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

Should you visit Cardiff or Munich?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Munich? 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 up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Munich

Munich is a bustling, high energy, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Munich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cardiff is known for its impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Munich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Munich 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 Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich Better for Nightlife?

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

Munich is a world class party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich Better for Music?

Munich is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Munich?

Munich is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich Better for Families?

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

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around 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 Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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 Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Munich Better for Students?

Munich is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Munich is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Cardiff or Munich a more walkable city?

Munich 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.

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Munich?

In either Cardiff or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Munich 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 Munich.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Munich is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 Munich?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Munich is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Munich has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Cardiff or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Munich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Munich. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Munich?

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

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 Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Munich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Munich during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Munich. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Munich in the Autumn?

Both Munich and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Munich. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Munich. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Munich. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Munich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Munich. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Munich can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Cardiff is much warmer than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Munich during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Munich. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Munich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Munich. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Munich and Cardiff