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

Should you visit Cardiff or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Ljubljana? 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.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital 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.

Cardiff and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana. Although Cardiff and Ljubljana are popular destinations, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Cardiff different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Cardiff and Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

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 Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana has a few options to choose from. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Cardiff or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Cardiff or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Ljubljana is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

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 Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Ljubljana is a great capital city to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Cardiff and Ljubljana are nice 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 Ljubljana. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a city bus system.

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

Is Cardiff or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is a very walkable capital city. It is compact and easy to explore 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 Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cardiff and Ljubljana. In our opinion, Ljubljana has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ljubljana than Cardiff. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Cardiff or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the up-and-coming city of Cardiff. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Ljubljana?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cardiff is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Cardiff