A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cardiff or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Pompeii? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Cardiff and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Pompeii?

Both Pompeii and Cardiff have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cardiff is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii 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 Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cardiff is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Cardiff or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Pompeii?

Cardiff is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Cardiff or Pompeii Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

Pompeii makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

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 Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Pompeii Better for Students?

Cardiff and Pompeii are good 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 Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Pompeii is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

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

Is Cardiff or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Cardiff or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Pompeii. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Cardiff is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cardiff usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Cardiff