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

Should you visit Cardiff or Rome?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Rome? 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

The Colosseum

How is Cardiff different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Rome?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Rome is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Cardiff or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Rome?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Rome?

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.

Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Rome?

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.

Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Rome?

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

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

A week in Cardiff or Rome?

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 Rome. Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Rome, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Rome. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Rome. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rome. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Rome. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Rome. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Rome. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Rome. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rome. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Cardiff