblenz

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Koblenz Better for Students?

Cardiff
Koblenz

Cardiff is a good destination for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Koblenz is not popular with students.

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

Cardiff
Koblenz

Koblenz 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 Koblenz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.

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


Is Cardiff or Koblenz a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Koblenz

Cardiff and Koblenz 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.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.

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

Should I spend more time in Koblenz or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Koblenz?

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

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

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


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

One day in Cardiff or Koblenz?

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 Koblenz, you'll find museums and food. 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 Koblenz?

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 Koblenz, you'll find food 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 Koblenz has to offer.


Five days in Cardiff or Koblenz?

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.

Koblenz 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 Koblenz?

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 Koblenz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Koblenz. 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 Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Koblenz 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 Koblenz is £106. 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 Koblenz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Koblenz £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Koblenz £114
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Koblenz

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Koblenz? 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 Koblenz


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 and Koblenz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Koblenz £36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Koblenz?

Prices for flights to both Koblenz 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
    Koblenz £24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Koblenz £26

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

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

  • Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
  • Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
  • Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

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

  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Old Town Sightseeing Cruise along the Rhine: $15
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Sightseeing Shippingtour around Koblenz: $16
  • Rhine Valley Castles and Palaces Boat Tour: $19
  • Panoramic Cruise on Moselle River to Winningen: $20
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Private city tour VW Bulli meets mining museum in Bochum: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Koblenz £6.66

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Koblenz

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

  • Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area: $75


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Koblenz?

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

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 Koblenz in the Summer?

Both Koblenz and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Koblenz because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Koblenz in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Koblenz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Koblenz during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Koblenz receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Koblenz. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Koblenz in the Autumn?

Both Koblenz and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Koblenz this time of year.

In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Koblenz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Koblenz averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Koblenz. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koblenz receives 109 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Koblenz. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Koblenz 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Koblenz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Koblenz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koblenz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Koblenz. It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Koblenz. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Koblenz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Koblenz during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Koblenz receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Koblenz. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Koblenz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Koblenz. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Koblenz in the spring for the small town charm.

Cardiff is cooler than Koblenz in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Koblenz fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Koblenz. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koblenz receives 145 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koblenz. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Koblenz and Cardiff

Cardiff Koblenz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)