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

Should you visit Cardiff or Venice?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Venice? 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.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Cardiff and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Cardiff and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Venice is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Venice. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

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 Venice Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Cardiff or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Venice?

Venice 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 Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

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

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Cardiff or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Venice?

Both Cardiff and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Cardiff. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Venice?

Cardiff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Cardiff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Venice?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Venice. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Venice. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Venice. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Venice during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Venice. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Cardiff is a little warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Venice. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Venice. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Cardiff