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

Should you visit Cardiff or Orlando?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Orlando? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Orlando?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Orlando than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orlando is very popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its museums, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also well known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Cardiff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Cardiff or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Orlando 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 Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Cardiff or Orlando Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Orlando?

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

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

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

Orlando is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Cardiff does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cardiff or Orlando Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando Better for Couples?

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

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando Better for Students?

Cardiff and Orlando 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 Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cardiff and Orlando.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Cardiff or Orlando a more walkable city?

Cardiff is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination 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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Orlando?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Orlando?

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Cardiff has to offer.

In Orlando, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orlando has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Orlando?

Cardiff 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.

Orlando 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 Orlando has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. In Orlando, you'll find theater and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Orlando?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In July, Cardiff is generally much colder than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cardiff usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Orlando. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene.

Cardiff is much colder than Orlando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Orlando. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Orlando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Orlando averages at about 59°F (15°C).

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Orlando. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally much colder than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Orlando. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Cardiff