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

Should you visit Cardiff or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Seattle? 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

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 Cardiff or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle 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 Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Seattle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Seattle 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.

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Cardiff or Seattle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Seattle.

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.

Seattle offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Cardiff or Seattle Better for Couples?

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

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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 Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Seattle Better for Students?

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

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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 Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seattle 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 Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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

Is Cardiff or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Seattle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Seattle?

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.

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

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.

Because Seattle 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. 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 Seattle has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Seattle. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Seattle. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Seattle. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Seattle. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Cardiff is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Seattle. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Cardiff