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

Should you visit Cardiff or Split?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Split? 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 industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split 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 Split. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

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

Split is a world class party destination. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a great destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a popular place for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Split to see the old town. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Split?

Split is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

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

Split is a very kid-friendly city. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun 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 Split Better for Couples?

Split is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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 Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Split Better for Students?

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

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

Split 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 Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

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

Is Cardiff or Split a more walkable city?

Split 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.

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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 Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Split?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this up-and-coming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Split, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Split, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Split has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Split?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Split?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Split. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Split?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Split. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is much colder than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Split. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Split. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Cardiff is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Split. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Split. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Split. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Split. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cardiff is much colder than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Split. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Cardiff