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

Should you visit Cardiff or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Reykjavik? 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cardiff is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. 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 Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Cardiff and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Cardiff or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Cardiff or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Reykjavik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Cardiff and Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Cardiff or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the green destination of Cardiff. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the industrial city of Cardiff. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Reykjavik?

Cardiff is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Reykjavik?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Cardiff is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cardiff is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Cardiff is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Cardiff