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

Should you visit Cardiff or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Vienna? 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. 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 Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Vienna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Cardiff. Vienna is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Cardiff different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches 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 the Food Better in Cardiff or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Vienna has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Vienna has a few options to choose from. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Cardiff or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Cardiff or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Vienna can be explored in its historical center. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Vienna?

Vienna 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 Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Vienna.

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.

Vienna offers lots of family activities. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Cardiff or Vienna Better for Couples?

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

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Cardiff or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Vienna?

In either Cardiff or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

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

One day in Cardiff or Vienna?

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

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Vienna?

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.

Vienna 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 Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Vienna?

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 Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Vienna. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Vienna. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Vienna. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Vienna. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Cardiff is cooler than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Vienna. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Cardiff