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

Should you visit Cardiff or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or La Rochelle? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or La Rochelle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Cardiff different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or La Rochelle has a better nightlife 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.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of La Rochelle can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

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

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or La Rochelle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or La Rochelle.

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.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Cardiff and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is Cardiff or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Cardiff or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green city of Cardiff. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Cardiff. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or La Rochelle?

The green city of Cardiff offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Cardiff. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or La Rochelle?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle 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 beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 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 La Rochelle. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or La Rochelle in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than La Rochelle. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

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

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Rochelle during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Cardiff