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

Should you visit Cardiff or New York City?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or New York City? 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.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Cardiff and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 Cardiff or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

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

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City 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 New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or New York City?

New York City 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 New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cardiff or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cardiff or New York City Better for Families?

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

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or New York City Better for Students?

New York City 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 New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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 New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City 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.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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

Is Cardiff or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or New York City?

Both Cardiff and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Cardiff. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Cardiff or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because New York City 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because New York City 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cardiff or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

New York City 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 New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or New York City?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Cardiff. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cardiff is in Europe and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cardiff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cardiff 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Cardiff.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as New York City. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than New York City. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than New York City. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and New York City. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than New York City. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Cardiff