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

Should you visit Cardiff or Nice?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Nice? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Cardiff and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Cardiff and Nice are about the same size, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Nice is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Nice?

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

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Nice.

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.

Nice offers lots of family activities. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Cardiff or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the 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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Nice Better for Students?

Cardiff is a city with good options for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Cardiff or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Nice?

In either Cardiff or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Nice?

You'll find shopping and museums around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Nice?

The industrial city of Cardiff offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Nice. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cardiff is cooler than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Nice. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Nice. 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 Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cardiff is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nice. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Nice. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cardiff is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Cardiff