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

Should you visit Cardiff or Stuttgart?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Stuttgart? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a dynamic, modern, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Stuttgart?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stuttgart than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stuttgart is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cardiff is known for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is more touristy than Stuttgart and is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Stuttgart is popular for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. It is also home to The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Cardiff different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff
Stuttgart

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Cardiff and Stuttgart.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Stuttgart. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Cardiff
Stuttgart

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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 the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Stuttgart?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

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

Stuttgart is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

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 Stuttgart Better for Families?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Stuttgart.

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.

Stuttgart offers lots of family activities. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Cardiff or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

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

Stuttgart makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Cardiff or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

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

Stuttgart is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Cardiff
Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Stuttgart can get you around easily. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

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

Is Cardiff or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Stuttgart

Cardiff and Stuttgart both are good when exploring on foot.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable place. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

Stuttgart is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff or Stuttgart. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cardiff or Stuttgart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cardiff 1-3 
    Stuttgart 2-4

One day in Cardiff or Stuttgart?

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.

Because Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

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.

Because Stuttgart 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stuttgart has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Stuttgart?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green 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.

Stuttgart 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.


A week in Cardiff or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Stuttgart. 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Stuttgart or Cardiff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, while the average daily cost in Stuttgart is £140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cardiff and Stuttgart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Stuttgart £86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Stuttgart £172
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Stuttgart

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Stuttgart? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cardiff


Hotels in Stuttgart


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Stuttgart £21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Stuttgart?

Prices for flights to both Stuttgart and Cardiff change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cardiff £44
    Stuttgart £32

Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    £1.71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Stuttgart £20

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Wine Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Castle Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • TV Tower Tickets: $11
  • VfB Fan-Tour at the MHPArena: $12
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $13
  • entertaining guided tour to old town highlights: $15
  • Stuttgart city tour: $15
  • Stuttgart city library - an architectural tour: $17
  • Stuttgart Nature Experience Day: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Stuttgart £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Stuttgart?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Stuttgart. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Stuttgart. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stuttgart. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Stuttgart. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Stuttgart. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

Both Stuttgart and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Stuttgart during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Stuttgart in the Winter?

Both Stuttgart and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Stuttgart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stuttgart can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. Cardiff is around the same temperature as Stuttgart in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Stuttgart. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Stuttgart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Stuttgart. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Stuttgart. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Stuttgart. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Cardiff

Cardiff Stuttgart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)