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

Should you visit Cardiff or Portland?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Portland? 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.

Portland

Portland is a nature-filled, scenic, and laid-back city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cardiff than Portland. While Portland is larger than Cardiff, Cardiff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Portland is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle.

How is Cardiff different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Both Cardiff and Portland offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cardiff. 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.

Portland may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Cardiff or Portland Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Portland 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 Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Cardiff or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Portland?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Cardiff or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Portland.

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.

Portland offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Cardiff or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in 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 Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Portland Better for Students?

Cardiff and Portland 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 Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland 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 Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Cardiff or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Portland?

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Portland?

The city of Cardiff offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Portland?

Cardiff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Portland?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Portland, 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 Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

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

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Portland. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland 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 Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cardiff is cooler than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland 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 shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In the winter, Cardiff is cooler than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Portland. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cardiff usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Portland in the Spring?

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

In April, Cardiff is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Portland. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Cardiff