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

Should you visit Cardiff or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Nashville? 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and resorts, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Cardiff different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff
Nashville

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

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 Nashville. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


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

Cardiff
Nashville

Nashville 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 Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Nashville

Nashville is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Nashville know how to have a good time. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville Better for Music?

Cardiff
Nashville

Nashville 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 Nashville The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.


Is Cardiff or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Cardiff
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Nashville?

Cardiff
Nashville

Cardiff is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Cardiff or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Cardiff
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville offers some nice Christmas activities. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Cardiff or Nashville Better for Families?

Cardiff
Nashville

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Nashville.

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.

Nashville offers lots of family activities. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Cardiff or Nashville Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Nashville

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

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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 Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cardiff
Nashville

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Cardiff or Nashville Better for Students?

Cardiff
Nashville

Cardiff is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

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

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Cardiff
Nashville

Cardiff is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Cardiff or Nashville a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Nashville

Cardiff is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Cardiff is somewhat walkable. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cardiff and Nashville. In our opinion, Nashville has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nashville than Cardiff. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cardiff or Nashville?

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 Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the green 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 Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the industrial 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.

Nashville 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Cardiff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is $196, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $172. 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 Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff $117
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff $234
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Nashville? 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 Nashville


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 Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff $27
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $96
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $140
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville 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 $55
    Nashville $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff $31
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

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

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $188
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $38
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Explore Nashville's Melodies: An In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $13
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff $16
    Nashville $15

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 Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Nashville, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Cardiff is in Europe and Nashville is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Nashville. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cardiff is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Nashville. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Cardiff or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Cardiff is much colder than Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Nashville. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cardiff or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In the winter, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Nashville. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Cardiff or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Nashville. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In April, Cardiff is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Nashville. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Cardiff

Cardiff Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)